2-Hour Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar with Giant Tortoises

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Board a boat ride to visit the unique Prison Island
• 02 Meet the Giant Aldabra tortoises on the island
• 03 Go snorkelling to see tropical fish and spectacular coral reefs
• 04 See the historic prison ruins on the island
• 05 Relax on the white sand beach off Zanzibar

Embark on a 2-hour sightseeing tour to Changu Island, also known as "Prison Island," off the coast of Stone Town, Zanzibar. Visit the home of the Giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are said to be over 100 years old, explore the prison ruins, and enjoy snorkelling among spectacular coral reefs and tropical fish. You can also relax on the white sand beach before returning to Zanzibar.

Some of these tortoises are said to be over 100 years old.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Prison Island Boat Trip and Snorkelling Experience

• Meet your tour guide at your hotel in Zanzibar and start your tour to Prison Island.
• Visit Prison Island, which gets its name from the prison built to condemn Zanzibar citizens to the isolation of the island, looking out at the coast. The prison was never used, and the island is now home to a tortoise sanctuary, prison ruins, and a hotel.
• Take a 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town and enjoy the spectacular coral reefs while snorkelling. Giant Aldabra tortoises shuffle through the trees with the patience that old age brings. Some of these tortoises are said to be over 100 years old.
• Have lunch, which is available on the island at your own cost.
• If you're feeling active, you can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters in search of colourful tropical fish darting through the reef, or soak up some sun on the white sand beach. The Prison Island excursion is a great companion to a morning Stone Town tour.
• After an eventful morning of walking through the busy streets of Zanzibar, you can enjoy this slow and relaxing island excursion.
• At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Boat
• Guide
• Entrance fees

What's Not Included

• Food
• Things of a personal nature
• Tips
• Anything not mentioned

What to bring

• Swimming costumes
• Water shoes
• Snorkeling gear (if you want to snorkel)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Tembo House Hotel, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Tour start

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.