Zanzibar is a stunning island with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters making holidays to Zanzibar the perfect place for relaxation. The south-east coast is home to one of the finest beaches in the world, boasting an amazing coral reef that runs the length of the coast and is ideal for snorkelling and diving. In recent years this area has become very popular with kitesurfers as well with the best wind from November to March and then also in September and August.

There is so much to see and so in Zanzibar and Tanzania, but it can be quite a complex location to plan independently. Luckily Planet has vast experience in this part of the world and we are experts at constructing tailor-made itineraries to fit client interests, budget and time frame.

There is a good range of accommodation in Zanzibar from small boutique beach hotels to luxury resort and spa properties. Zanzibar is a great location for those looking for a combination of luxury and adventure!

There are around 30 dive sites for divers at all levels of experience and these can be dived day or night. From any of the hotels in the north, a pick up can be arranged that takes up to 30 minutes to the little town of Nungwi and boats depart from Nungwi to the following areas:

Mnemba Atoll: This marine protected area is one of the big names for diving in Zanzibar. An attractive off-shore spot with amazing underwater marine life. Reefs are home to a wide variety of animals, from the tiniest shrimp to huge turtles. Watch out for the dragon moray eel and the Djibouti Spanish dancer, the world's largest nudibranch. (full-day boat trip: normally 2 guided dives)

Tumbatu: Enjoy a 30-minute sail on a traditional dhow, quicker by speedboat, to the wonderful island of Tumbatu. The island is surrounded by a ring-shaped coral reef where you can dive or snorkel. You may see majestic turtles, giant groupers, morays, rays, dozens of colourful sea slugs, and much more... In season there is the chance of swimming with the giant whale sharks (half-day boat trip: normally 2 guided dives)

Local Dives: There are lots of dive sites for divers at all levels that can be reached between 5 and 30 minutes by dhow or speedboat. (half-day boat trip: normally 2 guided dives)

While you can reach the Mnemba Atoll on full day trips from the south-east coast most diving is done in the following areas:

Paje & Jambiani: twice daily diving excursions can be arranged to the outer coral reefs (weather dependent). Dive and snorkel Jambiani lagoon where seahorses and stingrays are the main attraction.

Dongwe & Bwejuu: diving here offers gentle reef dives right up to the more challenging Blue Wall for the adventurous diver.

Many of the evening activities revolve around sipping on a well deserved "sundowner" before indulging in some of the great local food cooked on an open barbeque underneath the stars or served in a stunning hotel restaurant. Needless to say, Zanzibar is not a destination for those seeking a lively club scene! There are lively nights but normally limited to the hotel and who happens to be in the resort at the time. Anticipate slow, relaxed evenings, within stunning surroundings.