Tanzania · DHOW CRUISES

The 15 Best Dhow Cruises in Zanzibar

21 tours  ·  from $14 a head

The dhow is the local hull and it is still how most of the archipelago moves. The 15 below cover the sunset sails, the fishing runs and the day trips, priced, with a note on which are motor-assisted.

Zanzibar: Sunset Dhow Cruise - A dhow with a story behind it
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dhow Cruises, Evening Experiences, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Zanzibar: Sunset Dhow Cruise

1.Sunset Dhow Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 141 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $19Our pick

Review of Zanzibar’s $19 sunset dhow cruise, with live music, fresh fruit, hotel pickup, swimming, and practical boarding tips.

“The drummers and staff were the highlight. Was a good length of time on the sea. If you get seasick easily then I do not advise. The provided fruit and drinks. Just wished the people on my boat were happier. Great value for money”

Check availability →Read our full review

Zanzibar: Nungwi Sunset Dhow Cruise - Starting at Nungwi Beach beside Sexy Fish Restaurant
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dhow Cruises, Evening Experiences, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Zanzibar: Nungwi Sunset Dhow Cruise

2.Nungwi Sunset Dhow Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 39 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $19

Sail Zanzibar’s northern coast from Nungwi on a traditional dhow with tropical fruit, drumming, swimming, and sunset views for $19.

“Lovely experience. Drummers and singers are loud if you sit near the front of the boat, so sit near the back if you have sensitive ears.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Zanzibar: Maasai village Tour with Sunset Dhow Cruise - Entering Maasai World Village
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dhow Cruises, Evening Experiences, Maasai Village Tours, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Zanzibar Tours

Zanzibar: Maasai village Tour with Sunset Dhow Cruise

3.Maasai village Tour with Sunset Dhow Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 32 reviews · 3 - 5.5 hours · from $52

Visit Maasai World Village, wear traditional attire, and sail Zanzibar’s coast at sunset on this cultural tour from $52 per person.

“Prywatna taksówka do wioski Masajów, sympatyczny masajski przewodnik, ciekawie przedstawione życie i zwyczaje Masajów. Rejs łodzią o zachodzie słońca trochę mniej mi się podobał, zbyt dużo ludzi zapakowanych na jedną łódź.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Stone Town: Sunset Dhow Cruise Experience - Riding a working-style Arabian dhow
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dhow Cruises, Evening Experiences, Stone Town Tours, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Stone Town: Sunset Dhow Cruise Experience

4.Sunset Dhow Cruise Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 22 reviews · from $39

Review of Stone Town’s $39 sunset dhow cruise, with coastal views, local snacks, music, practical tips, and honest value advice.

“Really enjoyable time, but it lasted about 1 hour and 20 minutes, not 2 hours as advertised”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kwale Island Dhow Sailing Tour from Zanzibar with Seafood Lunch - Menai Bay coral snorkeling for one hour
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dhow Cruises, Lunch Experiences, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours, Zanzibar Tours

Kwale Island Dhow Sailing Tour from Zanzibar with Seafood Lunch

5.Kwale Island Dhow Sailing Tour from Zanzibar with Seafood Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 18 reviews · from $98

Review of Zanzibar’s Kwale Island dhow tour, with snorkeling, sandbanks, mangroves, baobab walks, and a seafood lunch.

“Terrible experience from booking thru final contact. No confirmation from provider who apparently showed up 2 hours late after I had made other arrangements for the day and Viator is unwilling to offer a refund even after providing proof!( shame on them!) and would not advise anyone to book this tour at all!”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Nungwi: Guided Sunset Dhow Cruise - A short walk across Nungwi’s white sand
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dhow Cruises, Evening Experiences, Guided, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

From Nungwi: Guided Sunset Dhow Cruise

6.Guided Sunset Dhow Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.4 · 16 reviews · 3 hours · from $35

Review of Nungwi’s $35 sunset dhow cruise, with beach views, music, practical boarding advice, costs, and honest value guidance.

