Tanzania · Up-Close Animal Experiences

3-Hour Private Prison Island Tour with Giant Tortoises and Snorkelling

3 Hours Round trip from Zanzibar Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Meet giant Aldabra tortoises that are over 100 years old
  • 02 Explore the haunting prison ruins and learn about Changuu Island's past
  • 03 Snorkel around vibrant coral reefs and spot marine life
  • 04 Enjoy a scenic boat ride from Stone Town to Prison Island

Join this 3-hour private tour to Prison Island, departing from the Old Fort at 9 am. After a scenic boat ride to Changuu Island, meet giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old, and explore the haunting historical prison ruins that later served as a quarantine station for East African slaves. You can also snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and marine life, or simply relax and swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters.

After a scenic boat ride to Changuu Island, meet giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old, and explore the haunting historical prison ruins that later served as a quarantine station for East African slaves.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Zanzibar, Changuu
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Meet at the Old Fort

  • Our captain will meet you in front of the Old Fort at 9 am to give instructions and the required information before the trip.
2
Day 02

Boat Ride to Changuu Island

  • After a 20-30 minute boat ride, you'll arrive at Changuu Island. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and crystal-clear waters as you approach the island.
3
Day 03

Meet the Giant Aldabra Tortoises

  • One of the highlights of Prison Island is the opportunity to interact with the giant Aldabra tortoises. These gentle giants can be over 100 years old and are an amazing sight. Feed them and take some photos.
4
Day 04

Explore the Historic Prison Ruins

  • After that, explore the historical prison ruins, which were never used as a prison but rather as a quarantine station for East African slaves. It's a haunting reminder of the island's dark past.
5
Day 05

Snorkelling, Swimming, or Beach Relaxation

  • Snorkelling around Prison Island is fantastic, and you can spot a variety of marine life and vibrant coral reefs. If you're not into snorkelling, you can simply relax on the beach and swim in the warm, clear waters.
6
Day 06

Boat Ride Back to Stone Town

  • Head back to Stone Town in the late afternoon, taking the boat ride back to the main island.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Zanzibar 2 cities · 3 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Entrance fees
  • Guide fees
  • Transfer
  • Water
  • Snorkel gears

What's Not Included

  • Food

What to bring

  • Towel if needed after snorkelling

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Old Fort, Mizingani Road, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Tour start
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 hours finish where they began, in Zanzibar.

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Starting from

USD 33 /person
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