Beaches

Tides on Zanzibar: what to know before you pick a beach

Makala hii imeandikwa kwa Kiingereza.

Why the sea disappears on the east coast, where you can swim at any time of day, and how to plan around the tide.

The first time you see Paje at low tide, it is a surprise: the sea has gone, and people are walking on the sand a kilometre out. Here is what is happening and how to enjoy it.

East coast: big tides, big lagoon

Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu and Michamvi sit behind a reef. When the tide goes out, the lagoon empties. It is the best time to walk, look at the seaweed farms and find starfish. Swim around high tide.

North coast: swim any time

At Nungwi and Kendwa the water stays deeper. If swimming whenever you like matters most to you, stay in the north.

Plan with the tide table

Tides move about an hour later each day. Many beach stays post the times, and we include them in your trip notes.

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