Zanzibar
Surfing
Surf Zanzibar in a unique way with us and enjoy the gorgeous indian ocean waves on a great island.
Zanzibar has never been one of the top 10 surf holiday destinations and doubtful it ever be. That is basically due to the african continent being in the way of any major southern swells. But ... What a surf holiday in Zanzibar does have tho, is gorgeous warm crystal clear waters and a consistent waist high wave along the barrier reef, along with a great lifestyle and many other water sport activtities to choose from. The reef in Zanzibar is not as gnarly as some other tropical islands surf spots. Its generally flat and rocky and can be home to many sea urchins (spiky crustations you don't want to stand on). Dolphins and turtles are seen regularly along the coastline and often join you for a surf session. Local fisherman often gather and watch the first surfers in Zanzibar as we discover new spots all around the island.
During the december to april season we do get anti- cyclones in the indian ocean which can send some proper ground swell our way, and that's when all sorts of surf spots start working. Throw in an offshore day and we have breaks where u can trade stand up barrels with only a handful of surfers out.
Zanzibar is quite chancy for waves, so the knowledge of where to go is an essential. Swell and wind direction are vital to get any form of decent wave to surf as well as tides and moon faze. Different sections on the reef break on different conditions and some are really worth the boat trip out. We have found a sandy surf spot on the reef with smaller waves for beginners and intermediate surfers where we run our surf lessons: "Dongwe Doghnuts". This spot is great for learning as we can stand up with only sand beneath us. Dongwe Doghnuts also has an outside section where bigger sets break for more advanced surfers. This wave walls up and races down the reef and offers great technical surfing with more power than other spots along the reef.
Surf lessons normally start after 9 am and are timed to the pushing mid tide to get this wave working at its best. A covered fiberglass boat picks you up from the beach and heads down the channel towards the surf spot. Depending on conditions, either a snorkel in the channel or surf lessons before lunch.
Surf Zanzibar waves on a choice of retro boards from a 5'10 singlefin from Indo to a oldschool retro twin fin. 8 foot beginner surf boards are on hand for the surf lessons and intermediate surfers. Pineapple and bananas with fresh water are all in a boat and are always close by. After 3-4 hours on the water you take the trip back. Nothing beats a good surf in Zanzibar like finishing it off with fresh cocktails in a chilled little bar over sunset with mates. Pack your suncreme and paddle out with us into the best place in Zanzibar. Click this link to bounce back to the overview of activities.
