Kayaking tour in Zanzibar

Kayaking here is done in the clear shallow water inside the reef, and often through the mangrove channels, which is calmer and more interesting than open sea paddling.

Boats are stable sit-on-top kayaks, single or double, and no experience is needed. A guide paddles with the group. Some operators use clear-bottomed kayaks, which are worth asking for, since the water is shallow enough to watch fish underneath you the whole way.

Go early or late: the middle of the day is hot and the light is flat. Tides matter more than weather here, so the start time moves with the tide rather than the clock. Bring a hat, water, and a dry bag for a phone.