East Coast Zanzibar

Paje Beach

Zanzibar's kitesurfing capital

World-class kitesurfingBeach bars and cafésDigital-nomad sceneBlue Lagoon and Kuza Cave nearbyCheap guesthouses to boutique hotels

About Paje Beach

Paje is the busiest, youngest beach on the island — a flat, shallow, turquoise lagoon that becomes a kitesurfing arena when the trade winds blow, backed by beach bars, coffee shops, yoga decks and co-working cafés. It is also the launch point for The Rock restaurant and the Blue Lagoon.

Best time to visit

Kite seasons: December–February (kaskazi) and June–September (kusi). Beach weather is best in the same windows.

Tide information

Extreme range. At low tide the lagoon empties for up to a kilometre — perfect for kite lessons and beach walks, no good for swimming. Check the tide table daily.

Things to do

Kitesurfing lessons and rentals
Blue Lagoon snorkelling
The Rock Restaurant lunch
Kuza Cave swim
Sunset horse riding
Jozani Forest half-day

Nearby hotels

· Zanzibar White Sand
· Kitete Beach Bungalows
· Cristal Resort
· Paje by Night
· Mr Kahawa

Nearby restaurants

· Mr Kahawa
· Paje by Night
· Kwetu Kitchen
· Zanzi Resort beach bar
· The Rock (by boat/foot)

Where it is

Getting around from Paje Beach

Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)

46 km ~73 min

Excursion stops on the way: Jozani Forest (red colobus) · Zanzibar Butterfly Centre

Stone Town

21 km ~33 min

Excursion stops on the way: Stone Town old quarter · Mangapwani Slave Caves

Nungwi (North)

63 km ~99 min

Excursion stops on the way: Mkokotoni fish market · Kidichi Persian Baths

Kiwengwa (Northeast)

49 km ~77 min

Excursion stops on the way: Spice farms (Kizimbani) · Kiwengwa Caves

Kizimkazi (South)

63 km ~99 min

Excursion stops on the way: Jozani Forest · Kizimkazi Dolphin Point

Distances and drive times are planning estimates for a private transfer; traffic in Stone Town can add 15–20 minutes.

Travel tips

Download a Zanzibar tide table — your day revolves around it here.
Beginner kite lessons are best in the shoulder wind months when the lagoon is less crowded.
Cash is king at the smaller beach bars.

Tours & excursions from Paje Beach

Every tour includes hotel pickup from this beach. Tell us where you are staying and we handle the rest.

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Frequently asked questions

Can you swim at Paje?

Only around high tide. At low tide the lagoon drains almost completely.

Is Paje good for beginners at kitesurfing?

It is one of the best beginner spots in the world — waist-deep, flat, warm water with many certified schools.