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
Combine Your Tour
Combine this tour with another for a special price
Adults
Ages 8+Children
Ages 3–72
0
Stone Town Walking Tour
+2 hours
Explore the winding alleys of historic Stone Town before setting sail to the legendary Prison Island.
€15.00+€9.80/adultSave 35%
Nakupenda Sandbank Tour
+3-4 hours
Combine Prison Island & Nakupenda Beach to see giant tortoises and relax on a stunning sandbank.
€36.00+€18.80/adultSave 48%
Book your tour
Guests
AdultsAges 8+
2
ChildrenAges 3–7
0
InfantsAges 0–2
Free0
We can pick you up from any hotel in Stone Town
2 Adults x €50.00€100.00
Pickup surchargeIncluded
Total€100.00
Due today (20% deposit)€20.00
Best Price Guarantee
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
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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