If an adventurous safari is what comes to your mind when someone mentions Zanzibar, then you’re in for a rude shock. The island is a paradise for water lovers, too! This location offers a combination of exotic sandy shores, constant swell, azure waters, and a great vibe, which guarantee a memorable surfing experience.
Indeed, Zanzibar surfing is so great you’ll likely spend a massive chunk of the day on the white beaches or in the water. The charming tiny island within the Indian Ocean promises unmatched surfing conditions and uncrowded reefs. As a result, it’s now a favorite destination for surfing enthusiasts from different corners of the globe.
Why Visit Zanzibar?
Only a handful of global destinations conjure such exotic visions as Zanzibar. The views from the stunning luxury lodges, turquoise seas, and postcard-perfect beaches mean the island is more than it appears at first glance.
A Rich History
Beneath its tranquility lies a turbulent and fascinating past: whispers of an era when sultans sent giraffes as gifts, and the value of spices wash higher than gold.
For over a millennium, the East African archipelago has served as the frenetic focal point of trade between Africans, Arabs, Indians, and Persians. The island has harbored India-bound Portuguese carracks. Like Henry Morton Stanley and David Livingstone, some of the greatest explorers used the island as their staging post.
But it’s not just the sailors, sultans, and spice-stuffed dhows; the location also has an enchanting dark side of history. The crowded slave market served as the grim epicenter of an expansive network stretching inland to Lake Tanganyika, northwards to the Arabian date palms and Oman, and south towards the Cape Peninsula.
Evidence of the island’s rich and troubled history is readily available in Stone Town’s unique combination of Arabic, Indian, and Swahili architecture, fragrant recipes, and thought-provoking museums.
Delicious Menus And Local Cuisine
If there’s one thing the island is famous for is the ever-present scent of spices on the passing breeze. It is a significant symbolism of the location’s fame as the “Spice Island of Africa,” a heritage that transcends four centuries ago. Then, the region served as a key trading hub for global maritime routes, with traders from different parts of the world offering their unique spices.
On this island, you will have lots of great opportunities to enjoy locally guided cooking classes and spice tours.
Get More Stylish
Zanzibar is also famous for its stylish boutiques and vibrant markets awash with leather products, clothes, and hand-crafted silver jewelry.
World’s Top Beaches and Lodges
Away from the city’s bustle, the islands in this location are among the best in the world. Besides the little-known yet unimaginable surfing locations, you’ll also create memories offshore where you can scuba dive with whale sharks or turtles and enjoy sunset dhow cruises to desolate tidal sandbars.
The archipelago’s three largest islands offer a range of accommodation setups and activities to match your dreams and budget. Unguja is the most expansive and busiest. To the north lies Pemba island with its laid-back vibe and excellent diving spots. Finally, mafia Island, located in the far south, is the best place to view hatching turtles and enjoy lots of water fun.
Between the three main landmasses lies smaller scattered isles with some of the world’s most spectacular barefoot luxury resorts.
Surfing Conditions In Zanzibar
A Zanzibar surfing experience offers excellent conditions for enthusiasts at all levels. In addition, you’ll enjoy new, less crowded surf sports towards the island’s southeast coast that mainly offers right-hander waves.
Zanzibar’s reef isn’t as gnarly as most surfing spots in tropical islands. Instead, it’s generally rocky and flat. Unfortunately, some of these spots are home to sea urchins, the tiny spikey crustaceans you don’t want to step in a while surfing.
However, you’ll still find lots of beginner-friendly locations that are almost urchin-free. Occasionally, dolphins might join you for a surf session, and you’ll also encounter friendly local fishers cheering you.
The Indian ocean experiences anti-cyclones between December and March, which will send some proper ground swell your way. It is the season for all sorts of surf sports in Zanzibar, and you can throw in an offshore day and surf alongside a handful of surfers.
Notably, the island is quite chancy for waves, so it’s essential to know the exact spots to guarantee a great time.
Wind directing, tides, moon phase, and swell are crucial factors to consider if you’re looking for a decent wave for your surfing thrill. The reef’s vast sections break into distinct conditions, most of which are worth the boat ride.
You must time your surf trips and lessons correctly since surfing activities in Zanzibar are limited to between 1.5 and three hours per day. It is due to the massive tidal changes the island experiences.
The best timing for surfing lessons is during the pushing mid-tide. On the other hand, advanced surfing spots begin to work within the final hour of the dropping tide and are ideal over low tide and right after a tidal change.
The Best Surf Spots In Zanzibar
The beautiful archipelago offers the ideal spots and conditions for exciting activities for water lovers, including parasailing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. Surfers, particularly, have lots of opportunities for a thrilling adventure on different spots along the coast.
