Fishing & Sailing in Tanzania

If you like the idea of setting out on calm turquoise waters, fishing off Zanzibar’s shore or sailing past Mafia Island’s coral reefs, Tanzania’s coast is where you want to be.

Forget crowded marinas , many boats here are traditional dhows or modest fishing vessels, and that’s part of the charm. Early morning at Kigamboni in Dar es Salaam is something special. The fishermen haul in their catch, and you can often join them or hire a boat to try your hand at handlining or trolling. The best time for big game fishing like marlin or sailfish is usually between November and March, but you’ll find smaller game and tasty reef fish nearly year-round.

Sailing around Mnemba Atoll near Zanzibar is a dream, and if you manage to snag a spot on a sailing trip, you’ll see places few tourists do. Keep your eye out for sea turtles and dolphins. A smart tip: bring a light jacket for morning breezes and don’t rely too much on schedules , things run by the tides and winds here. Oh, and don’t skip the Swahili seafood once you’re back on shore. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to book another day on the water.