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Rating8.4Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
Rating8.0Hotel Riu Palace Swahili
Rating8.1Adults Only
Rating8.4
Rating8.0
Rating8.1Adults OnlyActivity program covers the standard all-inclusive range plus non-motorized water sports from Nungwi Beach. The calm, swimmable water year-round makes kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling genuinely accessible rather than tide-dependent. Diving is available at extra cost — Zanzibar's waters are consistently good for snorkeling and scuba. The RiuArt atelier is available for creative workshops.
One of four main pools. General guest use, standard loungers and umbrellas.
Second main pool — similar atmosphere to Pool 1. The split across four main pools means less overcrowding than resorts with a single central pool.
Third main pool. The activity team runs organized games in the pool designated for that purpose.
Fourth main pool. The variety across four pools lets guests find their preferred crowd level.
18+ only with in-pool bar service. The quietest and most relaxed pool zone. The obvious retreat from the family-oriented main pools.
Dedicated children's pool. Shallow and safe.
Small private pool within the spa area. The most tranquil aquatic space at the resort. Accessible during spa hours.
Nungwi's northern location means the water is swimmable year-round — this is the defining advantage over Zanzibar's eastern beaches where tidal exposure leaves shallow, non-swimmable conditions for hours twice daily. The sand is white, the water is clear Indian Ocean blue, and the snorkeling is accessible directly from the shore. Fishing boats (dhows) are moored near the village end of the beach — they're traditional and photogenic, but do take up some beach space. Loungers and umbrellas included for resort guests.
Included from Nungwi Beach. Year-round swimmable water makes this reliable regardless of season or tide.
Included. The calm northern waters make this accessible for beginners.
Pedal boat rentals. Included. A casual family activity.
Complimentary introductory pool session. Zanzibar's dive sites are excellent — if the pool session sparks interest, the paid open-water dives are worth prioritizing.
Included from the beach.
Organized and casual play on Nungwi Beach.
On-court volleyball on the resort grounds.
Included. Full fitness center.
Group fitness classes. Check daily schedule.
Pool-based fitness. Check schedule.
Supervised daily programming for 4–7 year olds. Free.
Supervised daily programming for 8–12 year olds. Free.
Outdoor play area for younger children.
Organized activities for children beyond the supervised kids' club.
Live performances in the resort theatre most evenings.
Regular live music in the bars and entertainment areas. The Bongo Flava lounge sometimes features local-influenced music.
Organized daytime activities run by the animation team. Check the daily schedule.
Evening shows and themed events.
The lounge bar's programming — the most culturally specific entertainment venue at the resort.
Extra charge. Zanzibar is a legitimate dive destination — the walls and reefs around the northern tip have good visibility and marine diversity. Worth prioritizing over a generic beach day.
Extra charge for guided snorkeling excursions beyond the complimentary beach equipment. The guided tours reach better reef areas.
Jet ski rentals. Extra charge.
Creative workshop sessions — painting and handcraft. Free. An alternative to pool and beach activities.
Extra charge. Zanzibar Stone Town (UNESCO-listed) and the spice plantations are the standout excursions. Both are worth doing on a stay of five nights or more. Arrange through concierge.