Zanzibar isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you feel. With its dreamy beaches, palm-lined villages, and spice-scented air, it sets the perfect tone for love to bloom, rekindle, or deepen. Whether you’re planning a couples’ vacation, celebrating your honeymoon, or simply escaping the everyday for something extraordinary, this island delivers the kind of romance you didn’t know you needed.
In this guide, we uncover 17 romantic things to do in Zanzibar for couples looking for more than just a tropical getaway. Expect private experiences, cultural discoveries, sensual adventures, and moments that just might change your relationship forever.
Sail into the Sunset on a Traditional Dhow
One of the most iconic experiences for couples in Zanzibar is a sunset dhow cruise. As the Indian Ocean begins to shimmer with the fading sun, you and your partner can recline on cushions aboard a hand-carved dhow—champagne in hand, Swahili tunes in the background, the sky ablaze in orange and crimson.
Departures from Stone Town offer incredible silhouettes of the city’s skyline, while cruises from Nungwi and Kendwa let you sail past quiet beaches and fishing villages. Most resorts can book a private cruise just for two. For a next-level experience, have the crew arrange a surprise message in a bottle or a mini proposal setup.
It’s timeless, cinematic, and tailor-made for couples looking to float between sea and sky.
Beach Picnic on a Secluded Sandbank
Forget crowded beach clubs—Zanzibar’s best romantic beaches disappear with the tide. Welcome to the sandbanks: small strips of powder-white sand surrounded by nothing but turquoise water, ideal for couples who want complete privacy.
Take a boat from Stone Town to Nakupenda, Pange, or Miamembe, where a local guide will set up a shaded canopy, cushions, a seafood platter, and fresh tropical juice—or better yet, a bottle of bubbly. Some tours even offer snorkeling gear, so you can alternate between lounging and exploring the surrounding coral gardens.
With the waves gently lapping, the sun on your skin, and no one else for miles, it’s an intimate escape that will feel like your own private island.
Explore Stone Town Hand-in-Hand
Stone Town is romance wrapped in coral stone and carved wood. This UNESCO-listed old quarter is a maze of narrow streets, where lovers can get wonderfully lost. The sensory overload is part of the charm: the scent of cardamom and grilled seafood, the soft echo of the call to prayer, the rustling of textiles at a bustling market.
Start your journey at Darajani Market, wind your way past ancient Swahili doorways, and stop for a fresh sugarcane juice at a street-side cart. Along the way, visit the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, or pause to take in the carved “Doors of Love”—a legendary spot where couples leave whispered wishes.
Later, head to one of the town’s rooftop restaurants—like Emerson on Hurumzi or Upendo House—for cocktails at sunset, complete with panoramic views and live taarab music.
Romantic Dinner on the Beach
Few things say “Zanzibar couples’ holiday” like a romantic beachfront dinner under the stars. Many resorts offer private candlelit setups on the sand, complete with tiki torches, personal butlers, and customized menus.
For something extraordinary, book a table at The Rock Restaurant in Michamvi. It sits perched on a lone coral outcrop, surrounded by the sea. At high tide, you’ll arrive by boat. At low tide, you’ll wade through shallow water, hand in hand. The views? Insane. The seafood? Even better.
Other great options for beach dining include Pongwe Beach Hotel, Tulia Zanzibar, and Kendwa Rocks—each known for its laid-back luxury and peaceful setting.
Spice Tour with a Sensual Twist
You didn’t think a tour of Zanzibar’s spice farms would make a romantic list? Think again.
These lush green plantations—found throughout the island’s interior—offer guided tours where you can taste, touch, and smell your way through cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, and more. Your guide will create handmade jewelry and crowns from palm leaves and hibiscus flowers, which couples often wear for impromptu photos.
What makes this flirty? The experience turns sensory fast—tasting exotic fruit, rubbing clove oil into each other’s hands, inhaling heady scents. Many farms sell natural spice oils that double as massage oils, so you can continue the experience later in private.
