3-Day Zanzibar Marine and Stone Town Tour with Nakupenda Island

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Stone Town's historic streets, including the House of Wonders, Freddie Mercury's House, and Old Fort
• 02 Cruise to islands and sandbanks on a Blue Safari excursion with snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing
• 03 Snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and look out for tropical fish, turtles, and seasonal dolphins
• 04 Relax on Nakupenda Island's pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters
• 05 Enjoy seafood lunches on the islands and oceanfront dining with local cuisine

Embark on a 3-day journey through Zanzibar's marine and cultural treasures, combining Stone Town's historic streets with time on the island's turquoise waters. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, visit landmarks such as the House of Wonders, Freddie Mercury's House, and Old Fort, and experience the atmosphere of Darajani Market. Head out on a Blue Safari excursion for snorkeling, swimming, and marine-life encounters around coral reefs and sandbanks, then unwind on Nakupenda Island's pristine white sands. Along the way, enjoy seafood lunches, oceanfront dining, and the chance to discover Zanzibar's spice heritage.

Embark on a 3-day journey through Zanzibar's marine and cultural treasures, combining Stone Town's historic streets with time on the island's turquoise waters.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

City Zanzibar

Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival and Stone Town Discovery

• Morning:
  • Arrive in Zanzibar and check into your hotel.
  • Relax and unwind after your journey.
• Afternoon:
  • Start with a Stone Town tour and explore the historic streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    • Visit the House of Wonders (Palace Museum), Freddie Mercury's House, and Old Fort.
    • Wander through the vibrant Darajani Market and experience the local culture.
    • Explore the nearby spice farms to learn about Zanzibar's spice history (optional).
• Evening:
  • Enjoy a sunset dinner at one of the oceanfront restaurants, such as The Rock Restaurant or Forodhani Gardens, with fresh seafood and local cuisine.

2

Day 02

Blue Safari and Snorkeling Adventure

• Morning:
  • Embark on the Blue Safari excursion. This typically includes a boat trip to a variety of islands and sandbanks, offering opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.
    • Snorkeling: Explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter marine life such as tropical fish, turtles, and dolphins.
    • Lunch: Enjoy a seafood lunch on one of the uninhabited islands or sandbanks.
    • Dolphin watching: Depending on the time of year, you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins along the way.
• Afternoon:
  • Continue exploring the crystal-clear waters. You might visit smaller islands such as Kwale Island, Bwejuu, or Mnemba Atoll, which are famous for their underwater beauty.
• Evening:
  • Return to your accommodation and relax after a full day in the water.
  • Have dinner at a local restaurant or enjoy a peaceful evening at the beach.

3

Day 03

Nakupenda Island Escape and Beach Relaxation

• Depart early in the morning for Nakupenda Island, also known as Sandbank Island. This island is famous for its pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
  • Beach time: Relax, swim, and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
  • Snorkeling: If interested, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters to see marine life such as sea turtles and coral fish.
• Afternoon:
  • Lunch: Enjoy a delicious picnic or seafood lunch on the island, often provided by the tour company.
  • Continue relaxing, enjoying the beach, and taking in the incredible scenery.
• Evening:
  • Head back to the main island of Zanzibar in the late afternoon.
  • Use the evening to relax at your hotel, explore the beach, or shop for souvenirs.
• Night:
  • If you have time before your departure, enjoy a farewell dinner with a sunset view.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Accommodation: 3 nights at a selected hotel/resort, based on your choice of category: budget, mid-range, or luxury.
• Meals:
  • Breakfast at the hotel each day.
  • Lunch during the Blue Safari and Nakupenda Island tours, usually a seafood or picnic lunch.
• Blue Safari Tour:
  • Full-day excursion with a boat trip to various islands and sandbanks.
  • Snorkeling equipment and guidance.
  • A seafood lunch on the islands or sandbank.
  • Guided tour with a local crew.
• Nakupenda Island Tour:
  • Round-trip boat ride to Nakupenda Island.
  • Beach time, snorkeling, and swimming.
  • Lunch or a picnic on the island.
  • Water and soft drinks during the excursion.
• Stone Town Tour:
  • A guided tour of Stone Town with visits to historical sites such as the House of Wonders, Freddie Mercury House, and Darajani Market.
• Transportation:
  • All transportation for tours, including boat rides for Blue Safari and Nakupenda.
• Local taxes: Most tour operators include local taxes and park fees in their prices.

What's Not Included

• International flights: Flights to and from Zanzibar are not included.
• Meals not mentioned: Any meals outside the ones specified, such as dinners not included in the tour or at the hotel.
• Personal expenses: Souvenirs, extra drinks, or personal shopping.
• Tips: Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, or hotel staff are typically not included.
• Optional activities: Some activities such as spa treatments, diving, or additional tours are often excluded unless mentioned in the itinerary.
• Travel insurance: It is recommended to have travel insurance for any unexpected situations.

What to bring

• All safari items

Know before you go

• Spice farm visit is optional.
• Dolphin watching is subject to seasonal availability.
• Dinner is included only in some packages, depending on the hotel or tour operator.
• Airport transfers are included only if specified in the package.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Tour start

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.