Zanzibar is not one island — it is an archipelago of over 50 islands. Some are private and luxurious, some are wild and uninhabited, and some are just a short boat ride from Stone Town.
But which ones are actually worth visiting? As a locally-owned dhow operator based in Fumba Village, we have spent 14+ years sailing these waters. This guide ranks the most beautiful islands in the Zanzibar Archipelago — with what makes each one special and what you will actually do when you visit.
1. Mnemba Island — The Private Paradise
Mnemba Island
Zanzibar's most beautiful island — and its most exclusive
Mnemba is widely considered the most beautiful island in Zanzibar. It sits just 3 km off the northeast coast, surrounded by turquoise water and a vibrant coral atoll.
The island itself is private — owned by &Beyond, one of the world's most exclusive luxury lodges. You cannot land on the island unless you are a guest of the lodge. But here is the secret: you do not need to step on Mnemba to experience its beauty.
The Mnemba Atoll that surrounds the island is open to the public — and it is one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in East Africa. Crystal-clear water, healthy coral, and dolphins if you are lucky.
What you actually do here:
- Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll
- Diving (for certified divers)
- Dolphin watching
- Boat ride around the private island
- Landing on Mnemba Island — not allowed
2. Prison Island (Changuu) — History & Giant Tortoises
Prison Island (Changuu Island)
The easiest day trip from Stone Town — and the most unique
Prison Island — also called Changuu — is just 5.6 km from Stone Town. It is one of the easiest and most popular day trips in Zanzibar.
The island takes its name from a former prison that was never actually used. Today, it is famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises — some over 150 years old. You can feed them, photograph them, and learn about their history. There is also a small beach where you can swim, and a population of peacocks that roam the island.
Most tours combine Prison Island with a stop at Nakupenda Sandbank for snorkeling and a seafood lunch on the sand.
What you actually do here:
- See and feed giant tortoises
- Learn the history of the old prison
- Swim at the small beach
- Snorkeling (on combined tours)
- Seafood lunch (on combined tours)
3. Nakupenda Sandbank — The Vanishing Island
Nakupenda Sandbank
A natural sandbar that appears only at low tide
Nakupenda means "I love you" in Swahili — and one look at this sandbank explains why. It is a natural sandbar that appears in the middle of the ocean only when the tide is low. At high tide, the whole sandbank disappears under water.
The water around Nakupenda is unreal — so clear you can see your toes from ten meters away. It is one of the best snorkeling spots near Stone Town, and the sandbank itself is perfect for photographs.
Most tours combine Nakupenda with Prison Island — a perfect half-day combination from Stone Town.
What you actually do here:
- Walk on the sandbank (low tide only)
- Snorkeling in the surrounding water
- Photography on the white sand
- Seafood lunch (on combined tours)
- Not accessible at high tide
4. Kwale Island — The Full Dhow Safari Experience
Kwale Island (Menai Bay Conservation Area)
Our home island — the heart of the complete Zanzibar dhow safari
Kwale Island is where we sail to every day from Fumba Village. It is a small, uninhabited island inside the Menai Bay Conservation Area — protected, pristine, and untouched.
What makes Kwale special is its 200-year-old baobab tree, its quiet beaches, and its location right next to the Blue Lagoon and the famous Menai Bay sandbank.
Important to understand: Kwale Island is not a single-stop tour. A full-day dhow safari from Fumba Village combines five incredible stops in one trip — this is what makes it the #1 local experience in Zanzibar.
Everything included in a Kwale Island dhow safari:
- Snorkeling at Menai Bay coral reefs
- Blue Lagoon — swimming in turquoise water
- Sandbank — private white-sand strip
- Kwale Island — walk and see the baobab tree
- Fresh seafood BBQ — fish, lobster, prawns, calamari
- Tropical fruits — fresh, local, seasonal
- Soft drinks & water — all day
- Snorkeling gear — mask and fins provided
- Life jackets — for all ages
- Dolphin watching — if spotted along the way
All of this happens in one full day (approx. 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM), guided by local captains who grew up on these waters.
Read Kwale Island Guide5. Chumbe Island — Eco-Paradise
Chumbe Island
Award-winning coral park and nature reserve
Chumbe is a private nature reserve and one of the most successful eco-tourism projects in Africa. It is home to a protected coral reef sanctuary — one of the best in the region.
The island is small, quiet, and focused on conservation. You can snorkel in the marine sanctuary, walk through the forest, and stay in eco-friendly bungalows if you wish to spend the night.
Chumbe is ideal for travelers who want to combine beauty with genuine conservation impact — every visit funds the reserve.
What you actually do here:
- Snorkeling in the protected coral sanctuary
- Guided nature walk through the forest
- Visit the lighthouse and eco-lodge
- Overnight stays in eco-bungalows (optional)
6. Bawe Island — Peaceful & Private
Bawe Island
A short boat ride from Stone Town — calm beaches and great snorkeling
Bawe is one of the closest islands to Stone Town — just a short boat ride away. It is less crowded than Prison Island and offers calm beaches and excellent snorkeling.
The island has a quiet, private feel. It is a good option if you want a beach day without the crowds — or a peaceful stop on a longer island-hopping tour.
