Zanzibar Prison Island Tour – Giant Tortoises, History & Snorkeling | Half-Day Excursion
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Zanzibar Prison Island Tour
Explore History, Giant Tortoises & Turquoise Waters – Half-Day Adventure
Welcome to the Zanzibar Prison Island Tour — one of the island’s most iconic excursions, combining history, wildlife, coral beaches, snorkeling, and a scenic boat ride across the magnificent turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Also known as Changuu Island, this small but fascinating islet was once a quarantine station and prison site, and today is home to a protected colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old.
This half-day Prison Island Tour is perfect for couples, families, groups, and cruise travelers — and can be done morning or afternoon.
Why You’ll Love the Zanzibar Prison Island Tour
✔ Visit the endangered giant Aldabra tortoises
Meet, feed, and photograph tortoises weighing up to 200+ kg.
✔ Explore historical prison ruins
Walk through the haunting architecture and learn their incredible history.
✔ Enjoy a scenic traditional dhow boat ride
A stunning 25–30 minutes from Stone Town across shimmering blue waters.
✔ Swim & snorkel in crystal-clear coral waters
Spot colorful fish, reef life & starfish.
✔ Relax on white sandy beaches
Perfect for sunbathing, swimming & peaceful island views.
✔ Combine with Stone Town or Sandbank excursions
Great for cruise passengers & short-stay visitors.
This is Zanzibar’s most iconic half-day excursion — offering history, wildlife, and ocean beauty in one unforgettable experience.
What to Expect – Full Zanzibar Prison Island Tour Itinerary
Pick-Up From Your Hotel (8:00 AM or 1:00 PM)
Your guide meets you at your hotel in:
Stone Town
Nungwi
Kendwa
Paje
Jambiani
Matemwe
Michamvi
Beach hotel pickups are available at an additional cost.
Board a Traditional Dhow Boat
You’ll board a comfortable boat at Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town and begin your stunning 25–30 minute ride to Prison Island.
Along the way, enjoy:
✔ Clear views of Stone Town
✔ Coral formations below
✔ Color-changing water from turquoise to deep blue
✔ Sea breezes and beautiful photo opportunities
A magical journey across the Indian Ocean begins.
Arrival at Prison Island (Changuu Island)
As you approach, the island reveals its beautiful beaches and historic buildings — once used as a prison, quarantine station, and British colonial outpost.
Your guide gives an introduction to the island’s complex and fascinating story.
Visit the Giant Aldabra Tortoise Sanctuary
This is the highlight for most visitors.
The sanctuary is home to:
Tortoises aged over 150 years
Weighing between 120–250 kg
A protected species gifted from Seychelles in the 19th century
You’ll:
✔ Feed the tortoises (optional)
✔ Walk among them
✔ Learn about conservation efforts
✔ Take incredible photos
Baby tortoises are kept safely in protected enclosures.
Explore the Old Prison Ruins
A short walk takes you to the old prison and quarantine structures, built by the British in 1893.
What you’ll see:
The prison cells
Holding rooms
Quarantine chambers
Old courtyard & colonial architecture
Medical inspection areas
Historical displays
Your guide explains:
✔ Why the prison was built
✔ Its unexpected use as a quarantine station
✔ The Black Death & cholera history
✔ Stories of enslaved people and colonial rule
This part of the tour is incredibly educational.
Beach Time, Swimming & Snorkeling
After exploring history and wildlife, relax on the island’s beach.
You can:
✔ Swim in clear turquoise water
✔ Sunbathe on white sandy beaches
✔ Snorkel along coral reefs
✔ Search for starfish & colorful fish
Snorkeling gear is provided on request.
Scenic Boat Ride Back to Stone Town
After a magical experience, board the dhow again and enjoy a relaxed trip back to Stone Town.
Perfect panoramic views for photography.
What to Bring
Comfortable light clothing
Swimwear
Sunblock
Hat or sunglasses
Camera / waterproof phone case
Water shoes (optional)
Why Book the Zanzibar Prison Island Tour With Annest Kenya Safaris?
✔ Top-rated trusted East Africa tour operator
✔ Best price guarantee
✔ Clean, well-maintained boats
✔ Skilled, certified guides
✔ Flexible departure times
✔ Perfect for cruise passengers & layovers
✔ Easy package add-ons (Stone Town, Spice Tour, Jozani)
We offer the highly rated, safest, and most personalized Zanzibar Prison Island experience.
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At Annest Kenya Safaris, our Tanzania safari packages combine comfort, wildlife, and authentic culture.
Choose from budget, mid-range, or luxury Tanzania safaris, all customizable to match your style and schedule.
Kenya-Tanzania Safari Packages – Tailored for Every Traveler
At Annest Kenya Safaris, our Kenya-Tanzania safari packages combine comfort, wildlife, and authentic culture.
Choose from budget, mid-range, or luxury Tanzania safaris, all customizable to match your style and schedule.
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Ready to Explore Zanzibar’s Famous Prison Island?
Book your half-day escape to history, giant tortoises, turquoise waters, and tropical beauty.
Contact Annest Kenya Safaris
WhatsApp, call, or email — fast confirmations!
FAQs – Zanzibar Prison Island Tour
It takes 3–4 hours, including boat travel, tortoise sanctuary, historical ruins, and beach time.
Yes — it’s very family-friendly. Kids love the tortoises and beach.
Yes — the waters are clear and shallow, perfect for beginners.
Yes — they are calm and used to visitors. Feeding is allowed with guidance.
It’s about 800 meters long and 200 meters wide.
Absolutely — many guests combine:
Prison Island + Stone Town
Prison Island + Nakupenda Sandbank
Prison Island + Spice Island Tour
We offer great combination prices.
Morning tours (8:00–12:00) are best for photography and calm waters.
Surprisingly, no. Though built as a prison, it became a quarantine center instead.
