Tanzania · Beach & Island

4-Hour Prison Island Tour from Stone Town with Giant Tortoises

4 Hours Round trip from Changu Island Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the historic prison ruins on Changuu Island
  • 02 Meet and feed giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old
  • 03 Learn about the island's fascinating past as a prison and quarantine site
  • 04 Relax on the white sandy beach
  • 05 Swim or snorkel in the turquoise waters around the island
  • 06 Enjoy a scenic boat ride from Stone Town

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is a short boat ride from Stone Town. This tour offers a mix of history, nature, and relaxation, with time to explore the island's old prison ruins, meet giant Aldabra tortoises, and enjoy swimming or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.

This tour offers a mix of history, nature, and relaxation, with time to explore the island's old prison ruins, meet giant Aldabra tortoises, and enjoy swimming or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Zanzibar, Changuu
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Prison Island Tour from Stone Town

Prison Island Tour Itinerary (4 Hours)

Pickup Time: 8:00 AM

Drop-off Time: 1:00 PM

8:00 AM: Hotel pickup and transfer to Stone Town.

Meet your guide at the hotel.

Short briefing about the tour.

Transfer to Stone Town for the boat departure point.

9:30 AM: Boat ride to Prison Island.

Enjoy a scenic 25-minute boat ride across turquoise waters.

Capture photos of the beautiful coastline of Stone Town.

10:00 AM: Arrival and Giant Tortoise Sanctuary visit.

Meet the giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old.

Learn about their history and conservation efforts.

Enjoy photo opportunities and interact with the tortoises.

11:00 AM: Historical prison building tour.

Explore the old prison ruins built in the 1890s.

Learn about the island's history as a quarantine and prison site.

Hear stories from your local guide about its transformation into a tourist attraction.

11:30 AM: Relaxation and swimming time.

Enjoy free time swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing on the white sandy beach.

Optional snorkeling gear rental is available.

12:30 PM: Return boat ride to Stone Town.

Relax and enjoy the sea breeze on the return journey.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Changu Island 2 cities · 4 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transfers
  • Boat
  • Entrance fees
  • Food
  • Drinks
  • Fresh fruits
  • Tour guide

What's Not Included

Personal expenses

What to bring

  • Swimwear and towel
  • Sun hat and sunscreen
  • Comfortable sandals
  • Camera

Know before you go

  • Tour duration is about 4-5 hours.
  • The island is home to giant tortoises and historic prison ruins.
  • Accessibility is limited due to uneven paths, and the tour is not fully wheelchair friendly.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Tour start
Changu Island, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 hours finish where they began, in Changu Island.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 140 /group
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total