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Prison Island Tour

Prison Island Tour

Stone Town

Duration

2 hours

Tour Type

Private

Overview

Visit Prison Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises and fascinating history. Explore the old prison ruins and learn about the island’s past in a small museum. In the tortoise sanctuary you can see the fascinating animals up close.

Highlights

Explore the beautiful island

See giant Aldabra tortoises

Visit the Prison Island Museum

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Secure Payment

Free Cancellation

Itinerary

1

09:00 AM

Hotel Pickup

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and bring you to Stone Town. Enjoy the scenic drive through the island's landscapes.

2

10:30 AM

Boat Ride

Board your private boat in Stone Town and enjoy the boat ride to Prison Island.

3

11:00 AM

Prison Island

Explore Prison Island with your guide.

4

12:30 PM

Back to Stone Town

Our boat will take you back to Stone Town safely. Enjoy the scenic views of Prison Island and Zanzibar's coastline during the ride.

5

01:00 PM

Hotel Transfer

Your driver will comfortably bring you back to your hotel.

6

02:30 PM

Arrive at the hotel

Return to your hotel with a heart full of memories.

What's Included

Private boat

Professional guide

Fresh tropical fruits

All entrance fees & taxes

Not Included

Personal expenses

Tips and gratuities

Additional beverages

Photo Gallery

Traveler Reviews

"I booked the excursion to Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach as a surprise for my brother and his wife on their honeymoon. It was incredible! They made it very easy for me to arrange the surprise from..."

SM

Silvia MR

October 2025

"We had 36hrs in Zanzibar and booked two private tours with Rafiki Tours - a short walking tour of Stone Town and the Nakupenda/Prison Island Tour. All logistics were smooth and communication with the..."

LW

Leila Whitworth

September 2025

"We booked the two days experience wonders of the north. First day we swam with dolphins, did snorkelling, spent more than one hour on a paradisiac sandbank and had lunch on the beach before visiting t..."

MP

Matilde Pighi

November 2025

"These were unforgettable excursions. We visited Member Island, Nakupenda Island, Stone Town, Prison Island, Blue Lagoon, Pungume Island, and Salaam Cave with Rafiki Tours. They were always attentive t..."

J

Julia

June 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is a small island just off the coast of Stone Town. Despite its name, it was never actually used as a prison. It was originally intended as a detention facility but was later converted into a quarantine station. Today it's best known for its sanctuary of giant Aldabra tortoises and a small museum about the island's history.
Yes. The tortoises in the sanctuary are very friendly and used to visitors. You can get up close and even feed them. Your guide will show you how to interact with them safely and respectfully.
The boat departs from Stone Town and the ride takes approximately 20–25 minutes each way.
We recommend bringing sandals or flip flops, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Swim wear and a towel are a good idea too if you'd like a quick swim at the island.
Absolutely. Kids love meeting the giant tortoises up close - it's one of the most child-friendly tours we offer. Children aged 3–7 can join at a reduced rate.
Yes! We offer popular combo options — you can add a Stone Town Walking Tour beforehand or combine it with a visit to Nakupenda Sandbank for a longer day out. Both combos come at a discounted price.
While the tour focuses on the tortoises, museum, and island exploration, there is a small beach where you can take a quick swim if time allows. If you're looking for a full beach and snorkeling experience, we recommend adding the Nakupenda Sandbank combo.
Safety comes first. If sea conditions are too rough, we'll offer you the choice to reschedule to another day or receive a full refund.
Tips are not included in the tour price but are always appreciated by your guide and boat crew if you enjoyed the experience.
Safety comes first. We always check the weather forecast the evening before and if conditions are too rough, we'll offer you the choice to reschedule to another day or receive a full refund. Please note that weather on Zanzibar can change quickly, so on rare occasions conditions may shift once a tour is already underway.
The remaining 80% can be paid after the tour in cash (we accept euros, dollars and tanzanian shillings with their respective rates) or by card in advance (+5% fee). If you would like to pay by card please let us know the day before the tour. Alternatively, you can pay the full amount by card when booking without any fees.

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