Sunset Yoga or Meditation for Two
For couples who believe romance is also about presence, stillness, and breath, a sunset yoga session is a deeply intimate way to connect. Several resorts in Matemwe, Pingwe, and Paje offer beachfront yoga platforms or garden decks with instructors specializing in couple-based flows.
Even if you’re not seasoned yogis, the setting makes it worthwhile: waves crashing nearby, the scent of frangipani in the air, and the sky slowly turning molten above you.
Some retreats offer private guided meditations with a focus on emotional connection, mindful touch, and synchronizing breath. It’s not just wellness—it’s romance with intention.
Dive into Love: Snorkeling or Scuba for Two
The Indian Ocean is home to some of the most vivid marine life in East Africa, and exploring it together is a bonding experience like no other. For couples who crave a little adventure, snorkeling or diving off Zanzibar’s coast is a must.
Top spots include Mnemba Atoll, Chumbe Island, and the coral reefs off Nungwi. Expect clownfish, angelfish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins or reef sharks. Book a private half-day charter with gear and guide, and spend the day gliding through warm, clear water.
If you’re new to diving, many centers offer PADI Discover Scuba packages. Holding hands underwater? Surprisingly romantic.
Couple’s Spa Day with Ocean Views
Zanzibar knows how to pamper, and the island’s top resorts offer spa experiences designed just for couples. Choose from beachfront treatment rooms, jungle-inspired cabanas, or stone-walled sanctuaries with open ceilings and views of the ocean.
At Zuri Zanzibar, Baraza Resort, or Xanadu Villas, you can indulge in side-by-side massages, clove oil facials, petal baths, and post-treatment champagne served on a private deck. Some resorts offer multi-day spa journeys tailored for honeymoons or anniversaries.
This isn’t just relaxation—it’s ritual, romance, and renewal in one.
Swim with Dolphins in Kizimkazi (The Ethical Way)
Few experiences rival the wonder of swimming with wild dolphins—and Zanzibar delivers. Off the coast of Kizimkazi, in the island’s southern reaches, small pods of bottlenose and humpback dolphins cruise the warm shallows.
Choose a responsible operator—those who avoid chasing pods or overcrowding the animals—and head out early in the morning. With snorkel gear and some luck, you and your partner may find yourselves floating alongside these graceful creatures, silently watching as they glide by beneath the waves.
It’s not a zoo, and there are no guarantees—but when it happens, it’s magic. A memory for life. (For a complete guide on choosing ethical dolphin tours, see our Kizimkazi dolphin guide)
Visit Jozani Forest: Nature, Monkeys, and Quiet Moments
Trade the salt and sand for dappled forest trails and fresh green air. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is home to Zanzibar’s last remaining indigenous forest—and one of the most peaceful day trips you can take as a couple.
Walk hand-in-hand under ancient mahogany trees, spot rare red colobus monkeys, and pause on the boardwalks that stretch across the mangrove swamps. It’s a serene, grounding contrast to the beach—and a beautiful setting for shared discovery and quiet conversation.
You don’t need to be a nature buff to appreciate Jozani’s subtle magic. All you need is time to slow down together.
Romantic Beach Horseback Ride at Sunset
Want a literal fairytale moment? Head to Nungwi or Paje, where local stables offer romantic beach rides for two. With the tide receding, the sun lowering, and waves brushing your horse’s hooves, it’s a cinematic experience that’s hard to beat.
Guides cater to beginners and experienced riders alike, with photo packages available for those who want to document their coastal gallop. It’s ideal for proposals, anniversaries—or just for making your partner’s jaw drop.
Some outfits even offer horseback swims, where the horses enter shallow turquoise waters with riders aboard. Just bring your swimwear and your sense of wonder.
Cooking Class for Two: Flavors and Fun
Cooking together is a bonding experience—and in Zanzibar, it comes with firewood stoves, stone kitchens, and recipes passed down through generations.
Book a private couple’s cooking class in Stone Town or Paje, where a local chef will walk you through the preparation of Swahili dishes like prawn coconut curry, vegetarian pilau, and mandazi (Swahili doughnuts). Many classes start with a guided market visit for ingredients, adding cultural depth to the experience.
