Zanzibar Sunrise Dhow Cruise Tours

Our Zanzibar Sunrise Dhow Cruise Tour is an early morning sailing excursion on traditional wooden sailboats (“dhows”) that take visitors from Stone Town to tranquil coastal areas, such as Prison Island or local sandbanks.

The tour focuses on sunrise observation, viewing marine life, early-morning snorkeling, and experiencing the calm, empty ocean before the day begins. 

Zanzibar Sunrise Dhow Cruise Tour  Itinerary

0600 Hours: Hotel pickup and transfer to the meeting point
0715 Hours: Board the dhow and set sail while learning about Zanzibar’s history
0745 Hours: Snorkeling at a sandbank or coral reef for about an hour
0840 Hours: Sail back to shore as the day begins to warm up
0945 Hours: Enjoy a delightful breakfast to end the tour

Zanzibar Sunrise Dhow Cruise Tour Features 

Early Departure: Tours start before dawn, departing from Stone Town as fishermen begin their day
Tranquility: The experience focuses on the quietness, fresh, cool air, and serene, empty waters of the Indian Ocean
Traditional Sailing: The dhows are hand-built, wooden vessels that offer a glimpse into Zanzibar’s maritime history
Refreshments: (Optional) Our tour concludes with a traditional breakfast, sometimes served back on the island at a location like the Zanzibar Serena Inn
Snorkeling: Tours often include snorkeling for roughly one hour at sandbanks or around Prison Island, offering vibrant marine life undisturbed by later boat traffic
Quiet Atmosphere: The cruise begins before dawn (around 600 Hours) to experience the ocean in perfect tranquility, mirroring the early start of local fishermen
Sunrise Views: Passengers watch the first light break over the sea. As the first light hits, you can see the sky change colors, and the water turn a clear turquoise, offering a unique perspective of the Stone Town skyline

Important information

✓ Pick-up: Many operators offer free hotel pickup from major beach areas like Nungwi and Kendwa
✓ Preparation: Be prepared to wade in knee-to-thigh-high water when boarding or disembarking from the beach
✓ Clothing: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and bring a hat and sunscreen for protection once the sun is up
✓ African Spice Safaris offers both shared tours and private charters. The private charters are recommended for couples or small groups seeking a more intimate experience

Zanzibar Sunrise Dhow Cruise Tours is a dhow sailing trip in Zanzibar from Stone Town, Zanzibar, on the Indian Ocean. Early in the morning, on an ancient dhow before the sun is up, Zanzibar seems frozen in perfect tranquility. The beaches are empty of people, and the quiet stillness on the surface of the ocean hides the abundant flurry of exotic marine life below.

Each day on the island begins with the first signs of fishermen, eager to make the most of the day and bring in an early catch while the temperatures are still relatively cool.

Our Zanzibar Sunrise Dhow Cruise Tours give you a rare opportunity to leave the shores at the same time as these early risers. You will get to see the first light cast over this paradise, gently sailing out to watch the colors of the sun’s initial rays slowly spread until the sky is clear, and the sea is turquoise blue as far as you can see.

Sail to the sand banks or Prison Island to do early morning snorkeling in the breathtaking ocean. You snorkel for an hour. Snorkeling off the dhow in the peace of the early morning is an experience you will remember for a lifetime.

The marine life is undisturbed by other divers, and the coral seems to glow brighter in the early light. You will make your way back just before the Zanzibar heat sets in for a delightful breakfast at the island or at your hotel.

Our sunrise dhow cruise uses handcrafted dhows, operated by a professional, trained crew, and fully equipped with life jackets, a first-aid kit, a sunshade, a boarding ladder, and waterproof bags. Each boat comfortably accommodates 16 guests, while one can hold up to 25!

You can choose whether to sit on the main deck or climb up to the upper cabin for a great view!

0600 Hours: We pick you up from your hotel residence and transfer you to the meeting point.

0700 Hours: Our guide will give us a detailed briefing of the excursion.

0715 Hours: Climb on board the dhow,  meet the crew, and set sail. Our Guide will give you information about the history of the island of Zanzibar and Stone Town as you sail. The silence of the morning sea makes the perfect accompaniment to a beautiful sunrise cruise.

Sail to the sandbanks or Prison Island (depending on tide and wind conditions) to do early morning snorkeling in the breathtaking ocean.

0745 Hours: The snorkeling guide will take you out for about an hour to swim and snorkel. You will find it hard to resist the urge to dive into the cool waters and swim with the brightly colored fish below. Snorkeling off the dhow in the peace of the early morning is an experience you will remember for a lifetime. 

The marine life is undisturbed by other divers, and the coral seems to glow brighter in the early light. At this time, low tide exposes the high sandbanks in the surrounding area. Taking a walk on these, as you are encircled by an endless ocean, creates the perfect mood for quiet contemplation and a deep appreciation for the opportunity to start a new day in Zanzibar.

0840 Hours: After an hour of snorkeling, you relax and then set sail back to Stone Town. You return just before the Zanzibar heat sets in for the delightful breakfast at Serena Inn.

0915 Hours: Arrive back and disembark on the beach.

0945 Hours: Breakfast.

Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise Tours Rates Include

✓ Professional English-speaking guides
✓All entry fees, service charges, and taxes
✓ Pickup from your hotel in Zanzibar Stone Town and drop-off at your hotel
✓ Enjoyed watching the sunrise sailing on a Dhow in Zanzibar Island in the Indian Ocean

Notes

* Zanzibar Sunrise Dhow Cruise Tours must be booked at least 12 hours in advance.
* The trip can be reorganized and changed depending on wind and tide conditions. Minimum 4 Guests

Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise Tours Rates Do Not Include:

* Drinks
* Tips or gratuity
* Travelers Insurance
* Communication charges
* Minimum of 1 person required
* Visas, international airfares, and airport taxes; meals
* Sightseeing not included in the package; optional activities
* Personal expenses such as transfers to/ from the airport (supplement airport transfer cost applies for tours starting from the airport)

Mobile: +254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com