15/07/2026
I almost asked for a refund at my beachfront resort in Zanzibar.
I booked it expecting crystal-clear turquoise water right outside my room.
Instead… the ocean had disappeared.
For a moment, I genuinely thought something was wrong.
Then I learned about Zanzibar’s dramatic tides.
The same beach can look completely different just a few hours later.
At high tide, you’ll see the turquoise waters Zanzibar is famous for.
At low tide, the ocean pulls back, revealing sandbanks, coral and long stretches of beach.
It wasn’t a bad resort.
It wasn’t misleading photos.
It was simply nature doing what it has always done in Zanzibar.
Understanding the tides before you visit can completely change your experience of the island.
Planning a trip to Zanzibar?
Tell me when you’re visiting, and I’ll help you choose the best beaches and experiences for your travel dates.
