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ZANZIBAR YACHT CHARTER & BOATING CHARTERS

Zanzibar islands

Discover the best Yacht Charter and Boating Charters in Zanzibar.

Charter a yacht in Zanzibar, off the coast of East Africa and it will be a holiday to remember!

​Zanzibar is a perfect yacht charter destination.  The coral island surrounded by a shallow warm tropical sea has over 20 other smaller islands around the main island of Zanzibar. Zanzibar’s many sheltered Islands offer calm anchorages with countless coral gardens and pristine tropical beaches to explore.

Throughout its history, many have succumbed to the irresistible call of Zanzibar, from the explorers, traders and missionaries of centuries ago to modern travellers seeking gorgeous beaches, pristine coral reefs and exotic cultures.​

Zanzibar is a collection of sun-drenched tropical islands off the coast of mainland Tanzania bathed in the brilliantly blue waters of the Indian Ocean. An East African yacht charter offers the chance for a luxurious escape but with the romantic charm of an ancient culture.

Zanzibar offers dazzling white sandy beaches lined with palm trees and warm, calm seas and with a luxury yacht at your disposal it’s possible to disappear into the sunset and find your own uninhabited island to have all to yourself! Infact you are unlikely to see another charter yacht during your time in Zanzibar.

Zanzibar, Pemba & Mafia Yacht Charter – Highlights 


Zanzibar (Unguja):

  • Nungwi & Kendwa beaches

  • Matemwe, Paje & Pongwe beaches

  • Mnemba Atoll snorkeling & diving

  • Dolphins at Kizimkazi & Mnemba

  • Nakupenda & Pange sandbanks

  • Stone Town (UNESCO)

  • Spice farm visits

  • Whale watching (Jul–Oct)

Pemba Island:

  • Remote, quiet & untouched

  • Pemba Channel world-class diving

  • Misali Island & turquoise lagoons

  • Drift dives & deep coral walls

  • Swahili villages & authentic culture

  • Exclusive resorts: Fundu Lagoon, The Aiyana

Mafia Island:

  • Whale sharks (Oct–Feb)

  • Mafia Marine Park snorkeling

  • Calm Chole Bay & mangroves

  • Chole Island ruins & dhow building

  • Pristine, uncrowded beaches

Full Route Advantage:

  • Zanzibar culture + Pemba wilderness + Mafia wildlife

  • Ideal multi-island itinerary for catamarans & motor yachts

Cruise Area and other Islands

The Best Islands to Cruise to Off the Coast of Zanzibar on a Yacht Charter Holiday


Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, is a dream destination for yacht charters. With crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and a rich cultural history, it offers an unforgettable sailing experience. Cruising on a yacht allows you to explore hidden gems, uninhabited islands, and marine reserves at your own pace. Here’s a guide to the best islands to visit on a yacht charter, along with the top activities you can enjoy at each destination.


ZANZIBAR ISLAND CRUISE AREAS

The main cruise areas around Zanzibar are to its more protected north, south and west coastlines. Surrounding the main island of Zanzibar are groups of smaller islands, about 20 in total and found mainly on the west coast of Zanzibar as well as in the far southwest region.


These includes islands can be found in the north of Zanzibar such as Mnemba and Tumbatu island, the middle islands such as  Changuu Island, Bawe Island, Chumbe Island off the coast from Stone Town and the islands, sand banks and shallow reefs that are found in the Menai Bay Conservation Area, in the south west of Zanzibar!


We also operate Yacht Charters further afield to Mafia and Pemba Islands, off the coast of mainland Tanzania to the north and south of Zanzibar.

Mnemba Island

Our Zanzibar Charter Yachts

Zanzibar Yacht Charters - Crewed, Skippered and Bare-Boat Yacht Charters to Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia Island, Tanzania.


Fully Crewed, Skippered & Bareboat Yacht Charters

We offer a range of different types of yacht charter cruises. From bare boat to skipper only and fully crewed sailing holidays. From scuba diving expeditions to deep sea fishing. From romantic honeymoon cruises to a general island hopping holiday with friends or family.


