Prison Island Zanzibar Day Trip

Prison Island (Changuu Island) day trip from Stone Town, Zanzibar, is a 3- to 6-hour excursion that blends history and nature, typically featuring interaction with Aldabra giant tortoises that are 100+ years old, snorkeling in crystal-clear coral waters, and exploring 19th-century prison ruins.

Located 5.6 km from Stone Town, the island is easily reached by a 25–30 minute boat ride, often combined with visits to the nearby Nakupenda Sandbank for a seafood lunch.

Prison Island (Changuu Island) Day Trip Highlights and Activities

✓ Relaxation: White sandy beaches are available for sunbathing and swimming
✓ Giant Tortoises Sanctuary: Interact with, feed, and photograph Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which are over 150 years old
✓ Snorkeling & Swimming: The surrounding waters offer excellent snorkeling opportunities to see colorful coral reefs, starfish, and tropical fish
✓ Historical Site: Explore the ruins of the 1893 prison, which was built but never used to house prisoners; it instead served as a quarantine station

✓ Cost: Prices include boat transport, entrance fees, and guide services
✓ What to Bring: Swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, waterproof bags, and a camera
✓ Duration: Typically a half-day trip (3-4 hours), but often combined with Nakupenda Sandbank for a full-day experience.
✓ Transportation: Traditional dhow boats or motorized boats depart from Stone Town, commonly near Forodhani Gardens
✓ Best Time to Visit: Dry seasons (June–October or December–February) provide the best weather and visibility for snorkeling. Morning trips usually offer calmer waters for snorkeling.

0900 Hours – Boat Departure: Board a traditional wooden motorized boat from the Stone Town waterfront (near Forodhani Gardens or the Serena Hotel). The scenic ride across the turquoise waters takes approximately 20–30 minutes.
0930 Hours – Giant Tortoise Sanctuary: Visit the island’s star residents—the Aldabra giant tortoises. Some of these gentle giants are over 150–190 years old and weigh up to 200 kg. You can feed them (greens are often provided), pet them, and take photos.
1030 Hours – Prison & Quarantine Ruins: Explore the historical ruins built in 1893. Although intended as a prison, the site was primarily used as a quarantine station for yellow fever and other contagious diseases to protect the main island. You can walk through the old cells, medical inspection areas, and the courtyard.
1200 Hours: (Water Activities) Snorkeling & Swimming: Head to the island’s small white sandy beach for a swim or go snorkeling in the surrounding coral reefs. While the reef has high boat traffic, you can still spot colorful tropical fish and starfish in the crystal-clear shallow waters.
1300 Hours: – Lunch Options: On the Island: Small snacks or a seafood lunch may be available at the island’s restaurant/bar.
Afternoon: Exploration or Return

Extended Trip (Recommended): Most full-day tours depart Prison Island for Nakupenda Sandbank, where a seafood buffet (featuring lobster, calamari, and tropical fruits) is served under traditional sunshades (kangas).

1500 Hours: – Leisure or Return: If staying on Changuu, you can walk the forest trails to spot peacocks, bats, and butterflies. Otherwise, take the boat back to Stone Town, arriving around 03:30 PM.
1600 Hours – Optional Stone Town Tour: Complete your day with a guided walking tour of Stone Town, visiting landmarks like the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and the Darajani Market

Note: A 1-day trip to Prison Island (Changuu Island) is most commonly done as a half-day excursion (3–4 hours) from Stone Town. However, because the island is small, travelers often extend the trip to a full day by combining it with a visit to Nakupenda Sandbank or a Stone Town walking tour. 

Prison Island Zanzibar day trip is a day tour to Prison Island (Changuu Island) located 20 minutes (3.5 miles/ 6 km) away from Stone Town by boat, and has spectacular coral reefs to enjoy while snorkeling.

On your way by boat to Prison Island, you will have beautiful panoramic views of Stone Town. Prison Island (Changuu Island) has a dark history. Once, the island was used by Arab slave traders to detain slaves prior to sending them to new owners in the Middle East and Europe.

The Island gets its name from the prison built to isolate Zanzibar citizens, overlooking the coast.  Previously owned by an Arab to house his rebellious slaves, the prison was never used, and the island is now home to a tortoise sanctuary, prison ruins, and a hotel.

Today, Prison Island is a nature reserve and home to the endangered Aldabra giant tortoises, found nowhere else in East Africa. The oldest turtle on the Prison Island is 150 years old. You may feed and touch the giant tortoises; however, riding them or sitting on them is not allowed.

The trip is a half-day excursion and includes visiting historic prison buildings, meeting the giant tortoise at their sanctuary, snorkeling on nearby colorful coral reefs, and enjoying the beautiful Indian Ocean.

* Duration: full day
* Go for a hike on Prison island’s great trails
* Experience the motorized boat transfer to Prison Island
* Relax in the sun on the island’s pristine sandy beaches
* Discover secluded and beautiful Prison Island, just a short trip from Stone Town
* Snorkel in the crystal clear waters and stay on the lookout for colorful tropical fish
* Lunch is available on the island and then you will have time on your own to explore
* While you are on this Island, you will be able to swim, snorkeling and take pictures with giant tortoises
* Soak up some of the tropical sun on the white sandy beach and enjoy this secluded spot before taking the boat back to Stone Town

Prison Island Zanzibar Day Trip Rates Include

✓ Professional English-speaking guides
✓ All entry fees, service charges, and taxes
✓ Pickup from your hotel in Zanzibar Stone Town and drop-off at your hotel
✓ Prison Island Zanzibar day trip; visit the historical prison buildings, meet the giant tortoise in their sanctuary, snorkel in the colorful coral reefs nearby, and enjoy the beautiful Indian Ocean

Notes

* Please do not feed or touch the tortoises
* Bring along a hat and sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and water-resistant shoes
* Thatched bandas are dotted along the waterfront, available for hire if you wish to stay for the night

Prison Island Zanzibar Day Trip Rates Do Not Include:

* Drinks
* Tips or gratuity
* Travelers Insurance
* Communication charges
* Minimum of 1 person required
* Visas, international airfares, and airport taxes; meals
* Sightseeing not included in the package; optional activities
* Personal expenses such as transfers to/ from the airport (supplement airport transfer cost applies for tours starting from the airport)

Mobile: +254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com