Tanzania's extensive Indian Ocean coastline offers many tropical beach destinations in both mainland Tanzania and the islands of Zanzibar. Although the most obvious attractions are the idyllic white sand beaches, translucent waters, palm-tree shaded coastlines, and world-class scuba diving, Tanzania's most historic towns and museums are also located on the coast. The coastal culture is distinct from the Arusha and Kilimanjaro cultures, and we highly recommend a visit to Swahili settlements like Stone Town.

Tanzania's most famous coastal destination is Zanzibar's main island of Unguja, which has numerous resorts and hotels both on the beach and in Stone Town, the island's fascinating, must-see capital. The pages below detail our top three recommendations for coastal visits. While Zanzibar's Unguja is the most developed island for tourism, visitors wishing to escape the crowds should consider visiting Mafia, Pemba, or Chumbe Island. Duma Explorer arranges beach hotels, flights and ground transportation.

Excursion 1: Swim with Whale Sharks at Mafia Island

Mafia is home to hundreds of whale sharks; these are the largest recorded fish, measuring up to 18 meters long and weighing more than 20 tons. Each fish has unique patterns and scarring, and swimming with these giant filter-feeders in crystal-clear waters is an amazing experience. Whale sharks are social and calm. The peak viewing season is October through March but at Mafia, you may swim with them year-round; some theorize that Mafia’s population may be resident in the area and non-migratory. You should be a strong swimmer to join these whale sharks as the waters can sometimes be choppy. Mafia Island also boasts a number of walking trails through the mangrove forests, on either side of Pole Pole Lodge.

Excursion 2: Pemba

The northern-most island in the Pemba archipelago, Pemba offers pristine white sand beaches and amazing diving experiences with lush coral reefs and many kinds of fish. Although Pemba has several world-class attractions, few tourists visit. Pemba was once the world’s largest producer of cloves.

Pemba’s Vumawinbi Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Tanzania. Stretching for more than two kilometers, the wide white sand beach is fringed by tropical forest on one side and the clear blue turquoise Indian Ocean on the other. This underdeveloped beach offers an intimate and private experience.

Ngezi Forest is Pemba’s last stand of old forest, and now is a protected reserve. A nature trail walk offers glimpses of unique and endangered species of mammals, primates, insects, and plants such as the Pemba flying fox, Pemba vervet monkey, and Pemba blue duiker.

We also highly recommend you visit Misali Island, one of Pemba’s offshore islands. An ecotourism project, the Misali Island Marine Conservation Area uses tourism proceeds to protect the marine ecosystem and to support local community members that depend on the ocean’s resources. Misali’s caves are famed sites for juju doctors and traditional healers, and its pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and nature trails make it a highly recommended destination. You may see dolphins in the waters around the boat as you approach and leave Misali.

Pemba is also home to one of the world’s only underwater rooms, at Manta Resort. You’ll take a boat to this Swedish-engineered floating structure, embedded within a protected coral reef. Your bedroom is entirely, underwater, and you’ll sleep surrounded by octopus and various fish. The roof allows for extensive star-gazing opportunities. A minimum three night stay is required for this unique underwater experience.

Pemba is also home to one of the world’s only underwater rooms, at Manta Resort. You’ll take a boat to this Swedish-engineered floating structure, embedded within a protected coral reef. Your bedroom is entirely, underwater, and you’ll sleep surrounded by octopus and various fish. The roof allows for extensive star-gazing opportunities. A minimum three night stay is required for this unique underwater experience.

Excursion 3: Chumbe Island

Zanzibar’s first marine sanctuary and reserve, Chumbe Island is a coveted destination for snorkelers, with 90% of East Africa’s coral species present. No diving or fishing are allowed, but you can arrange dolphin sighting boat trips and other activities. There is just one eco-lodge on the island; the restrooms are long drop toilets; all water is captured rainwater, solar-heated, and locally filtered. In fact, all buildings and operations on this island are based on sustainable building practices, including photovoltaic energy, solar water heating, and composting toilets.

If you stay on the island, you’ll have the chance to meet the giant Coconut Crabs in the coral forest. Reaching up to one meter in length, these nocturnal crabs are the largest living land crabs in the world. While they prefer to feast on coconuts, they are scavengers and are fascinating to observe, climbing trees and cracking coconuts with their large claws.