Best beaches for swimming and laying around

We have plans to stay in Jambaini, but after reading all the reply about the low tide we are thinking about changing to another side of the Island since we only have four days and we don't want to sit around waiting for the tide every day to go swimming, so what are the other options besides [Nungwi which seems expensive and touristy]or is the tide in and out pretty quickly and we should not worry about it.

If we do end up in Nugwi we are also looking for a budget to mid-price pleace to stay Dec 19-24,

Thanks

I thought you had already decided to stick to Jambiani after all?
Anyway, the north and west (from Nungwi all the way down to Stonetown) usually has deep water all day long (different slope, I guess), while all the east coast beaches (from Matemwe to Makunduchi) have very gardual slopes, which means little or no water at low tide.
Tide in and out takes just over 12 hours (from one high tide to the next), usually swimming is ok about 1 or tow hours before and after hight. So you could be waiting for a long time if you are unlucky. Like I have said before, if swimming is your main priority and you are not interested in walking, cycling or simply lying on the beach, head north to Nungwi or Kendwa.

Nungwi should still have q few budget options (check Amaan Bungalows), Kendwa probably starts at about $40 for a double these day, if you are lucky. Christmas time is high season, so don't expect a real bargain, and good accomodation fills up quickly, so you should decide soon.