“The guide did not show up at the meeting point. When contacted, he informed us to get on a boat that the captain had not received money for our excursion. We were not allowed on the boat; cost us two cab fares and no sunset cruise.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Zanzibar Dhow Evening Sunset Cruise Tour at Nungwi&Kendwa Beach - Nungwi Beach: a scenic first part of the cruise
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dhow Cruises, Evening Experiences, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Zanzibar Tours

Zanzibar Dhow Evening Sunset Cruise Tour at Nungwi&Kendwa Beach

7.Zanzibar Dhow Evening Sunset Cruise Tour at Nungwi&Kendwa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · from $35

Sail Zanzibar’s northern coast at sunset on a traditional dhow, with music, tropical fruit, water, and stops at Nungwi and Kendwa beaches.

“We took a traditional wooden Dow boat from the Nungwei beach. It was an incredible experience as we enjoyed live music, a sunset view and a relaxing journey along the west coast of the island. I would happily do it again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Zanzibar: Sunset Dhow Cruise - A dhow with a story behind it
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dhow Cruises, Evening Experiences, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Zanzibar: Sunset Dhow Cruise

8.Sunset Dhow Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 15 reviews · 2.5 hours - 1 day · from $30

Watch Zanzibar’s sunset from a traditional dhow, with music, snacks, ocean views, hotel pickup, and a relaxed 2.5-hour cruise.

“The boattour was nice, but at the end it was very chaotic: people were dropped off, new people were boarding.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Zanzibar Dhow Cruise day adventure, sea sports at Kwale Island, very memorable - The sandbank stop is made for swimming
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dhow Cruises, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Zanzibar Dhow Cruise day adventure, sea sports at Kwale Island, very memorable

9.Zanzibar Dhow Cruise day adventure, sea sports at Kwale Island, very memorable

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · from $135

Review of Zanzibar’s 7-hour dhow cruise to Kwale Island, with snorkeling, sandbanks, seafood barbecue, baobabs, and practical booking tips.

“Travelling by dhowboat to the beautiful sights of Zanzibar is an experience in itself. The crew couldn’t have done more for us and provided amazing lunch, drinks and fruits. It was quite busy on the sandbanks but I know this is something they cannot control. Thank you so much!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Zanzibar: Nungwi and Kendwa Sunset Dhow Cruise - A 30-minute ride toward Kendwa
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dhow Cruises, Evening Experiences, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Zanzibar: Nungwi and Kendwa Sunset Dhow Cruise

10.Nungwi and Kendwa Sunset Dhow Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 11 reviews · 3 hours · from $19

Review of Zanzibar’s $19 Nungwi and Kendwa sunset dhow cruise, with practical tips on timing, swimming, transport, value, and what to expect.

“Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad you joined our experience and hope everything met your expectations. If there’s anything we can improve for your next visit, please let us know — we’d love to welcome you again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Sunset Dhow from Kendwa/Nungwi Magic Hour on the Ocean - The first sail across Zanzibar’s clear water
Dhow Cruises, Evening Experiences, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Sunset Dhow from Kendwa/Nungwi Magic Hour on the Ocean

11.Sunset Dhow from Kendwa/Nungwi Magic Hour on the Ocean

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 10 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $14Best value

Review of Zanzibar’s $14 sunset dhow cruise from Kendwa or Nungwi, with ocean views, tropical fruit, practical tips, and honest drawbacks.

“The sunset dhow cruise was absolutely magical! The pickup was on time, and the team was very friendly and professional. The view of the ocean during sunset was breathtaking, and the atmosphere on board was so peaceful. Everything was well-organized, and I felt safe and comfortable throughout. I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Zanzibar — it’s truly unforgettable!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Sunset Dhow Cruise in Stone Town Zanzibar - Islands Seen From the Water
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dhow Cruises, Evening Experiences, Private, Private Tours in Zanzibar, Stone Town Tours, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Private Sunset Dhow Cruise in Stone Town Zanzibar

Stone Town: Traditional Dhow Sunset Cruise - The two-hour cruise: coast, music, and changing light
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dhow Cruises, Evening Experiences, Stone Town Tours, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Stone Town: Traditional Dhow Sunset Cruise

15.Traditional Dhow Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5 reviews · 5 hours · from $100

Review of Zanzibar’s traditional dhow sunset cruise from Stone Town, with live music, fruit, practical tips, value advice, and honest drawbacks.

“Great experience! Provided snacks, fruit and delicious white wine. The guide will answer any questions you may have. The view during the sunset is incredible, it was very atmospheric, live music and dancing along with a guide as an nicest added bonus ;)”

Check availability →Read our full review

Scroll to Top

Explore Tanzania

Pick a park, a town or a reef.