Zanzibar is far more than just a destination for beautiful resort pools. Between the labyrinth stone streets of Stone Town and the incredible shallow sandbanks of the Indian Ocean, the island is packed with culture, history, and active marine life.
However, excursion prices are not standardized. If you book through a resort activity desk, you might pay double what a local expert charges. Below is the honest breakdown of what day trips should cost when booking directly.
2026 Average Price Matrix (Per Person)
Prices generally vary based on your group size. Private transport in a air-conditioned minibus makes up the bulk of the cost, so traveling with partners or friends lowers the price per head.
| Excursion Name | Fair Price Range | Key Highlights Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Safari Blue | $60 - $85 | Traditional dhow sailing, snorkeling, seafood BBQ lunch |
| Stone Town Walking Tour | $25 - $40 | Slave Market site, House of Wonders, Freddy Mercury museum |
| Prison Island Trip | $30 - $45 | Wooden motorized boat ride, Aldabra giant tortoise feeding |
| Tangawizi Spice Farm | $20 - $35 | Walking tour, smelling fresh cloves/nutmeg, tropical fruit tasting |
Deep Dive: The Top 2 Must-Do Trips
1. The Safari Blue Experience
This is Zanzibar's most popular full-day marine safari excursion. You board a traditional hand-crafted wooden dhow boat from Fumba village and sail into the pristine Menai Bay conservation zone. The trip includes swimming in a mangrove lagoon, snorkeling along live coral reefs, and a huge beach lunch of grilled lobster, calamari, and fish.
2. Stone Town & Prison Island Combination
To maximize your time, combine these two activities into a single day trip. Spend the morning feeding the centuries-old giant tortoises on Prison Island, then take a short 20-minute boat ride back to Stone Town for an afternoon walking tour through historic, winding Arabic alleys.
🛶 Book Your Zanzibar Day Excursions Direct
Skip hotel desk commissions. Request a custom quote to link activities with vetted, trusted local boat captains and historians.