A day on a dhow in Menai Bay is one of the easiest excursions you will ever pack for. You do not need hiking boots, a heavy backpack, or specialist gear. But there are a handful of small items that make a big difference — and a few you should leave at the hotel.
This is our honest packing list, based on years of watching what guests actually use on the water.
The Short Version
Essential Items
Must-Have Items
- SwimwearWear it under your clothes before departure — changing on the boat is awkward.
- TowelQuick-dry is best. You will get wet more than once.
- Reef-safe sunscreenSPF 30+ minimum. Reapply every 2 hours.
- Sun hatWide-brim is best. The sun on the water is intense.
- SunglassesPolarized is best for spotting fish in the water.
- Water shoes or sandalsHelpful for the rocky shoreline of Kwale Island.
- Small waterproof bagFor your phone, cash, and small camera.
- T-shirt or cover-upFor lunch on the beach and the boat ride back.
- Cash in small notesFor tips, extra drinks, or small purchases.
Nice-to-Have Items
Recommended
- Underwater camera or phone pouchThe reefs are worth photographing.
- Dry bag for clothesIn case of spray on the way back.
- Small snacksIf you are prone to hunger between meals.
- Motion sickness tabletsTake 30 min before departure if you are sensitive.
- Light long-sleeve shirtSun protection without heat.
- Sarong or light scarfMulti-purpose: towel, shade, cover-up.
What to Wear
Zanzibar is a conservative Muslim island, but dhow safaris are casual, tourist-friendly excursions. Wear a swimsuit under light clothing. Most guests wear shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals. Bare feet are fine on the boat but not on Kwale Island's rocky shoreline.
Some guests prefer to change into dry clothes after the snorkeling stop. If so, bring a spare set — you will be glad you did.
What NOT to Bring
Leave These Behind
- Valuables (jewelry, expensive watches, passports)
- Large luggage or heavy backpacks
- Drones (permits are required and rarely granted in the conservation area)
- Single-use plastic bottles (the bay is protected — use a refillable bottle)
- Non-reef-safe sunscreen (it damages coral)
- Fishing gear (fishing is regulated and mostly prohibited inside the bay)
- Speakers or loud music (it disturbs the environment and other guests)
What We Provide Onboard
To save you the trouble, every one of our tours already includes:
- Snorkeling gear — mask and fins in all sizes
- Life jackets — for all ages, including children
- Seafood BBQ lunch — grilled fish, lobster, prawns, calamari, and rice
- Fresh tropical fruits — mango, pineapple, watermelon, and more
- Soft drinks and bottled water — throughout the day
- Shade on the boat — a canopy over the main seating area
If you have specific dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), let us know when you book — we can usually accommodate.
What About Cameras and Phones?
You will absolutely want photos. But saltwater and sand are unforgiving. Here is what we recommend:
- Waterproof phone pouch — protects from splashes and lets you shoot underwater.
- GoPro or action camera — the best choice for snorkeling.
- Regular camera with a dry bag — for on-the-boat and on-the-beach shots.
- Avoid changing lenses on the boat — salt spray damages sensors.
Leave professional gear behind unless you have a dry housing for it. A cracked camera is not worth the memory.
Packing for Children
Kids love dhow safaris, and they need very little special gear. Add these items if you have young travelers:
- Small life jacket (we provide them, but a familiar one helps)
- Extra change of clothes
- Swim diaper (for toddlers)
- Sun hat with a chin strap
- Their favorite snacks
- Waterproof phone pouch — kids love filming fish
Packing for Non-Swimmers
You do not need to be a swimmer to enjoy a dhow safari. Life jackets are provided and our crew assists non-swimmers at every stop. Bring everything on the main list — plus one extra towel. You will likely get wet at the sandbank and at the beach, even if you do not snorkel.
A Final Word About Sunscreen
Please choose reef-safe sunscreen. Common ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate harm coral reefs — and Menai Bay is a protected conservation area. Brands like Stream2Sea, Badger, and Raw Elements are reef-safe. If you cannot find reef-safe sunscreen in Zanzibar, bring it with you.
Packing done? Let's get you on the water.
Small groups, all gear included, seafood lunch on the beach. Since 2010.
Chat on WhatsApp Book OnlineFinal Thoughts
A dhow safari is meant to be simple. A swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure — that is really all you need. Everything else, we provide.
See you on the water.
— The Authentic Dhow Expeditions crew, Fumba Village, Zanzibar