The Essential Guide to the Ferry from Dar to Zanzibar: Tickets & Tips

Taking the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar is a scenic, popular and affordable way to reach the archipelago.

Several companies (Azam Marine/Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries, ZanFast, Sea Express, etc.) run high-speed catamarans with comfortable seats and air-conditioning.

You’ll enjoy ocean views, free Wi-Fi and on-board amenities as you cross (~1¼–1½ hours).

Below we cover schedules, classes, booking tips, on-board experience, arrival info and top Zanzibar attractions – all formatted in short paragraphs and bullets for easy reading on mobile.

Schedule & Departure Times

Ferries sail about 4 times daily, with extra runs in peak season. Typical Dar→Zanzibar departures are:

• 07:00 (early morning) – ideal if you flew in overnight;

• 10:00 – 12:30 (midday) – a couple of mid-morning/early-afternoon sailings;

• 14:00 (last ferry) – last departure for most operators.

• (Sea Express also runs at 07:15 and 16:00 daily.)

Arrive at the Dar es Salaam Ferry Terminal early (ticket office opens ~05:45) to avoid lines.

Ferries leave promptly.

The voyage is smooth on fast catamarans, taking about 1h20–1h30.

Check operator websites or local agents (Azam Marine, Sea Express, ZanFast) the day before, as times can shift in poor weather.

Booking Tips

• Buy Official Tickets: Always purchase through official channels – the ferry company website, authorized kiosks or your hotel. Beware of street touts who may sell fake or overpriced tickets.

• Book Early: Ferries fill up quickly in high season. Book online or in advance (hotels can often do it for you). Last-minute tickets may be scarce, and no-shows usually get no refund. Note the cancellation policy – most ferries allow changes only if you give notice 2+ hours ahead.

• Be On Time: Terminal opens ~05:45 and boarding often begins well before departure. Aim to arrive ~30–45 minutes early to check in, especially if you have luggage.

• Luggage: You’re allowed about 25 kg per person. Extra bags incur fees. Bring only what you need to avoid hassles.

• Payment: Have some Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) on hand for taxi fares or snacks. While most fares are in USD for foreigners, inside Zanzibar few places take cards. ATMs exist in Stone Town (see insider tips).

Onboard Experience

Ferries are generally clean, modern and comfortable. Expect:

• Air-Conditioned Seating: Keeps you cool from the tropical sun. Comfortable padded seats in all classes.

• Panoramic Views: Many ferries have upper decks or large windows. You can also sit outside on some boats (short open-air decks) for fresh sea air.

• Wi-Fi & Power: Free Wi-Fi is often available, plus charging outlets for devices in all cabins.

• Beverages & Snacks: Tea, coffee or juice are provided (especially in higher classes). Food/coffee is sold on board but can be pricey. Feel free to bring your own snacks or a light meal.

• Entertainment: Some boats offer TV screens or a library of movies to pass the time.

• VIP Lounge: If you booked VIP/Royal class, you get access to a VIP lounge in the terminal before departure. This lounge has comfy chairs and complimentary snacks/drinks.

Overall the journey is smooth and you’ll likely see dolphins or passing vessels. Keep your camera ready for a sunrise or sunset view over the Indian Ocean!

Arrival – Zanzibar Ferry Terminal

You’ll dock at the Stone Town Ferry Terminal (on Malindi Road, Stone Town). Immigration is not required (Zanzibar is part of Tanzania), but officials may inspect tickets. Once ashore:

• Exit and Meet Drivers: Yellow-plate taxis (Zanzibar taxis) wait just outside. Avoid unmarked or white-plate cars – use only licensed taxis.

• ATM & Cash: If needed, the nearby KCB bank in Stone Town has a fee-free ATM. (Otherwise, major cash machines are in Stone Town or at the airport.) It’s wise to carry some TZS for local expenses.

• Getting Around: Many guesthouses in Stone Town are within walking distance of the port. For farther spots (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, etc.), pre-book a shared shuttle or taxi. The staff at the terminal or your hotel can arrange transfers. Taxis in Zanzibar accept TZS or USD (often at a fixed rate).

• Beware Scams: Don’t hand over your passport to strangers; only show it to officials. If a taxi driver or tout asks you to exchange your ticket or pay extra, insist on official procedures only.

What to Do in Zanzibar

Once on Zanzibar, you’re spoiled for choice. Top attractions near Stone Town include:

• Explore Historic Stone Town – Wander the winding alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage gem. Visit the old forts, spice markets, and carved wooden doors; try local street food and watch sunset at the pier.

• Spice Tour in Kizimbani – Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island.” Take a guided tour of aromatic spice plantations (cloves, ginger, cinnamon, etc.) and tropical fruit groves. It’s a fun, fragrant half-day tour to learn local life and sample exotic flavors.

• Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park – About 45 minutes from Stone Town lies Jozani Forest. It’s home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkeys (only place in Zanzibar to see them) and lush mangrove trails. Look for giant butterflies and lots of birds.

• Mnemba Island Atoll – Charter a boat from Nungwi or Matemwe to snorkel around Mnemba’s reef. This tiny private island (and its surrounding coral ring) teems with tropical fish, sea turtles and sometimes dolphins. (It’s one of the top scuba/snorkel sites in East Africa.)

• Beach Time – Nungwi and Kendwa in the north have beautiful white-sand beaches and calm water (great for swimming). Paje and Jambiani on the east coast are windsurfing and kitesurfing hotspots. Whatever you pick, Zanzibar’s beaches are postcard-perfect.

Ferry Comparison Table

Local Insider Tips

• Avoid Scams: Never buy tickets from touts on the street. Use only official counters or your hotel. Similarly, on arrival only use licensed yellow taxis (skip unmarked cars).

• Choose Your Seat: If prone to seasickness, sit midship (less rocking). Upper deck seats offer great views. In VIP/Royal you get front-row recliners. Expect some spray; wear layers or a light windbreaker on deck.

• Carry Snacks/Water: Snacks onboard cost extra. Bring a bottle of water and something to munch (it’s just ~1½ hours, but you’ll save a bit).

• Money-Saving: Pay in TZS locally when you can – USD often gets an unfavorable rate. Many beachfront vendors and local shops only take shillings. Be cautious of ATM fees; a KCB Bank ATM near Stone Town’s ferry terminal has no withdrawal fees.

• Stay Flexible: Ferry timings are usually reliable, but bad weather can delay departures. Keep some buffer time if you have onward plans. If your flight lands late, consider an extra night in Dar or first ferry the next day.

• Connectivity: Mobile internet is decent in Zanzibar. You can buy a cheap Airtel or Vodacom SIM at the Dar or ZNZ airports/shops for data – often not sold on the ferry itself.

• Health & Safety: The journey is safe, but bring sunscreen or a hat for sun on deck, and an anti-nausea patch if you’re prone to seasickness (though it’s generally a calm ride).

With these tips and info, your ferry trip should be smooth and enjoyable. Bon voyage and enjoy Zanzibar’s paradise