Zanzibar Full-day Trip Stone Town Guided Tour Prison Island & Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve

Our  Zanzibar Full-day Trip Stone Town Guided Tour, Prison Island & Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve typically combines three of the island’s most iconic attractions:
✓ Prison Island
✓ Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve
✓ A guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Stone Town

This 8-hour adventure is one of the most recommended experiences in Zanzibar, offering a mix of history, wildlife, and marine relaxation.

Zanzibar Full-day Trip Highlights

Prison Island (Changuu Island): A 20–30 minute boat ride from Stone Town. You will explore the ruins of a former prison used as a quarantine station and visit a sanctuary for Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which are over 150 years old.

Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve: A pristine sandbank that “disappears” during high tide. It is famous for its white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling among coral reefs.

Stone Town Guided Tour: A walking tour through the narrow alleys of the ancient city. Key landmarks usually include the House of Wonders, Old Fort, Anglican Cathedral (the former slave market), and the Darajani Market

Tour Details & Logistics

Duration: Approximately 7 to 8 hours, typically starting between 0800 Hours and 0900 Hours
Lunch: Freshly prepared seafood barbecue buffet on Nakupenda Beach, featuring lobster, prawns, squid, and tropical fruits. Vegetarian options are typically available upon request.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup/drop-off, boat transfers, entrance fees, snorkeling gear, and soft drinks

What to Bring

✓ Swimwear and a towel
✓ Waterproof camera for snorkeling
✓ Comfortable walking shoes for the Stone Town portion.
✓ Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection on the unshaded sandbank

Itinerary Overview

0800 Hours – 0930 Hours: Hotel Pickup & Stone Town Exploration
Activity: Meet your guide for a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Stone Town. Highlights: Visit the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, the Former Slave Market(Anglican Cathedral), and the bustling Darajani Market
0930 Hours – 1130 Hours: Prison Island (Changuu Island). Transport: A 20–30 minute motorized dhow ride from the Stone Town shore.
Activities: Visit the Aldabra Giant Tortoise sanctuary to feed and photograph tortoises (some over 190 years old). Explore the historic prison ruins, which once served as a quarantine station.
1200 Hours  – 1300 Hours: Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve
Activity: Relax on this pristine sandbank that emerges at low tide. Snorkeling & Swimming: Explore coral reefs teeming with tropical fish using provided gear
Lunch: Enjoy a Seafood BBQ buffet on the sandbank, typically featuring lobster, shrimp, squid, octopus, and fish, accompanied by tropical fruits like mango and pineapple.
1500 Hours – 1600 Hours: Return to Stone Town.
Transport: Boat ride back to the mainland, followed by drop-off at your hotel or residence

Essential Tour Details

Inclusions: Most packages include a professional English-speaking guide, all entrance fees (Prison Island and Marine Conservation fees), boat transfers, snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, life jacket), seafood lunch, and bottled water/sodas.
What to Bring: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof camera
Best Time to Visit: The dry seasons from December to March and June to October offer the best weather for boat travel and snorkeling

 Rates Include

✓ Comfortable wooden dhow boat
✓ VAT (18% charged by the government)  
✓ Snorkeling gear & swimming equipment (life jacket, mask & flippers)
✓ Friendly and professional English-speaking tour guide, entrance fees
✓ Private Pickup/ Drop-off transportation from your hotel in Stone Town
✓ Snacks, Soft Drinks (Bottles of water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Novida, etc.), and all entertainment
✓ Different seasonal fruits available (Watermelon, Pineapple, Bananas, Mangoes, Coconut, etc.) on the Island 
✓ Freshly-prepared delicious seafood Lunch (Seafood Barbecue, Chicken, Lobsters, Tuna fish, Calamari, Octopus, Shrimps, etc., or Vegetarian options) 

Notes

* Free: Age below 2 years
* Adult: Age 8 years and above
* Children: Age between 2 and 7 years

Rates Exclude:

* Alcoholic drinks 
* Souvenirs & gifts 
* Personal Expenses
* Medical Insurance Gratitudes for Tour Guides or Drivers
* Pickup and drop off at beach hotels. Kindly contact us for an arrangement
* What to bring with you: swimming suit & towel, sunscreen/block cream, and sunglasses

Zanzibar’s 1-day tour explores three of Zanzibar’s most popular attractions in just one day. Enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, including the Old Fort and the House of Wonders.

Cruise out to Prison Island to see the old slave jail and spot giant tortoises, then enjoy time to swim and snorkel at Nakupenda Beach.  A buffet lunch is also included.

The tour includes the following:
*  Enjoy a return 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town
* 4 hours at the beautiful Nakupenda beach with turquoise blue waters, soft sand, and breathtaking scenery
* Visit Prison Island and Nakupenda in the morning and enjoy a guided tour of Stone Town in the afternoon
* Chefs prepared delicious seafood with fresh cold fruits (Fresh fries, fish, octopus, calamari, and lobster on the beach)
* Snorkeling, Swimming, relaxing, enjoying the cool breeze, strolling in the low tide ocean, and enjoying the breathtaking Nakupenda sandbank

1.) What are the best day trips on Zanzibar Island?

 Zanzibar Full-day Trip Stone Town Guided Tour Prison Island & Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve

2.) How much does the trip cost?

The cost of the full-day private tour which includes Prison Island (Changuu Island), Nakupenda Beach (Sand Bank), and Stone Town Tour depends on the number of guests in your group (or whether private or shared) as well as the pick-up and drop-off location of your Hotel in Zanzibar. 

3.) How long is the trip and what time does it start and end?

It takes approximately 8 hours (0800 Hours to 1700 Hours) to complete the entire trip. Actually, we start with Prison Island, then Nakupenda Sandbank, and end with a tour of Stone Town. 

