Sultan's Dhow Adventure
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Port
Zanzibar, Tanzania
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$310
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Explore Zanzibar's splendid beaches and marine life during this memorable dhow boat cruise and snorkeling adventure.
Depart the pier for the brief drive to the Africa House jetty. Listen to safety instructions; then, hop onto the traditional wooden dhow for a 30-minute ride to the Pange Sandbank.
Dhows are quite basic craft, but are equipped with communication equipment, gas-inflatable life jackets, a sturdy boarding ladder, shade, a cooler of soft drinks, and waterproof camera bags. The crew offers guided snorkeling trips with good-quality equipment and tuition for beginners. The reef, where you will snorkel, is a short boat ride from the sandbank. There is a shade sail on the sandbank, and time for swimming and beachcombing.
During the morning, enjoy local snacks and soft drinks, which include fresh fruit juices and green coconuts (madafu). A delicious Zanzibari lunch is prepared by the team at the sandbank, including a seafood buffet, beef and salads. Beer and soft drinks are also available with lunch. Coffee and Amarula liqueur follow, with some time for relaxing on the sandbank.
Later, re-board the dhow and cruise along the Stone Town waterfront to the landing point, where you transfer back to the pier.
Please note:
Wear your swimsuit under your clothing; bring a towel, reef-safe/biodegradable sunscreen, a cover-up for further protection from the sun, and a hat. Wear aqua shoes. Bring bottled water. Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. The climate can be extremely hot and humid in the tropics. Zanzibar is a very special place and keeping it so means that change will happen only at the pace that suits the people that live here. You can show your respect for local custom by dressing conservatively. The local people are very appreciative when visitors are respectful of this dress code: bare shoulders, midriffs and thighs are not acceptable; wearing long sleeves and minimum of capri-length pants or skirts is optimal. Of course, it is acceptable to wear your swimsuit on the sandbank. The transfer to the jetty is approximately 30 minutes each way. At the sandbank, participants must be able to disembark via a small ladder and wade ashore. Expect the water to be up to knee-level. Lunch is served under a canvas tent. Do not consume alcoholic beverages prior to swimming or snorkeling. You will spend a total of approximately one hour on the dhow; seating is on wooden benches. Photography of police officers or persons in uniform is not allowed. Please obtain permission before taking photographs of the local people. Your guide will assist you with this.