Here are some of the main surf spots in Zanzibar Island:
Nungwi
Thanks to its scenic views of white sands and crystalline waters, it is one of the best Zanzibar surfing spots. Furthermore, it experiences both the low and high tides, hence requires perfect timing for a fulfilling surfing experience.
Bwejuu
This surfing beach in Zanzibar is famous for its cultural village setup and nightlife. However, it’s also an ideal spot for those looking for an exciting experience, thanks to its excellent tides, shallow waters, and helpful locals to guide you.
Paje Beach
Paje is among the most preferred spots for both beginners and experienced surfers. Water lovers like its ideal winds, perfect tide, and great waves. The region also has surfing schools and shops where you can purchase surfboards and get a guide.
Nakupenda
The Swahili phrase means “I love you,” a befitting name or the lovely isolated beach. A 20-minute dhow ride from Stone Town will get you here, and the mile-long beach will offer a memorable surf experience. What’s more, the location is less crowded, often hosting about 20 guests per day.
Kiwengwa
This spot offers perfect wind conditions all year round. You’ll also access great local surf schools and trainers who are out to ensure an unforgettable adventure. Equipment is readily available on the beach for beginners, and experienced surfers get to enjoy stronger waves.
Jambiani
The small, quiet, and sandy Jambiani beach is the perfect place to escape the city’s crowds and enjoy peaceful and tranquil surfing. The tide is usually low with excellent surfing conditions.
Tamarins
Tamarins are the best surf spot for those who are new to surfing. The area offers classic waves for your practice sessions, and the reef breaks will make your surfing exciting and fun.
Dongwe
A visit to Dongwe village presents a perfect space for your surfing adventures in Zanzibar. It has perfect waves and fewer crowds.
South Reefs
The reef breaks here are suitable for learners, and the region offers various difficulty levels thanks to its different wave types. The more giant waves in this region also attract intermediate and advanced surfers.
Pwani Mchangani
If you’re looking for Zanzibar’s best surf spots, then the beach at Pwani Mchangani should be among your picks. The site has ideal weather conditions, and there’s a surf school to train you and supply you with the correct gear. To enjoy yourself safely, ensure you understand the tide and wave timings.
Safety Tips When Surfing Zanzibar Waters
Surfing in Zanzibar Island waters can be a fun activity, but only if your safe and in the best condition for the experience. Here are leading safety practices to consider ensuring a memorable adventure:
• Understand the spot – Before you begin paddling, you must first take time to review the tide charts and watch the wave. Most reef breaks are adequate at certain tides and can be extremely risky during low tide. The best time to paddle out is during the mid-tide, then surf across the reef with the approaching low tide. It is also important to scout for the best-sitting spot and entry or exit points.
• Do not go beyond the shoulder – When paddling out, always stick to the wave’s shoulder and pay attention to their breaking. Where possible, grab the shoulder till you understand the scene better. It will help you know the location, and you’ll easily paddle around as you work your way gradually towards the peak. Always commit to the wave you have swum.
• Protect your fingers during duck diving – When duck diving, ensure your hands press flat on the board’s top side. If you make the mistake of grabbing the rail, you’ll risk scraping your fingers on the reef.
• Use your reef booties – The primary gear material is neoprene, and thick rubber has a design to save your feet when you jump onto the reef. Unfortunately, most surfers ignore them because they consider this the ultimate kook emblem. What’s kookier between having your pair of booties in the lineup or busking on the beach with bandaged feet?
• Avoid jumping off headfirst – Though apparent, this is among the most ignored safety practices during surfing. Instead, during a “wipeout,” or when you fall off the surfboard, ensure you cover your head with your arms to prevent hitting the board itself, the seafloor, or other surfers.
• Always hold your surfboard – For the safety of other surf enthusiasts in the water, always ensure you always have your board. Avoid discarding it when encountering an oncoming wave, as this could injure someone behind you. Similarly, avoid paddling directly behind other surfers.
• Learn how to remove the leash – One of the most significant risks of surfing on Zanzibar’s reef breaks is having the leash stuck on the reef. It may not have been well-fit lodges in most instances, but the stuck feeling may cause panic. So ensure you’ve practiced and learned how to close your eyes, reach down, and remove the leash before paddling out. Also, practice following the leash until you find the location where it’s lodged.
• A surfer should hold the board to the side – As you negotiate oncoming waves and maintain your position against the white waters, avoid placing the board between you and the tide. It is a common beginner mistake, and you could hit your face on the board. Instead, have the surfboard to your side.
• Keep calm – It may just be a few seconds but being held under could feel like minutes. A panicked mind is irrational and consumes more energy than staying calm. Human beings can control their breaths for at least two minutes, so stay calm and protect yourself while finding your way out.
