Romantic Sailing by Traditional Dhow
Drift along Zanzibar's turquoise waters aboard a handcrafted wooden dhow, guided by an experienced local crew, with refreshments on board and the island's coastline unfolding around you.
Zanzibar's Waters, The Old-Fashioned Way
The dhow has carried travellers and traders along the Swahili coast for centuries, and there is still no more graceful way to see Zanzibar's coastline than from the deck of one. Haven Trails arranges a private sail aboard a traditional wooden dhow, complete with an experienced local skipper and crew.
Settle onto cushioned seating on deck as the sail catches the wind, with cool drinks and light snacks on board, and watch the island's beaches, reefs and fishing villages pass by at an unhurried, entirely private pace.
Wind, Water and Nothing Else
Your dhow and its crew meet you at a quiet jetty or beach launch point at your chosen time, sunset being the most popular, and you're welcomed aboard with a cool drink before setting sail along the coastline.
Your skipper adjusts the route and pace to your preference, with the option to anchor for a swim in calm, clear water partway through, before continuing on as the light changes and the island's shoreline glows in the late afternoon sun.
Sailing Timeline
1
Welcome Aboard
Meet your skipper and crew at a quiet launch point, settle into cushioned deck seating and enjoy a welcome drink as you set sail.
2
Sailing the Coastline
Glide along the coast under sail, passing beaches, reefs and small fishing villages, with your crew adjusting the route to your interests.
3
Optional Swim Stop
If you'd like, your crew anchors in a calm, clear spot for a swim before continuing the sail toward sunset.
4
Sunset & Return
Enjoy the changing light as the sun sets over the water, before sailing back to shore as the sky darkens.
Included & Excluded
- Private traditional dhow and experienced crew
- Onboard drinks and light snacks
- Cushioned deck seating
- Optional swim stop
- Life jackets and safety briefing
- 24/7 Haven Trails ground support
- Alcoholic beverages (available on request)
- Photography (available on request)
- Snorkelling equipment (available on request)
- Gratuities for crew
Why Haven Trails Adventures
Based in Moshi, Tanzania, not a booking platform abroad. We work directly with experienced local dhow crews who know these waters well.
Our dhow crews have sailed these coastal waters for years and know the calmest, most scenic routes for a relaxed private cruise.
Timing, route and refreshments can all be adjusted around your preference, from a quiet afternoon sail to a full sunset cruise.
A Haven Trails ground team is reachable throughout your Zanzibar stay for any last-minute change, question or unexpected situation.
Haven Trails prioritises locally-owned boat crews and operators. A portion of every booking supports community tourism initiatives on the island.
No hidden extras, no last-minute upsells. What you see at booking is what you pay, with clear notes on optional add-ons such as snorkelling gear.