Unique Things to Do in Zanzibar You Probably Won’t Find Anywhere Else!

There’s no shortage of unique things to do in Zanzibar, no matter what kind of trip you’re planning, and it can be tricky to decide where to begin. Zanzibar is a beautiful island that feels different from anywhere I’ve been. It’s full of character, with stunning beaches, friendly people, and an amazing blend of cultures. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back for another adventure, finding the best things to do in Zanzibar can sometimes feel overwhelming. You want to make sure you know what not to miss in Zanzibar, but you also want to discover unique things to do in Zanzibar that show the island’s real charm. This guide is here to help you with that.

Here, you’ll find a mix of must-see places and authentic experiences that capture what is special in Zanzibar. I’ll share the best things to see in Zanzibar, from popular attractions to hidden gems that most travelers don’t know about. Zanzibar isn’t just about stunning beaches, even though they’re hard to beat. There’s so much more to discover, from its rich culture and history to the amazing wildlife. If you’re looking for ideas on things to see in Zanzibar, that go beyond the typical tourist trails, this post has you covered. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of where to go and what to explore so your trip feels truly memorable.

Things To See In Zanzibar

Zanzibar is one of those places that really stays with you. The colors, the smells, the vibe — it’s a lot. But in the best way. What is Zanzibar best known for? Beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and one-of-a-kind experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends. If you’re wondering what activities to do in Zanzibar, there are plenty of options that let you enjoy the island’s nature, culture, and wildlife.

Before I went, I kept seeing the same list of things to see in Zanzibar everywhere, and honestly, some of it just felt too generic. That’s why I wanted to put together a guide that also shows unique things to do in Zanzibar. Not just the usual stuff, but the kind of places and one-of-a-kind experiences you probably won’t find anywhere else. If you’re not sure where to start, this will give you a clear idea of what’s worth seeing and doing.

Meet the Coconut Crab, the Largest Land Arthropod

If you’re into unique animals, seeing the coconut crab is something else. This crab is the biggest land arthropod you’ll find, and it has huge claws that make it look pretty powerful. These crabs can live up to 60 years, which is pretty impressive for a crustacean. One great way to spot them is by booking a Safari Blue tour. This tour takes you to some of Zanzibar’s most beautiful spots, including clear lagoons perfect for snorkeling. You’ll get to swim with colorful fish and enjoy several photo stops along the way.

The tour also includes an amazing seafood lunch with fresh lobster on Kwale Island. There’s a huge baobab tree on the island, and that’s where the crabs like to hang out, so you should head there after lunch to meet them. You can even take a picture with the crabs, and the locals will show you how to hold them safely, so you don’t get pinched. It’s not every day you get to meet one of these, and for me (being the huge animal lover that I am), it was one of the coolest things to see in Zanzibar.

Spice Tour in the Jungle

Zanzibar is well known for its spices, and taking a spice tour in the jungle is one of the best things to do in Zanzibar for a week if you want to get a real feel for local life. You’ll walk through the jungle and learn how these spices grow and how they’re used every day. Friendly locals will welcome you with song and dance and they will create crowns and accessories that are perfect prompts for photos, and you can also take them home. I still have my crown from the tour, and every time I see it, it reminds me of that amazing day. You can even taste fresh coconut water straight from the tree, and you’ll see how locals climb the tall coconut trees to pick them the traditional way.

You’ll also get to try the tiniest bananas, durian fruit, banana coffee, and a special homemade brandy, among many other interesting fruits and drinks. It’s a fun way to taste flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Some spice tours also include an authentic cooking class which is great if you love cooking. This tour offers a genuine way to experience Zanzibar and connect with its culture, and it was one of my favorite things to do in Zanzibar Tanzania.

Swim With and Feed Sea Turtles in a Cave

Some people ask, Is there anything to do in Zanzibar besides relaxing on the beach? Definitely! There are plenty of tours, wildlife, and cultural experiences. Swimming and feeding the sea turtles in Zanzibar is a really special experience and one of the best things to do in Zanzibar if you love nature and the ocean. The tour includes hotel pickup from most places, so it’s easy to get there.

When you arrive at Salaam Cave in Kizimkazi village, you’ll get a bowl with sea weed to feed the turtles, which makes the experience even more fun. You get to swim right next to these amazing creatures. Some of the turtles are huge, and it was such a magical experience to be that close to them. You do have to be careful when feeding them because sometimes they can bite by accident while eating. It’s definitely one of the things to see in Zanzibar that shows off the island’s natural beauty.

Visitors also have the chance to learn about sea turtle conservation and rehabilitation programs. It’s a great way to support the protection of these animals and understand why preserving their natural habitats is so important. The guides are friendly and make sure everyone stays safe and that the turtles are treated well. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Zanzibar, swimming and feeding the sea turtles is a great way to add something different and memorable to your trip. It was honestly one of my dreams come true.

Best Things To Do In Zanzibar

The best things to do in Zanzibar aren’t just about the places you visit, but also the experiences you collect along the way. It’s about feeling the island’s energy, meeting friendly locals, and discovering hidden gems you won’t find in every guidebook. Zanzibar has this amazing mix of beautiful beaches, lively culture, and breathtaking nature that makes every moment special. I’m always looking for real, authentic experiences, and these are some of my favorite unique things to do in Zanzibar that really give you a true taste of the island.