Once the cooking’s done, you’ll sit down to enjoy the meal you made—ideally outdoors, under the palms. And when you recreate it back home, it’ll taste like memory.
Sleep Under the Stars in an Open-Air Suite
Some boutique hotels in Zanzibar offer open-roof or fully open-air suites designed for maximum intimacy and romance. Imagine a four-poster bed draped in mosquito netting, a private plunge pool nearby, and nothing but stars above you.
At Matemwe Retreat, Zanzi Resort, and Tulia Zanzibar, suites are carefully oriented for privacy, sea breeze, and perfect views of the moonlit ocean. Wake up with the sun peeking over the water—or sleep in as the waves become a lullaby.
Add a room-service breakfast and an oceanfront bath, and you’ve created a love nest you’ll never want to leave.
Rooftop Cocktails and Swahili Jazz in Stone Town
After a day of exploring or relaxing, Stone Town comes alive in its own quiet, melodic way. Rooftop bars like 6 Degrees South, Emerson on Hurumzi, and Upendo House host live jazz or traditional taarab music under the stars.
Sit close. Order something tropical. Watch the city lights twinkle as a gentle wind flutters through the curtains. If the moment feels cinematic, that’s because it is.
It’s the kind of soft, elegant evening that balances the bolder adventures with something more soulful.
Love Locks and Traditions of Your Own
Zanzibar doesn’t have a Pont des Arts or a famous “love bridge,” but couples have started their own rituals here. At Forodhani Gardens, you’ll sometimes see keepsakes tucked into the garden wall. Some write their names in the sand at Nakupenda and take a photo before the tide washes it away.
Start your own ritual. Bring a small token and bury it in a beach you’ll return to. Leave a note in a Stone Town bookstore. Buy matching rings from a local artisan. Travel traditions become relationship traditions—and Zanzibar is the perfect place to begin one.
Stay Somewhere That Sparks Romance
Where you sleep matters. And in Zanzibar, the options for romantic stays are as rich as the island’s spice markets. Here are some standouts for couples:
Tulia Zanzibar
An adults-only boutique resort with private bungalows, lush gardens, and free daily spa treatments. Secluded, upscale, and ideal for honeymoons.
Zanzi Resort
On the northwest coast near Bububu, this intimate escape offers large, private villas with plunge pools, ocean access, and full butler service. It’s quiet. It’s exclusive. It’s heaven.
Xanadu Villas
Located in Dongwe, these individually designed villas come with private chefs and pools. The architectural design alone is a work of art, and the service is entirely bespoke.
Emerson Spice
For history-loving couples, this restored mansion in Stone Town is dripping with charm. It’s not beachfront, but its rooftop restaurant and antique-filled rooms deliver a different kind of romance.
Kisiwa on the Beach
In vibrant Paje, this resort offers the perfect balance between beachfront luxury and easy access to activities like kitesurfing, yoga, and nightlife—great for younger couples or those who like a mix of peace and play.
Final Touches: Little Things That Make a Big Difference
The most romantic couples’ vacations aren’t just made up of bucket-list experiences or picture-perfect sunsets. They’re defined by the small, unexpected gestures—those intimate, heartfelt moments that don’t appear in any itinerary, but linger long after the trip ends.
Before your trip, consider writing a secret love note and handing it off to your hotel staff with a quiet request: have it placed on your partner’s pillow on your first night. It’s a simple gesture, but in a setting like Zanzibar, it lands with surprising weight. A few handwritten words in an unfamiliar place can set the tone for something unforgettable.
One morning, without telling your partner in advance, plan a sunrise walk along the beach. Pack a thermos of spiced Swahili tea, grab a blanket, and head out before the sky changes color. You’ll likely have the shoreline to yourselves, the tide pulling gently at your ankles and the breeze still cool with night air.
Later in the day, while your partner is getting ready for dinner, send them a short voice message—something playful, or maybe nostalgic, recalling a favorite shared travel memory. These little reminders, delivered unexpectedly, often land deeper than grand proclamations.
