Tanzania · Up-Close Animal Experiences

3-Hour Prison Island Tour from Zanzibar with Aldabra Tortoises

3 Hours Round trip from Changu Island Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Meet and feed the Aldabra giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island
02 Explore historic Changuu Island and its 1893 prison building
03 Swim or snorkel in the warm, crystal-clear waters around the island
04 Enjoy a tropical island escape just off Zanzibar's Stone Town

Enjoy a 3-hour visit to historic Prison Island from Zanzibar. Explore Changuu's fascinating past, which includes a prison building constructed in 1893 that was never properly used as a prison. Meet and feed the Aldabra giant land tortoises, relax in the tropical setting, and spend time swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling in the warm, clear waters.

See the island's most famous inhabitant, a 192-year-old tortoise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Zanzibar, Changuu

Languages English, French, German, Italian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Prison Island and Aldabra Tortoise Experience

Meet your Tanzanian tour guide in the hotel lobby and depart for Stone Town.
As you travel through the crystal-clear sea, learn about the history of the island, which was never actually used as a proper prison.
Reach Prison Island, known locally as Changuu, for a tour of this tropical wonderland.
See the island's most famous inhabitant, a 192-year-old tortoise.
Go for a swim or snorkel in the warm waters.
See the island's jail, which was built in 1893 with the hope of housing prisoners.
Leave the jail behind and discover the island's freewheeling Aldabra giant tortoises, which slowly stroll across the island in search of tasty vegetation. Prison Island is now home to the only sanctuary dedicated to saving these remarkable creatures.
Transfer back to your hotel to end the trip.