Visit Prison Island and Take a Selfie With Giant Tortoises

What is special in Zanzibar is that it’s home to giant tortoises you can see up close, giving you a rare chance to connect with these amazing creatures in their natural environment. Visiting Prison Island where you can do just that is definitely one of the best things to do in Zanzibar. Even though it’s called Prison Island, it was never actually used as a prison. Instead, it served as a quarantine station for people with yellow fever back in the day.

The tour usually starts with a short boat ride from Stone Town, offering beautiful views of the coastline and crystal-clear water along the way. When you arrive, you’ll get to explore the island’s history and feel like you’ve stepped back in time. But the main attraction is the giant tortoises that live there. In 1919, four tortoises were sent to Zanzibar as a gift from the British governor of the Seychelles. These tortoises are descendants of those living on the Aldabra Atoll islands in the Seychelles.

Today, there are more than 100 tortoises on the island, with new generations hatching every February. These turtles can be over 100 years old and weigh up to 300 pounds. They’re surprisingly gentle and slow-moving, often just chilling in the sun or munching on fresh leaves. You can get really close to them, and some might even come up to you hoping for a snack. The tour also includes an amazing seafood lunch with exotic fruits (including best pineapple I ever tasted!), making the whole experience even better. It’s an unforgettable experience and definitely one of the best things to do in Zanzibar.

Swim with Dolphins

If you’re making a list of what not to miss in Zanzibar, swimming with wild dolphins at sunrise should be near the top. It’s one of those experiences that really sticks with you. Swimming with dolphins in Zanzibar was honestly one of the highlights of my trip. You set out early in the morning on a small boat and even before you see the dolphins, the calm ocean and beautiful sunrise make it feel special. Then when the dolphins appear it’s really something else.

They are completely wild and free just swimming and playing around and you get to jump into the water and swim close to them. It feels so natural and exciting at the same time. I couldn’t stop smiling or feeling amazed the whole time. It’s just you the ocean and these incredible creatures. If you’re planning a trip and wondering about things to see in Zanzibar this experience is definitely one you don’t want to miss. It’s the kind of memory that sticks with you long after you’re back home. If you’re wondering what activities to do in Zanzibar, this tour is definitely a must!

Try Super Art Cappuccino in Paje Village

Curious about what not to miss in Zanzibar? The super art cappuccino is definitely one of those! If you’re looking for a spot that’s still undiscovered by most tourists and not in the typical guidebooks, Zanzibar Smoothie Bar in Paje is definitely it, and you MUST try their super art cappuccino. The best way to get there is by tuk-tuk for just a few bucks, like we did, and the ride itself is a little adventure. The foam art on top, shaped like a beautiful African sunset, is really impressive. It feels like a tiny piece of art in your cup.

The coffee tastes amazing, and it goes perfectly with their fresh passion fruit cheesecake, which I couldn’t recommend more. The super art cappuccino costs only $3, which is kind of amazing for something that looks so beautiful and actually tastes great. The cheesecake is less than $4, and together they make such a good combo, especially if you’re starting your day shopping for souvenirs in Paje. Those cappuccinos made my mornings on the island even better.

How Many Days in Zanzibar is Enough?

How many days in Zanzibar is enough depends on your pace, but a week gives you plenty of time to swim with dolphins, visit Prison Island, and take a full spice tour without rushing. It gives you enough space to enjoy the island without feeling like you’re rushing from one thing to the next. You can do the highlights, have some slow mornings, and still feel like you made the most of your trip. I liked knowing I had time to spread things out instead of cramming everything into a few days.

Not sure what to do in Zanzibar for a week? Mix a few early mornings with dolphins, a half-day trip to Prison Island, and some slow exploring through the jungle on a spice tour that smells like cloves and ends with a coconut crab encounter.

If you’re wondering what to do in Zanzibar for 3 days, you’ll definitely need to be selective, but with a full week, you can easily cover some of the best things to do in Zanzibar and still have room for little surprises along the way. It’s a good balance between being out exploring and just enjoying where you are. By the time you leave, it feels like you got to know the island a bit, not just visit it.

A Conclusion On Things To Do In Zanzibar Tanzania

When people ask is there anything to do in Zanzibar, I think about feeding giant tortoises, swimming in open water with dolphins, and sipping one of the most beautiful cappuccinos I’ve ever had. When you’re planning your trip, it’s good to know that the best things to do in Zanzibar aren’t just the usual tourist spots. There’s so much more to discover, from local culture and history to beautiful nature and unique experiences that really stick with you. What is special in Zanzibar is the mix of African Arab and Indian culture that you can see hear and taste everywhere you go.

Whether you’re into adventure or just want to relax and soak it all in, the things to see in Zanzibar from this list give you plenty of options to make your trip special. No matter how long you stay, or how many times you come back, Zanzibar will always surprise you and leave you with great memories. It’s a place where every day can bring something new and exciting, so make sure you explore as much as you can.