• Rest when you are tired – Surfing can be addictive, but you do not want to end up worn out. So if you feel exhausted or tired, it’s time to relax. Surfing can be less fun if you’re too exhausted to catch a wave. So, as you enjoy having a good time on Zanzibar island’s surfing spots, ensure you stay within your limits.
• Paddle into the channel – Getting caught inside is a common occurrence when surfing. In this situation, try to paddle directly or diagonally to the track rather than paddling through waves. This way, you will quickly get to the safest and deepest space and find your way back to the lineup.
• Carry a surfers’ first aid kit – Surfing injuries do happen, and there is the threat of reef cuts as you have a good time in Zanzibar’s surfing spots. That’s why it’s essential to have a first aid kit in your car or under your towel at the beach.
Best Places To Stay While Surfing In Zanzibar
Ideally, you want to stay close to your favorite surfing spots, and Zanzibar offers many world-class accommodation facilities that add to your surfing experience. The different accommodation facilities and hotels vary in terms of facilities and budget.
Here is an overview of the available accommodation facilities in the different surfing spots in the archipelago:
Nungwi
The scenic surfing location has these accommodation options:
• Smiles Beach Hotel
• Kendwa Rocks Hotel
• The Z Hotel
• Zanbluu Beach Hotel
• Kilimanjaro Lodge
Paje Beach
Paje Beach has the following hotels:
• Paje by Night Hotel
• Kisiwa On The Beach Resort
• Dhow Inn
• Paje Beach Apartments
• Drifters Zanzibar
Bwejuu
Accommodation facilities in Bweju include:
• Bazi’s House
• Oceanfront Villa Zanzibar
• Villa Bwejuu
• Zahari Zanzibar
• Bwejuu Beach Palm Villa
Jambiani
Here, you can stay in the following locations:
• Savera Beach Houses
• Fun Beach Hotel
• Blue Oyster Hotel
• Reef and Beach Resort
• Coral Rock Zanzibar
Nakupenda
The romantic beach offers the following accommodation facilities:
• Tembo House Hotel
• Park Hyatt Zanzibar
• Sea Cliff Resort and Spa
• Zanzibar Serena Hotel
• Kiwengwa Beach Resort
Best Time To Surf In Zanzibar
Zanzibar weather is generally ideal for surfing most times of the year. However, the archipelago is perfect for young and experienced surfers at specific times.
For instance, the region around the islands gets anti-cyclones which are most common between December and March. During these months, you can expect substantial groundswell, making it ideal for inexperienced surfers. Notably, it’s during this season that the region hosts different surf enthusiasts. It is the perfect chance if you want to enjoy a great time surfing with other surfers.
Furthermore, the island’s geographical location makes it chancy for quality waves and groundswell. As such, you must consider different conditions to determine the best spots to enjoy your love for the water. Consider crucial factors like tides, wind direction, swell, and moon phase when seeking the perfect location for the thrill.
The best timing for surfing lessons is during the pushing mid-tide. On the other hand, advanced surfing spots begin to work within the final hour of the dropping tide and are ideal over low tide and right after a tidal change.
How Much Does It Cost To Surf In Zanzibar?
There’s no standard rate charged for surfing in Zanzibar, and numerous factors come into play when budgeting for your experience. For instance, you’ll pay more during the anti-cyclone period (between December and March) as this is the peak season. But during the off-peak months, the price may reduce by almost half.
Another factor determining how much you’ll pay is the specific organization you chose to engage. The archipelago is home to various surf schools and companies offering vast services for the ultimate surfing experience, and each has its unique pricing structure.
Zanzibar Kite Paradise, for instance, charges $630 for beginner semi-private surf lessons lasting 12 hours. For nine hours, you’ll pay $500, $345 for six hours, and $180 for 3 hours. On the other hand, Aquaholics Kite and Surfing will charge you about $55 for a single surf session, including the full gear. If you come with your equipment, you’ll pay $5 less.
In essence, the pricing structure varies, and you’ll need to contact respective surfing organizations and gear rentals to learn their pricing.
The Bottom Line
A Zanzibar holiday isn’t like any other tropical island. The location has a unique blend of experience and cultures, an opportunity to enjoy a memorable surfing experience in an ancient archipelago offering a still-tangible history.
Zanzibar is among the world’s most popular tourist destinations, but water lovers are also guaranteed memorable experiences. The island’s numerous, little-known surfing spots are ideal for different levels of surfers, and you can explore less crowded areas with excellent surfing conditions for a memorable experience.
If you’re an ardent surfer, then you should have already included Zanzibar island in your bucket list.