Fully Crewed Charter

Experience a care free yacht charter with a professional crew, including a captain, chef, and stewardess. Enjoy gourmet meals, personalized service, and expert local guidance. Perfect for those who want a stress-free, all-inclusive sailing experience.


Skipper-Only Charter

Charter a yacht with a professional skipper on board to sail the yacht while you relax and enjoy the journey. Ideal for those who want a yacht charter holiday without handling navigation or mooring. Provides the freedom to explore without the responsibility of skippering. On these charters you will normally self provision and self cater while on board as the skippers role is to sail the yacht.


Bareboat Charter (With deckhand)

Charter a yacht and sail yourself independently with full control over the yacht (sailing qualifications and experience required)
Choose your own route and itinerary, creating a fully personalized adventure. We will of course make cruise recommendations for you. This is best for experienced sailors looking for a hands-on sailing experience.cEach option offers a unique way to explore Zanzibar

Please note. On all bareboat charters in Zanzibar a deckhand is mandatory

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Yacht and Beach Resort Combinations

LUXURY ZANZIBAR RESORTS

Combining a luxury island resort on Zanzibar with a yacht charter is dead easy. There is a huge selection to choose, from 5-Star all-inclusive resorts to private beach villas and more.


We offer packages that combine our yachts with dozens of resorts and lodges on Zanzibar. So speak to us about the options.

You can be at a luxury Zanzibar island resort in the morning and on a luxury yacht in the afternoon!

African Safaris

Add-on African Safaris

Combining the Zanzibar with a safari is dead easy.

EAST AFRICA SAFARIS

We highly recommend combining the Zanzibar Archipelago with an East Africa safari because there are daily flights direct between Zanzibar and all the major safari destinations in East Africa, its very easy!

​The choice of East Africa safari camps and safari lodges are huge and the option you go for will depend on what sort of experiences you are looking for and your budget, as prices vary greatly.

You can be on safari in the morning and on a luxury yacht or island resort in the afternoon!

SOUTHERN AFRICA & SOUTH AFRICA

Its also very easy to combine Zanzibar with other Southern African destinations, because there are also daily flights to Zanzibar from JHB which is one of the main air hubs connecting most of the major safari destinations in Southern Africa.

THINGS TO DO

Beach & Water Sports

Fishing

Diving & Snorkelling

Image by NEOM

Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

Image by James Wheeler

Fishing

Best Time to Go

BEST TIME TO GO


Zanzibar / Pemba Archipelago

  • Mid Dec to End Feb -  Best charter areas N Zanzibar and Pemba Archipelago west coast and south.

  • March April calm with flat seas and hot. Cruising everywhere is fantastic

  • May calm seas but usually some rain about. Still not a bad time to be cruising as cool with calm seas.

  • June through to end Sept -  Best charter areas Pemba North and West Coast.

  • Oct through to mid Dec. Fantastic time, calm seas, good fishing, hot and cruising all areas is fantastic


HOW TO GET THERE

  • International Flight direct to Stone Town (Zanzibar Island)

  • Meet and greet at the airport

  • Road Transfer to your hotel or resort if you have pre-charter nights booked, or directly to Nungwi or to Stone Town beach front to meet crew and transfer by dingy to yacht.

iTINERARY

THINGS TO DO

SHARED OR PRIVATE

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Bookings Email info@oisafrica.com

WhatsApp Text Message + 27 82 780 3931

OCEANS ISLANDS & SAFARIS

Cape Town, RSA / CK Company Reg Number 2006/043828/23

All prices are subject to change. Please note that all quotes, bookings and travel are subject to our full standard booking terms and conditions. By acceptance of our quote and associated travel documents the client also accepts all the booking terms and conditions as set out. Prices are subject to change from that advertised. The information provided is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge but maybe subject to change. Errors and omissions excepted. All prices displayed on this website are indicative only and subect to variables and the specifics of your requirments. Please ask us for a quote.

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