Cruise Plan

ZANZIBARSAIL has a few different cruises to offer, according to the length of the cruise, the season, the composition of the group, etc... The cruise plan will always include the most beautiful islands, diving areas and local sights and it can be modified to meet the guests' wishes. In this case the skipper, dive instructor and local crew, who live there, will of course help you with their knowledge about the islands and try to plan the best tour for all guests. The amount of days of sailing and the numbers of dives will be decided according to conditions and your wishes.

Here is an example that shows what a 10 days sailing and diving cruise in the most beautiful district of East Africa can be like:

1. Day:
Welcoming on board, discussion about the cruise, settlement on board and resting on the nice white beach in Nungwi
(Zanzibar, north coast, 11/2 hour drive from the airport).

         

2. Day:
We sail towards Pemba and admire some big shoals of spinner dolphins playing around the yacht. We also have the fishing line out during the crossing and catch a nice yellow fin tuna, that is ready to eat as sashimi half an hour later. After a wonderful day of sailing, we anchor in one of the many virgin bays of south Pemba and we allow ourselves a jump in the water and a nice meal.

3. Day:
In Pemba, we start the diving in the beautiful Uvinji Gap (one or two dives), while the non-divers go ashore for an excursion to the clove plantations that you can already smell when we head for Chake Chake.  Back on board we enjoy a sun downer and the magnificent impression that this paradise bay offers us.

4. Day:
Today we navigate along the coral reefs and small lonesome islands towards Njao Gap in the north of Pemba and the divers can do one or two dives from there. We can also take a walk in the Ngezy rain forest and visit the small fishing village, Mkia ya Ngombe (tail of the cow) with one of the local crew.

5. Day:
The divers wish to do more dives and some of the non-divers are suddenly curious and want to do a try dive. So we decide to stay one more day in this really quiet bay and allow the other people to rest and enjoy.

6. Day:
We lift the anchor in the morning and sail towards Misali island, which is a marine park. The coral island is surrounded by beautiful and untouched reefs, the white sand beaches, attract pregnant turtles and in the right season, we might see the baby ones hatching and hurrying to the sea. On the way we catch a giant trevally which we cook on a wood fire on the lonesome beach under the stars.

7. Day:
Today we sail back to Zanzibar, towards Mnemba Atoll. The wind is pushing us gently and we drop the anchor in the turquoise water. We are lucky and are able to enjoy sunset in the west whilst the moon rises in the east.

8. Day:
Today we dedicate ourselves to diving and snorkelling along the rich reefs of Mnemba, reknown for its many turtles, and hope for a whale shark. At midday, bottlenose dolphins decide to come and play with us, we all jump in the water with mask and fins and enjoy...In the afternoon, we navigate towards Nungwi that we reach in the night. The bright starry sky reveals the Scorpio and Southern Cross, the only sounds are the splashing of the water on the bow and the wind in the sails.

9. Day:
We are going to take part to the famous Spice Tour and learn about how cardamom or pepper grow and are prepared for consumption. In the evening, we enjoy a typical meal in the old part of city and Forodhani Park. Many small delicacies are prepared and offered here under the open sky.

10. Day:
 Divers can enjoy their last underwater impressions, while the others make a trip to Jozani forest and discover the red Colobus monkeys.