Zanzibar Excursions: Complete Guide to Zanzibar Tours and Prices 2025

Zanzibar excursions are the key to experiencing the island's diversity: sailing a traditional dhow into turquoise lagoons (Safari Blue), feeding giant tortoises (Prison Island), smelling fresh spices on historic plantations, exploring Stone Town UNESCO, even swimming with sea turtles at Mnemba Atoll. With more than 50 tours offered by hundreds of operators, choosing the right excursions makes the difference between memorable experience and wasted money. This guide explains the best excursions in Zanzibar, real prices 2025, what each tour includes, how to avoid scams, best operators and activities. Zanzibar according to your interests.

The best must-do Zanzibar excursions

Safari Blue - The most popular Zanzibar tour

What isFull day tour sailing in traditional dhow through Menai Bay Conservation Area exploring lagoons, sandbanks and reefs.

Duration: 8-10 hours (8:00-17:00)

What is included: ✅ Hotel pick-up + transportation to Fumba ✅ Traditional dhow sailing ✅ 2-3 snorkeling stops at reefs ✅ Swimming in natural turquoise lagoon ✅ BBQ lunch seafood/chicken on island ✅ Tropical fruits + drinks ✅ Full snorkeling equipment.

Highlights:

• Blue Lagoon: Crystal clear shallow water perfect for photos
• Sand bank: Walking on white sand surrounded by water
• BBQ on islandFresh lobster, fish, grilled chicken, etc.
• Dolphins: Occasional sighting (40% probability)

Price60-80 USD adults, 30-45 USD children 5-12 years old

Why it is the bestCombines culture (dhow), nature (snorkeling), gastronomy (BBQ) and relaxation.

CouncilBook with operators from Fumba directly (avoid middlemen hotels that inflate 20-30%). Bring reef-safe sunscreen.

Prison Island - Zanzibar excursions with giant turtles

What isHalf day excursion to historic island 5 km off Stone Town to see giant Aldabra tortoises.

Duration: 3-4 hours

What is included: ✅ Round trip boat transportation ✅ Island entrance/turtle reserve (included) ✅ Snorkeling at nearby reef ✅ Free time exploring island.

Highlights:

• Giant tortoises100+ tortoises, some 150+ years old, 200 kg. You can feed them, touch them gently, photos.
• History: Island used as a quarantine, then a prison, now a reserve
• SnorkelModest reef with tropical fishes

Price: 30-50 USD adults, 15-25 USD children

CouncilGo early (8:00-9:00) before cruise ship crowds (11:00+). Combine with late Stone Town.

Spice Tour - Zanzibar Cultural Excursions

What isHalf day tour visiting active plantations to see, smell, touch and taste locally grown spices.

Duration: 3-4 hours

What is included: ✅ Hotel pick-up + transportation ✅ Expert spice guide ✅ Visit 1-2 plantations ✅ Tropical fruit tasting ✅ Light lunch (pilau or biryani) ✅ Demonstration climbing palm trees.

Highlights:

• Sensory experienceSmell of fresh cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, etc.
• LearningHistory of Zanzibar spices trade (XVIII-XIX centuries)
• Exotic fruits: Taste jackfruit, durian, carambola

Price: 20-35 USD adults, 10-20 USD children

What makes it specialZanzibar: You understand why Zanzibar is "Spice Island". Educational and interactive.

Stone Town Walking Tour - Historical Zanzibar Excursion

What isGuided walking tour 2-3 hours exploring labyrinthine alleys, Arab-Swahili architecture, historical markets.

What is included: ✅ Certified local guide ✅ Entrance House of Wonders ✅ Visit Darajani market ✅ Old Fort, former slave market.

Highlights:

• House of Wonders: Zanzibar History Museum
• Carved doors: Famous wooden doors with Arabic/Indian designs
• Darajani Market: Fresh fish, spices, handicrafts
• Christ Church Cathedral: Built on slave market (1873)

Price15-30 USD for groups, 40-60 USD for individuals

Why it is essentialStone Town is the historical soul of Zanzibar. Without a guide, you walk without understanding the meaning.

CouncilEarly morning tours (8:00-11:00) avoid heat. Combine with Forodhani Gardens evening for street food.

Jozani Forest - Zanzibar Nature Excursions

What isHalf day excursion to the only national park in Zanzibar to see endemic red colobus monkeys.