When wandering through the vibrant markets of Stone Town, look for something to gift them—something handmade and meaningful. A woven bag, a hand-carved pendant, a beaded bracelet made by a local artisan. It’s not the value of the item, but the thought, the story, and the place behind it that will turn it into a keepsake.
And finally, if your resort allows it, take a spontaneous midnight swim. The Indian Ocean stays warm long after the sun goes down, and under a clear Zanzibar sky, with the moon reflecting off the water, the experience can feel surreal—almost cinematic. You don’t need words in moments like that. Just trust the electricity in the air.
In Zanzibar, these small gestures resonate more deeply. The slower pace, the sense of place, and the detachment from the rush of daily life make every shared moment feel like it matters just a little more.
Couple Travel Tips for Your Zanzibar Vacation
If you’re planning a romantic holiday or honeymoon in Zanzibar, it helps to plan just enough to avoid stress—without squeezing the spontaneity out of the trip.
Timing matters. Zanzibar’s dry season, from June to October, offers picture-perfect weather and cool breezes. December through February brings sunshine and heat, ideal for snorkeling and dolphin spotting. If you don’t mind a bit of rain, April and May are less crowded and offer the best off-season rates—just be prepared for the occasional downpour.
When building your itinerary, mix adventure with downtime. Plan a few major experiences—like a sandbank picnic, a forest hike, or a day on a traditional dhow—but leave space for rest, discovery, and lazy mornings. Sometimes it’s the unscheduled, meandering moments that bring you closest together.
Be culturally aware. Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island. While resorts and tourist areas are liberal, it’s respectful to dress modestly when visiting towns or villages. Public affection should be kept subtle—not because love is unwelcome, but because awareness is part of being a thoughtful guest. And honestly, there’s something even more powerful about expressing intimacy quietly, with intention.
If you’re visiting during the high season, book your romantic extras early. Private dinners, spa sessions, and exclusive excursions can fill up fast—especially at boutique resorts. Securing your bookings in advance gives you peace of mind and keeps the focus where it should be: on your time together.
Bonus: Extend Your Romantic Getaway Beyond Zanzibar
For couples with time to spare—and a craving for more—you can easily extend your romantic escape beyond Zanzibar and explore more of East Africa’s most beautiful, love-friendly destinations.
North of Zanzibar, Lamu Island in Kenya offers a dreamy, slow-living counterpart to Stone Town. With its car-free alleys, centuries-old Swahili architecture, dhow sails dotting the sea, and rooftop dinners under lanterns, Lamu is a natural next chapter for couples in search of old-world charm.
For a completely different kind of wonder, consider flying west to mainland Tanzania and embarking on a safari in the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park. Wake up in a luxury tented lodge, watch elephants and giraffes from your veranda, and toast the day with a glass of wine as lions roar in the distance. Some lodges even offer couples’ hot-air balloon safaris at dawn—a wild, surreal contrast to beach life.
Whether you’re extending your trip by days or weeks, East Africa offers no shortage of places to fall in love—again and again.
Zanzibar: The Island Where Romance Lives
At the end of it all, Zanzibar isn’t just a romantic destination—it’s a mirror. It reflects back what you bring to it: desire, curiosity, vulnerability, joy. It meets couples exactly where they are and gives them room to grow together.
For some, love in Zanzibar looks like sailing into the sunset on a dhow, the water quiet beneath the hull. For others, it’s walking side by side through a forest with no words, just breath and birdsong. Or cooking a shared meal over a charcoal stove. Or dancing on the beach to music only you can hear. Or just watching the tide roll in and out, fingers touching in the sand.
This is where honeymoons are written like poetry. Where anniversaries are celebrated with meaning. Where long-term partners find something new, and new couples feel like they’ve known each other for years.
So if you’re planning a couples trip or romantic holiday that’s rich with story, soul, and connection—Zanzibar is ready to receive you.
It doesn’t matter if it’s your first vacation together or your fiftieth.
Here, every day feels like the start of a love story.
