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Sunset Dhow Cruise

Sunset Dhow Cruise

Two and a half hours on the water at golden hour

  • Location Stone Town, Nungwi or Kendwa, depending on your hotel
  • Duration Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Tour type Private or shared
  • Availability Daily, departure timed to sunset

Price on request Send the form and we reply with a firm quote, usually within a few hours.

Overview

Sunset over the Indian Ocean is the one thing every visitor to Zanzibar remembers, and the best place to watch it is from the water rather than the beach.

The cruise runs about two and a half hours from start to finish. You are met with a non-alcoholic welcome drink and taken the short distance to the launch point, where your captain and guide explain the route and what to look for. The boat then heads out along the coast, with the guide talking through what you are seeing and stopping wherever the view earns a photograph.

Light refreshments and snacks are served on board at the viewpoint. As the sun drops the crew turn the boat so everyone gets an uninterrupted view, and after sunset you sail back in the last of the light.

The cruise suits couples, families and anyone wanting a relaxed end to the day. It also pairs well with a Stone Town walking tour, where the town visit fills the afternoon and the boat takes the evening.

Highlights

  • Sunset over the Indian Ocean from the water
  • Non-alcoholic welcome drinks on arrival
  • Friendly captain and guide with commentary along the coast
  • Light refreshments and snacks served at the viewpoint
  • Dedicated photography stops
  • A calm, unhurried end to the day

Itinerary

  1. Sunset minus 90 min

    Hotel pickup and welcome drinks

    Collection from your hotel and a short transfer to the launch point, with a welcome drink on arrival.

  2. Sunset minus 60 min

    Boarding and coastal sail

    Your captain briefs the group and the boat heads out along the coast, stopping for photographs.

  3. Sunset minus 20 min

    Refreshments at the viewpoint

    Snacks and light refreshments are served as the boat settles into position for the sunset.

  4. After sunset

    Return

    Sail back in the last of the light and transfer to your hotel.

What is included

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Boat with professional captain and guide
  • Non-alcoholic welcome drinks
  • Snacks and light refreshments on board
  • Life jackets and safety equipment
  • All fees and taxes

Not included

  • Lunch and drinks, where not listed as included
  • Personal shopping and souvenirs
  • Gratuities for your guide and driver
  • Travel insurance
  • Anything not named under what is included
  • Alcoholic drinks

Pickup and meeting point

Pickup time: About 90 minutes before sunset, which shifts through the year.

Meeting point: Hotel reception, then the launch beach.

We collect from these areas:

  • Stone Town
  • Zanzibar City
  • Maungani
  • Nungwi
  • Kendwa
  • Matemwe
  • Kiwengwa
  • Pwani Mchangani
  • Uroa
  • Pongwe
  • Chwaka
  • Michamvi
  • Paje
  • Jambiani
  • Makunduchi
  • Kizimkazi
  • Fumba
  • Mangapwani

What to bring

  • A light layer, the breeze picks up after sunset
  • Camera or phone
  • Sun cream applied before boarding
  • Flat shoes

Important information

  • Departure time changes through the year with the sunset. We confirm your pickup time the day before.
  • The cruise depends on weather. In unsafe conditions we reschedule or refund.
  • A private boat for your group only is available on request.
  • This works well combined with a Stone Town walking tour earlier the same day.

Gallery

Frequently asked questions

What time does it start?

Pickup is about ninety minutes before sunset, so the time moves through the year. We confirm the exact time the day before.

Is alcohol served?

The included drinks are non-alcoholic. A private charter with your own drinks is available on request.

Is a private boat available?

Yes. Private charters suit proposals, anniversaries and family groups. Ask us for a quote.

Plan your Zanzibar experience

Tell us your dates and what you have in mind. We reply within a few hours, and planning is free with no obligation to book.