What You Need to Know: A sunset dhow cruise leaves the Stone Town waterfront in the late afternoon and sails for about two hours along the old town and out towards the islands as the sun sets, with drinks and snacks on board. It costs US$105 per person (children half), including the cruise, drinks and snacks, your guide and hotel transfers. Private dhows can be arranged for couples and special occasions.
What Happens on a Sunset Dhow Cruise from Stone Town?
The cruise lasts about two hours. You board from the beach or the waterfront near Forodhani, the crew raises the lateen sail, and you sail past the House of Wonders and the Old Fort with views of the whole old town. Drinks and snacks are served as the sun drops into the Indian Ocean, and you return as the lights come on. Some cruises stop for a swim in good weather.
Is a Sunset Dhow Cruise Worth It?
Yes. For many guests the sunset cruise is the most relaxing part of their Zanzibar stay. After a busy day in Stone Town, sitting on a wooden dhow as the sail fills, with the old town glowing in the evening light and the sun dropping into the ocean, is a simple pleasure that stays with you. It is short, easy and suitable for all ages, so it works for couples, families and groups.
It also shows Stone Town from the water, the way traders and sailors saw it for centuries, and gives a feel for the dhow-building tradition of the Swahili coast. Combine it with a Stone Town walk for a full day of history and the sea.
Who Is a Sunset Dhow Cruise For?
Almost everyone: the cruise is short, calm and easy for all ages.
- Couples, especially on a honeymoon (ask about a private dhow)
- Families: the cruise is calm and short
- Guests staying in Stone Town or nearby on the west coast
- Anyone ending a Stone Town walk: board straight after the tour
Should You Book a Shared or Private Dhow?
Book a place on a shared dhow for a relaxed evening on a budget, or a private dhow for your group: popular for honeymoons, anniversaries and proposals. Tell us the occasion and we plan the details.
| Shared | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Who's on board | Other travelers | Only your group |
| Best for | Couples and small groups on a budget | Honeymoons, celebrations, families |
| Extras | Drinks and snacks | Can add special meals or decorations, on request |
When Is the Best Time for a Sunset Dhow Cruise in Zanzibar?
Cruises run all year, boarding in the late afternoon, about an hour and a half before sunset; the time varies a little by season, and we confirm it when you book. The sea is usually calmest from October to March; June to September is dry but can be breezier.
In the rainy months, cruises may be shortened or rescheduled if the weather turns, and we keep an eye on the forecast for you.
How Much Does the Sunset Dhow Cruise Cost?
The sunset dhow cruise is priced as one of our guided Zanzibar excursion days: US$105 per person, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel; children pay half. Activities run by other vendors, such as jet skis, are paid separately unless they are named in your itinerary.
- The cruise
- Drinks and snacks
- Your guide
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel
Zanzibar requires every foreign visitor to buy the government's inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult with reduced rates for children; from October 1, 2026 mainland Tanzania has the same requirement. If your trip includes both, one policy is enough, bought for your first point of entry. We help guests buy it, or you can buy it on the official portal.
How to Combine the Dhow Cruise with Stone Town and Forodhani
Combine the cruise with a Stone Town walk and a trip to Prison Island earlier in the day, and finish at the Forodhani food market. See our itineraries.
After the cruise, walk up to Forodhani Gardens for street food, or book dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Stone Town.
What Is a Dhow?
Dhows are the traditional wooden sailing boats of the Swahili coast, built by hand for centuries and still used for fishing and trade. Their triangular lateen sail lets them sail close to the wind; on a sunset cruise the crew raises it as you leave the shore, and the only sounds are the wind and the water.
How to Photograph the Sunset from a Dhow
- Sit near the bow for clear views of Stone Town's waterfront
- Shoot the sail against the sunset for the classic dhow silhouette
- Bring a dry bag for your phone and camera
- Use a fast shutter: the boat moves even on calm water
How to Book a Sunset Dhow Cruise in Stone Town
Tell us your hotel, your date and the number of travelers (with children's ages), and we confirm the pickup time. A 30% deposit confirms your booking, and the balance is paid on arrival.
Common Questions About the Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise
How long is a sunset dhow cruise?
About two hours.
Can we book a private dhow?
Yes, for couples, families and special occasions.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes; children pay half.
Is a sunset dhow cruise suitable for children?
Yes: it is calm, short and close to shore. Children pay half price.
What should I wear on the dhow cruise?
Light clothes, a light layer for the breeze, and flat shoes for boarding.
How long is the sunset dhow cruise?
About two hours, from late afternoon until after sunset.
Can I book a private dhow for a proposal or anniversary?
Yes. Tell us when you book, and we arrange a private dhow for your group.
The Bottom Line
End a Stone Town day on the water: a traditional dhow, a drink and the sun setting over the old town.
Send us your dates, your hotel (or the area you'd like to stay in), the number of travelers and the trips you are interested in through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our team will reply with a written quotation.