There’s a stretch of white sand off Stone Town that only exists for a few hours a day — when the tide drops, a sandbank rises out of the turquoise water like it was never there at all. Before you reach it, your dhow stops at Prison Island, where giant tortoises rest in the shrubs along the shore.

From the boat departing near Serena Hotel around 9am, you’ll snorkel around the island first, then sail on to the sandbank itself — a strip of sand surrounded by nothing but sea and birdlife, where a seafood lunch is served while you swim, relax, and listen to the waves lap against the dhow. Bring a towel and swimsuit; snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided on request.

You’re back in Stone Town by 3:30pm, sun-soaked and full. Good for couples, families, groups — anyone who wants a slower, more scenic side of Zanzibar.

Message us on WhatsApp to check tide times and reserve your spot on the dhow.