Best Island Hopping Trips in Zanzibar

If you’re thinking about island hopping in Zanzibar, there are lots of amazing trips to choose from. These let you explore beaches, reefs, wildlife, and quieter islands away from busy resorts. Here are some of the best island hopping trips in Zanzibar, with what makes each one special, how to reach them, and tips to make the most of them.

Best Islands & What to Do

These are some islands and sandbanks around Zanzibar worth visiting:

Mnemba Island / Mnemba Atoll — Great for snorkeling or diving. The reef is rich, waters are clear, and marine life is abundant.

Chumbe Island Coral Park — An eco‑reserve with protected reefs, good for snorkeling, guided nature walks, and staying in eco‑lodges. It has strict visitor limits to protect the coral.

Prison Island (Changuu Island) — Close to Stone Town, easy day trip. Visit giant tortoises, walk the shore, do a little snorkeling or just relax.

Bawe Island — Close by, quieter, good for relaxing, snorkeling.

Pemba Island — Farther away, more remote and peaceful. Much less crowded. Beautiful mangrove forests, excellent diving, and very green landscapes.

Mafia Island — A less‑touristy gem. Marine park, excellent marine life, and if you go at the right time you might see whale sharks. More relaxed pace.

Sandbanks like Nakupenda — Ideal for a picnic, swimming, and just enjoying clear shallow water surrounded by sea. Good short‑trip escape.

Good Routes to Combine Islands

If you have several days, these routes help you see a mix of islands without too much travel:

Northern Route: Start in Stone Town, then go to Prison Island, Mnemba, maybe Tumbatu. This gives you reef snorkeling, beautiful beaches, some culture, and relative comfort.

Southern / Eco Route: From Stone Town to Chumbe Island, then over to quieter smaller islands or sandbanks. You’ll get more nature, fewer crowds, more peaceful surroundings

When to Go & How to Plan

Here are things to watch out for to get the best island hopping experience:

Go early (morning) for boat trips. Water is calmer, visibility for snorkeling is better, fewer boats on route.

Book with reliable operators. Eco parks like Chumbe limit visitors; islands like Mnemba have rules. Avoid operators that promise too much or rush the trip.

Bring snorkel gear if you have it. Many islands offer or rent gear, but good personal gear makes it better.

Carry cash. On smaller islands many places don’t take cards.

Stay one night on an island if possible. Day trips are good, but staying gives time to enjoy more peaceful moments (sunsets, early morning sea, fewer day‑trip crowds).