4.) What should I bring for the trip and what should I wear?

Comfortable swimming costumes, hat, sunscreen, tip for your guide, personal items, and snorkeling gear if you have any.

5.) What is the best time of the year to visit Zanzibar and do this trip?

Nakupenda is a sandbank that you can visit with low tide, if you want to avoid the crowds then we would recommend going there early in the morning, when you can be with not many people around, and if lucky have it for yourself.

The best time to take the tour is during the hot and mostly dry December to March period or in the more comfortable June to October spring months, which offer the driest weather and cooler temperatures.

6.) What kind of boat will I ride and how many people can it accommodate?

Getting to the island takes about 30 minutes by a traditional dhow boat which can accommodate up to 10 guests

7.) What kind of lunch buffet will be served and are there vegetarian options?

Lunch Seafood – Lobsters, Tuna fish, Calamari, Octopus, Prawns, etc or Barbeque Chicken, or Vegetarian options. You will also have tropical fruits such as mangoes, bananas, pineapple, watermelon, etc

8.) How can I see the giant tortoises on Prison Island and what is their history?

History: Changuu Island was purchased by the first British minister of Zanzibar with the initial intention of building a prison there. The name Prison Island originated from the initial planning of establishing a prison. It was actually used for a brief time in the 1860s as a prison for rebellious slaves and a coral mine.

Prison Island is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. But it’s also the site of a sanctuary for Aldabra tortoises – one of the largest tortoises in the world, weighing up to 200 kilos. They’re also thought to be one of the longest-lived creatures in the world; it’s estimated that the oldest tortoise on Changuu is 196 years old.

Aldabra tortoises are actually endemic to the Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles – the Governor of Seychelles gifted four to Zanzibar in the 18th century. The tortoises bred until they numbered around 200. But in the 1960s, numbers began to drop. People were beginning to steal the tortoises to sell for food or as exotic pets. In 1980 there were only 100 fully grown tortoises left; by 1996 there were only seven.

9.) What are the main attractions and activities in Stone Town, Prison Island, and Nakupenda Sandbank?

Prison Island: You will be able to see Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Peacocks, Dik-dik (species of small Antelope), and Prison ruins
Nakupenda Beach: Here you will be able to relax, swim, Snorkeling and have lunch with Seafood Buffett or Vegetarian meal
Stone Town: You will see some of the Popular sights; Old Fort, Forodhani Park, House of Wonders (National Museum), Zanzibar Port, State House, etc

10.) How are the weather and tide at Nakupenda Sandbank and how does it affect the sandbank’s appearance?

Because of the tides, Nakupenda Beach can disappear entirely in the evening. The little white sandbank will be submerged during heavy tides until the following morning. As the day advances, the island shrinks even farther!

11.) How can I get to Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania or other countries and do I need a visa or any vaccinations?

All other foreign citizens must obtain a visa in order to visit Tanzania. The most convenient way to do this is to get an eVisa through an online application. The local lawmakers have made it clear that yellow fever is an important vaccine, and all travelers must show evidence of having to protect the citizens of Tanzania from the spread of this disease.

12.) How is the snorkeling at Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank and what kind of equipment will be provided?

Nakupenda Sandbank is best for swimming & Sunbathing. But when it comes to Snorkeling, please check Safari Blue & Mnemba Island. The trip includes the use of top-quality snorkeling equipment

Zanzibar Full-day Trip: Stone Town Guided Tour, Prison Island, & Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve is a fantastic 1-day best-of-Zanzibar tour combining three of Zanzibar’s most popular attractions.

The tour includes a guided tour of Zanzibar Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will explore the narrow alleys and winding streets lined with beautiful buildings dating back to the 19th century. Some of the iconic landmarks that you will see include the Anglican Cathedral, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Hamamni Baths.

Next, you will cruise out to Prison Island to see the old slave jail and spot giant tortoises, then enjoy time to swim and snorkel at Nakupenda Island. A buffet lunch is also included. Your one-day Zanzibar Island tour begins with breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, your tour guide collects you for a walking tour of Stone Town, the fascinating old part of Zanzibar City.

Walking through the winding lanes of Stone Town, you’ll see the different architectural styles of Zanzibar’s diverse cultures and interesting history. From mosques and cathedrals to ornately carved doors.

Other highlights include the Sultan’s Palace, now a museum; a bustling market; and gift shops, where you can browse the unique crafts and curios of the island. Your knowledgeable local guide shares tales of Stone Town in bygone days and offers insight into life in Zanzibar.

After exploring Stone Town, we take a 20-minute boat ride to the pristine beaches of Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, to see its giant tortoises, which can live up to 200 years. This island was originally used as a prison for rebellious slaves, but is now home to giant tortoises that were imported from Seychelles more than a century ago.

You will get to see these fascinating creatures up close, and you can even feed them if you like. On this tour, you will have the chance to explore and learn about the history of these beautiful creatures and about Prison Island itself.

You will be with our expert local tour guide, who will be explaining each area of interest. Apart from being a place to see the Giant Tortoises, it is also a perfect destination for swimming, snorkeling & relaxing on the beach.

The final destination is Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve, a stunning sandbank that emerges from the ocean at low tide. You will have a delicious lunch on the sandbank, with a choice of seafood including grilled shrimp, squid, octopus, lobster, and langoustine – depending on the daily catch.

There is also food for vegetarians as well. You will also have time to relax on the white sand, swim in the turquoise water, or snorkel among the colorful coral reefs and fish.

You can also join some fun activities like beach volleyball, soccer, or frisbee. All too soon, this short 1-day Zanzibar Holiday Package comes to an end when you board a boat for a 20-minute ride to Stone Town, followed by a transfer back to your hotel/residence.

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