What you actually do here:
- Relax on quiet beaches
- Snorkeling in clear water
- Photography of Stone Town from a distance
7. Tumbatu Island — The Sacred Island
Tumbatu Island
Traditional life, few tourists, and a sacred history
Tumbatu is one of the least visited islands in the Zanzibar Archipelago. It is a traditional island with a sacred history — locals believe it has spiritual significance, and it has been inhabited for over 1,000 years.
Very few tourists go here, which makes it perfect if you want an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. The island is known for its traditional Swahili life, quiet beaches, and ancient ruins.
Note: Tumbatu is a conservative community. Visitors are expected to dress modestly, ask before photographing people, and respect local customs.
What you actually do here:
- Walk through traditional villages
- See ancient ruins and historic sites
- Relax on quiet, uncrowded beaches
- Learn about Swahili culture
8. Pemba Island — The Green Island
Pemba Island
Zanzibar's quieter, greener sister island
Pemba — also called "The Green Island" (Al-Jazira Al-Khadra) — is Zanzibar's quieter sister island. It is hilly, lush, and covered in clove plantations.
Pemba is a diver's paradise — with some of the best diving in East Africa. It is much less developed than Zanzibar, so it is perfect for travelers who want seclusion and nature.
Getting there: ferry from Stone Town or a short domestic flight.
What you actually do here:
- World-class diving and snorkeling
- Explore clove and spice plantations
- Visit traditional fishing villages
- Relax on quiet, untouched beaches
- Nature walks and forest hikes
Island Comparison Table
Here is a quick overview of what you can actually do on each island:
| Island | What You Actually Do | Trip Length |
|---|---|---|
| Mnemba | Snorkel & dive at Mnemba Atoll (cannot land on island) | Half-day |
| Prison Island | Feed giant tortoises, see old prison, swim at beach | Half-day |
| Nakupenda | Walk on sandbank at low tide, snorkel, photos | Half-day |
| Kwale | Snorkel + Blue Lagoon + sandbank + island + seafood BBQ | Full day |
| Chumbe | Snorkel at coral sanctuary, forest walk, eco-lodge | Half/full day |
| Bawe | Quiet beach, snorkeling, relaxing | Half-day |
| Tumbatu | Visit traditional villages, see ancient ruins | Half/full day |
| Pemba | Diving, spice farms, nature, quiet beaches | Multi-day |
How to Choose the Right Island for You
With so many islands, it helps to match them to your travel style. Here is our quick guide:
- Short on time? — Prison Island + Nakupenda Sandbank (half-day from Stone Town).
- Want the full experience? — Kwale Island dhow safari with snorkeling, Blue Lagoon, sandbank, island walk and seafood BBQ (full day).
- Love snorkeling? — Mnemba Atoll (best reefs) or Chumbe (protected sanctuary).
- Want seclusion? — Pemba, Tumbatu, or Bawe.
- Eco-conscious? — Chumbe Island Coral Park.
- Traveling with children? — Prison Island (tortoises) or Kwale Island (shallow, calm water).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful island in Zanzibar?
Mnemba Island is widely considered the most beautiful — crystal-clear water, vibrant reefs, and pristine sand. For a full-day experience that combines snorkeling, sandbank, Blue Lagoon and a seafood BBQ, Kwale Island is the top choice.
How many islands are there in Zanzibar?
The Zanzibar Archipelago has over 50 islands. The main ones tourists visit are Unguja (main island), Pemba, Mnemba, Prison Island, Chumbe, Bawe, Tumbatu, Nakupenda, and Kwale.
Can you visit Mnemba Island without staying there?
Mnemba Island itself is private (owned by &Beyond) — you cannot land unless you are a guest. But the surrounding Mnemba Atoll is open for snorkeling and diving, and it is one of the best spots in Zanzibar.
What do you actually do on a Kwale Island dhow safari?
A full-day dhow safari from Fumba Village includes five stops in one trip: snorkeling at Menai Bay coral reefs, swimming in the Blue Lagoon, relaxing on a private sandbank, walking on Kwale Island to see the 200-year-old baobab tree, and a fresh seafood BBQ lunch (fish, lobster, prawns and calamari) with tropical fruits — all cooked on the beach.
What is the best time to visit the islands in Zanzibar?
The best time is during the dry seasons: June–October and December–February. These months offer calm seas, clear water, and excellent snorkeling. For a month-by-month guide, read this.
Which island is best for snorkeling?
Mnemba Atoll is the best for serious snorkeling and diving. Chumbe Island is best for a protected coral sanctuary. Kwale Island + Menai Bay is great for a full-day snorkeling safari.
Do I need to book island tours in advance?
For popular tours in high season (July–August, December–January), booking 2–3 days ahead is recommended. We accept last-minute bookings via WhatsApp.
Experience Zanzibar's Most Beautiful Islands
Every dhow safari we run departs from Fumba Village — our home since 2010. Small groups, local crew, and the warmest Zanzibari hospitality.
Book on WhatsApp Book OnlineFinal Thoughts
Zanzibar's islands each have their own character. Some are private and luxurious, some are wild and quiet, and some are just minutes from Stone Town. The "best" island depends on what kind of traveler you are.
But if there is one island experience we would recommend to almost every visitor, it is the full-day dhow safari from Fumba Village — with Kwale Island, the Blue Lagoon, the sandbank, snorkeling at Menai Bay, and a fresh seafood BBQ all combined into a single unforgettable day.
It is the Zanzibar that locals know and love. And it is waiting for you.
— The Authentic Dhow Expeditions crew, Fumba Village, Zanzibar