Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun.

On the south coast of Zanzibar lies the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a sea turtle protection area for the endangered species that come to breed on the island. Roads to the southeast coast take visitors through the Jozani Forest, home to Zanzibar’s rare Red Colobus monkeys and a number of other primate and small antelope species.

The best areas for snorkeling and diving are at Nungwi and Matemwe on the northeastern side of the Island. Most of the hotels and resorts in this area have their own dive center or they can organize diving or snorkeling trips for you.

Zanzibar is an amazingly photogenic place, but if you want to take photographs of people, please ask their permission first out of courtesy.

If you are diving or snorkelling, you may be tempted to collect some pretty shells from Zanzibar's many coral reefs. Please do not, as this kills entire reefs, the devastating effects of which can be seen in the well-trodden areas of East African coast.

Although there are shell sellers, you are asked not to buy shells from them, as it simply encourages this harmful industry.

Did You Know? - The people of Zanzibar are known as Zanzibaris and their native language is kiswahili, commonly known internationally as Swahili. Zanzibar used to be the world's largest producer of cloves, and its history was heavily influenced by this activity.