6-Hour Zanzibar Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank Tour

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Walk among the Aldabra giant tortoises on Prison Island
• 02 Hear Prison Island's history from a local guide
• 03 Swim and snorkel at Nakupenda Sandbank's white-sand shallows
• 04 Enjoy a seafood lunch with tropical fruit on the sandbank

This day on the water combines two classic trips from Stone Town: the giant tortoises of Prison Island and the Nakupenda sandbank. Start on Prison Island with the Aldabra giant tortoises and the island's history, then continue by boat to Nakupenda, a tidal sandbank of white sand and clear water. Enjoy a seafood lunch cooked on the sandbank with tropical fruit, with time to swim and snorkel before returning in the afternoon. Hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat, snorkelling equipment, lunch, and all government and conservation fees are included.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

City Zanzibar

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Prison Island Tortoises and Nakupenda Sandbank Escape

Pickup from your hotel and transfer to the Forodhani seafront in Stone Town, where the boat departs.

At Prison Island, walk among the Aldabra giant tortoises, feed them, and hear the island's history from a local guide.

Then cross to Nakupenda, a sandbank of white sand that surfaces at low tide. Swim and snorkel with the equipment provided.

Enjoy a seafood lunch cooked on the sandbank, served with tropical fruit.

In the afternoon, return by boat to Stone Town and transfer back to your hotel. The experience lasts about 6 hours in total.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Local boat and guide
• Snorkelling equipment
• Seafood lunch and tropical fruit
• All government and conservation fees

What's Not Included

• Drinks beyond those served with lunch
• Tips (optional)
• Personal expenses

What to bring

• Swimwear and a towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
• Water shoes or sandals
• A waterproof bag for your phone
• Cash for extra drinks and tips

Know before you go

• Nakupenda is a tidal sandbank, so departure times change throughout the month.
• There is little natural shade on the sandbank. Plan for strong sun.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Hotel pickup, then transfer to the Forodhani seafront in Stone Town where the boat leaves.

Tour start

Your hotel in Zanzibar

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.