Staying at Protels La Plage on Bwejuu Beach doesn't mean staying put. Zanzibar's east coast is a gateway to some of the most memorable experiences the island has to offer — here are the seven best.
One of the best things about basing yourself at Protels La Plage is the location. Bwejuu sits in the heart of Zanzibar's southeast coast, putting you within easy reach of world-class diving, rare wildlife, ancient forests, and some of the most beautiful stretches of Indian Ocean coastline anywhere in the world.
Whether you want to stay active from morning to night or simply pick one adventure and spend the rest of the week on the beach, here's what's waiting just outside your door.
1. Dolphin Watching at Kizimkazi
Kizimkazi is one of the few places in the world where you can reliably swim with wild spinner and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Boat trips leave early in the morning — the dolphins are most active at sunrise — and the experience of being in open water as a pod surfaces around you is genuinely unforgettable.
The resort's excursion team can arrange everything, including transport and a guide. Go early, bring a waterproof camera, and prepare to get in the water.
2. Scuba Diving on the East Coast Reefs
The Indian Ocean reefs off Zanzibar's east coast are among the most biodiverse in the region. You'll find hard and soft corals, turtles, moray eels, lionfish, and on a good day, whale sharks passing through the deeper water. Protels La Plage offers on-site diving with certified instructors and full equipment — making this one of the most accessible dive bases on the island.
Beginners can do a discover scuba session in shallow water before heading to the reef. Certified divers can go straight to the best sites. Either way, this is one of the highlights of any east coast Zanzibar trip.
3. Snorkelling the Reef at High Tide
You don't need to go far to see extraordinary marine life. At high tide, the reef just off Bwejuu Beach comes alive — sea turtles, colourful reef fish, starfish, and sea urchins are all within easy snorkelling distance of the shore. Equipment is available through the resort, and guided snorkelling trips take you to the best spots safely.
This is a great option for families with older children, or anyone who wants to experience the reef without committing to a full dive.
4. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Jozani is Zanzibar's only national park and one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences on the island. The park protects a large area of ancient coral rag forest and mangrove ecosystem, and it's home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey — a species found nowhere else on earth.
Guided walks take you through the forest where the monkeys come surprisingly close — close enough for excellent photos. The mangrove boardwalk is a highlight for anyone interested in coastal ecosystems. It's a genuinely excellent half-day trip that combines wildlife, nature, and local knowledge in a way that feels very different from a beach day.
Good to know
Entry fees support conservation of the red colobus monkey. Go in the morning for the best wildlife sightings — the monkeys are most active in cooler temperatures.
5. Sunset Dhow Cruise
A traditional Zanzibari dhow — a wooden sailing vessel that has been used along this coastline for centuries — is one of the most romantic ways to experience the Indian Ocean. Sunset cruises typically depart in the late afternoon, sail along the coastline as the sun drops towards the horizon, and return as the stars begin to appear.
Drinks on board, the sound of the water, and that Zanzibar sunset make this one of the most popular excursions for couples staying at the resort. It's easy to arrange through the front desk and well worth an evening of your stay.
6. Beach Yoga at Sunrise
Yoga on the beach at sunrise is one of those experiences that sounds like a cliché until you actually do it. On Bwejuu's east-facing coastline, the sun rises directly over the Indian Ocean — and practising on the sand as that light comes up, with the sound of the waves and the smell of the ocean, is something that stays with you long after the holiday ends.
Sessions are available through the resort and suitable for all levels. Even if you've never done yoga before, this is a beautiful way to start a day in Zanzibar.
7. Stone Town Cultural Day Trip
No trip to Zanzibar is complete without at least one day in Stone Town — the island's historic capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, carved wooden doors, Arab-influenced architecture, bustling markets, and the kind of layered history that takes days to fully absorb.
Highlights include the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, the Darajani Market, and the harbour front at sunset. Many visitors combine Stone Town with a spice farm tour on the way back — Zanzibar was historically the world's largest producer of cloves, and the tours are fascinating.
The resort can arrange full-day transfers and guided tours. It's a long day but one of the most enriching experiences available from Bwejuu.
Ready to experience all of this?
Protels La Plage is the ideal base for exploring Zanzibar's east coast — with an excursion team on-site to arrange everything from dolphin tours to dhow cruises.
Book Your Stay →