Ferry or Flight – The Big Question
If you’re heading from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, you have two main options:
- Zanzibar Ferry (operated by companies like Azam Marine & Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries)
- Domestic Flight (offered by airlines like Coastal Aviation, Precision Air, or Auric Air)
Both have pros and cons, so let’s compare them side-by-side.
Price Comparison
- Ferry: Economy Class tickets start at $35–$40 USD, VIP at $50–$55 USD, Royal at $60–$70 USD.
- Flight: Prices range from $60–$120 USD one-way, depending on the airline and season.
Winner for budget: Ferry
Travel Time
- Ferry: 1 hour 45 minutes sailing time + check-in (~1 hour before departure).
- Flight: ~20–30 minutes in the air, but check-in, boarding, and baggage claim can add 1–2 hours.
Winner for speed: Flight (but the time gap narrows when you include check-in and transfers).
Comfort & Experience
- Ferry: Spacious seating (especially VIP & Royal), panoramic sea views, snack bars, and a unique ocean journey.
- Flight: Comfortable seating in small planes, quick travel, but limited space and no scenic views of the ocean waves.
Winner for experience: Ferry – especially for first-time visitors.
Luggage Allowance
- Ferry: Generous baggage allowance (up to 25kg in most cases).
- Flight: Domestic airlines often allow only 15–20kg; excess baggage fees apply.
Winner: Ferry
Weather Impact
- Ferry: Can be delayed or canceled due to rough seas.
- Flight: Can be affected by strong winds or storms, but generally more reliable during bad weather.
Winner: Flight (slightly more dependable year-round).
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | Ferry | Flight |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ✅ Cheaper | ❌ More expensive |
| Speed | ❌ Slower | ✅ Faster |
| Comfort | ✅ Spacious VIP | ❌ Limited space |
| Luggage | ✅ More allowance | ❌ Less allowance |
| Scenic Views | ✅ Ocean scenery | ❌ Mostly clouds |
| Reliability | ❌ Weather delays | ✅ Slightly better |
Final Verdict
- Choose Ferry if you want the most affordable, scenic, and relaxing journey. Great for travelers with time to enjoy the trip and for those with luggage.
- Choose Flight if you need to save time and are okay with paying a bit more for convenience.
Book Your Ferry Today
Secure your seat from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar now:
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