Duration: 2-3 hours

What is included: ✅ Round trip transportation ✅ Park entrance fee (10 USD) ✅ Mandatory ranger guide ✅ Forest hike (1-1.5 hours) ✅ Pete Mangrove Boardwalk (500m boardwalk).

Highlights:

• Red colobus95%+ probability to see groups of habituated monkeys, jump close, photos 1-2 meters
• Only in ZanzibarEndemic species, does not exist elsewhere.
• Mangroves: Elevated walkway, fiddler crabs, aerial roots

Price25-40 USD per person

CouncilGo early (8:00-9:00) when monkeys are most active. Combine with Spice Tour same day (similar route).

Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling - Best Zanzibar Snorkeling Excursion

What is: Excursion to the protected marine atoll, considered as one of the most best snorkeling in Zanzibar.

Duration: Half day 4-5 hours, Full day 7-8 hours

What is included: ✅ Transportation from hotel ✅ Boat to Mnemba (15-30 min) ✅ 2-3 snorkeling sessions different spots ✅ Full equipment + guide ✅ Fruits, water, soft drinks ✅ Full day : BBQ lunch.

Highlights:

• Sea turtles: 80%+ probability of seeing green turtles and hawksbills
• Visibility30-40 meters, crystal clear water
• Biodiversity300+ fish species, healthy coral, occasional eagle rays

Price:

• Half day: 50-80 USD
• Full day: 80-120 USD (from Matemwe), 120-150 USD (from Nungwi)

Why it is the bestIf you only do ONE snorkeling excursion in Zanzibar, make it this one. Very superior quality.

Council: Booking from Matemwe (closer, cheaper). Respect distance turtles 2+ meters.

Actual prices for Zanzibar excursions 2025

Excursion	Duration	Adult Price	Price Child
Safari Blue	Full day	60-80 USD	30-45 USD
Prison Island	Half day	30-50 USD	15-25 USD
Spice Tour	Half day	20-35 USD	10-20 USD
Stone Town Tour	2-3 hours	15-30 USD	Free-10 USD
Jozani Forest	Half day	25-40 USD	15-25 USD
Mnemba Snorkel	Day	80-120 USD	40-70 USD
Nakupenda Sandbank	Half day	40-60 USD	20-30 USD

Factors affecting excursion prices in Zanzibar

Hotel location:

• Stone Town: Cheapest Tours
• North (Nungwi/Kendwa): +10-20 USD transport
• East (Paje/Jambiani): +15-30 USD

Season:

• High (Jun-Oct, Dec-Feb): +10-20%
• Low (Apr-May): Discounts 20-30%

Where to book:

• Directly with operator: Standard price
• Through hotel: +20-40%
• Beach vendors: +30-50% (avoid)

How to choose quality Zanzibar tours

Reliable operator signals

ZATO LicenseZanzibar Association of Tour Operators visible certificate

Verified reviews: 4+ stars TripAdvisor/Google with 50+ recent reviews

Transparent pricingAll-inclusive clearly specified

Insurance: Liability, life jackets, first aid, etc. are mentioned.

Small groups: Maximum 15-20 people

Red flags

Suspiciously low priceSafari Blue 30 USD when the average is 70 USD.

Aggressive sales pressureSpecial offer today only".

No visible license

Last minute changes: "Tour cancelled, but I have another one...".

Cash payment only without receipt

Questions before booking

1. What exactly is included?
2. How many people maximum in the group?
3. What happens if the weather is bad?
4. Do you have insurance? What does it cover?
5. Cancellation policy?

Best Zanzibar tour operators

Zanzibar Different (Stone Town):

• Tours: Safari Blue, Prison Island, Spice Tour, Stone Town
• Why they stand out: Small groups, excellent guides, sustainable

Eco+Culture Tours (Fumba):

• Tours: Safari Blue from Fumba directly
• Why they stand out: Eco-friendly, consistent quality

Spanish Dancer Divers (Page):

• Tours: Mnemba snorkeling / diving
• Why they stand out: Specialized marine life, top equipment

Mr Kahawa Tours (Stone Town):

• Tours: Spice Tour, Stone Town, Prison Island
• Why they stand out: Small groups, fair prices

Zanzibar activities by zone

Stone Town - Zanzibar Cultural Excursions

Activities:

• Walking historical tours (15-30 USD)
• Market visits
• Forodhani Gardens food tour

Excursions departing:

• Prison Island
• Nakupenda Sandbank
• Spice Tours

North (Nungwi, Kendwa) - Zanzibar Beach Excursions

Main excursions:

• Mnemba snorkeling (from Nungwi)
• Sunset dhow cruises
• Tumbatu Island

Local activities:

• Snorkeling from the beach
• Nungwi Aquarium (rescued turtles)

East (Paje, Matemwe) - Best Zanzibar Snorkeling Excursions

Main excursions:

• Mnemba snorkeling (from Matemwe - nearest)
• Kitesurf lessons (Paje)

Local activities:

• Natural pools at low tide
• Authentic local culture

South (Kizimkazi, Fumba) - Zanzibar Marine Excursions

Main excursions:

• Safari Blue (departs from Fumba)
• Jozani Forest

What to do in Zanzibar: Suggested itinerary 7 days

Day 1Stone Town walking tour (15-30 USD)

Day 2Prison Island + Spice Tour (50-85 USD)

Day 3: Transfer beaches + Jozani Forest (25-40 USD)

Day 4Blue Safari full day (60-80 USD)

Day 5Mnemba Atoll snorkeling (80-120 USD)

Day 6: Free beach / local activities (0-50 USD)

Day 7: Nakupenda Sandbank + flight (40-60 USD)

Total excursions 7 days: 305-475 USD

Common mistakes when booking Zanzibar excursions

Book everything through the hotel: You pay 20-40% plus commission - Solution: Book directly with operators

Choose by lowest price only: Lousy quality, swindles - Solution: Compare price vs. reviews vs. what's included

Oversaturate itinerary: Full day tours sold out - Solution: Mix 3-4 excursions + 3-4 free days at the beach

Do not read recent reviews: Quality changes - SolutionRead reviews last 6 months

Frequently asked questions about Zanzibar excursions

What are the best must-do Zanzibar excursions?

The best excursions Zanzibar essential are: (1) Safari Blue (60-80 USD) - full day tour sailing traditional dhow in Menai Bay with snorkeling, turquoise lagoon and BBQ seafood, the most complete experience; (2) Mnemba Atoll snorkeling (80-120 USD) - the best snorkeling in Zanzibar with 80%+ chance to swim with sea turtles; (3) Spice Tour (20-35 USD) - visit historical plantations touching/smelling cloves, vanilla, fresh cardamom; (4) Prison Island (30-50 USD) - feeding 200 kg giant tortoises, perfect for families; and (5) Stone Town walking tour (15-30 USD) - explore UNESCO's labyrinthine alleyways with guide explaining history. According to Lonely PlanetThese five excursions in Zanzibar capture the full diversity of the island by combining culture, nature, history and gastronomy.

How much do excursions in Zanzibar cost and how to avoid inflated prices?

Actual prices excursions in Zanzibar are: half day tours 15-50 USD (Stone Town 15-30 USD, Prison Island 30-50 USD, Spice Tour 20-35 USD, Jozani 25-40 USD), full day tours 60-120 USD (Safari Blue 60-80 USD, Mnemba 80-120 USD). To avoid inflated prices up to 50%: DO NOT book through hotels (add commission 20-40%), avoids beach vendors (inflate 30-50%), book directly with ZATO certified operators by visiting Stone Town offices or online pre-trip, compare prices between 3-4 traders wary of suspiciously cheap offers -30% of the average, and check what is included (transportation, meals, entrance fees, equipment) as cheap operators charge hidden "extras". Zanzibar activities have standardized prices among legitimate certified operators.

What to do in Zanzibar according to the days available?

To decide what to do in Zanzibar according to time: 3-4 days - Stone Town (1 day) + beach (2-3 days) with 2 essential excursions: Safari Blue + Prison Island or Mnemba. 5-7 days (ideal) - Stone Town (1-2 days), beaches (3-4 days) and 3-4 excursions without exhaustion: Safari Blue (a must), Mnemba snorkeling, Prison Island, Spice Tour, Jozani Forest (choose 3-4), interspersed with free days. 8-10 days - all main excursions + optional activities: sunset dhow cruise, cooking class, kitesurf lessons (Paje), or 2-3 days Pemba Island. 2 days or less - Stone Town walking tour + Prison Island + afternoon beach only. Common mistake is to oversaturate: full day tours are exhausting, you need days off to recover. According to TripAdvisor7 days is the optimal duration balancing Zanzibar excursions with beach relaxation.