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Half-day Prison Island Zanzibar tour: scenic boat ride, giant tortoises, coral snorkeling & history. Perfect family trip from Stone Town. Book instantly!
Prison Island Tour Overview
Imagine stepping off a traditional wooden boat, the warm turquoise waters lapping at your feet. Towering Aldabra giant tortoises, some over 150 years old, roam lazily under the shade of palm trees. The ruins of an old quarantine station whisper stories of Zanzibar’s past. And just a few meters offshore, colorful coral reefs invite you to snorkel among tropical fish.
That’s what awaits you on our Prison Island Zanzibar Tour – a perfect blend of history, wildlife, and relaxation.
Prison Island Zanzibar Tour Highlights
- Scenic Boat Ride: Enjoy a picturesque 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town to Prison Island.
- Historical Exploration: Discover the island’s intriguing history as a former prison and quarantine station for yellow fever.
- Giant Tortoises: Meet and interact with the island’s famous giant tortoises, some over 100 years old.
- Beautiful Beaches: Relax on the pristine white sandy beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
- Wildlife Spotting: Encounter various wildlife, including peacocks and diverse bird species.
- Architectural Sites: Explore the remnants of the old prison and quarantine buildings.
- Nature and Relaxation: Enjoy the lush greenery and tranquil environment of this small, charming island.
Want to upgrade your experience? Discover our Luxury Boat Prison Island Tour, combining the history of Prison Island with the comfort of a private, stylish boat transfer.
Practical Information
Duration: 3–4 hours (half-day)
Best time to visit: All year round – mornings are calmer for boat rides
What to bring: Swimwear, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water shoes (optional), and your camera!
Good to know: Life jackets are provided. Tour is family-friendly and suitable for children.
Booking Your Prison Island ZanzibarTour
Booking your Prison Island boat trip is simple and hassle-free. You can use our convenient booking form on our website, or you can call or WhatsApp us directly.
We accept various payment options to accommodate our guests’ preferences, including credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), bank transfers, and cash.
For your convenience, we provide comfortable transportation options directly from your accommodation.
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Prison Island Tour Itinerary
Pick-up from your hotel in Stone Town (or meeting point at the seafront).
Depart by traditional boat towards Prison Island (30-minute ride).
Guided walking tour of the old prison and quarantine station.
Visit the giant tortoise sanctuary. Feed, take photos, and learn their conservation story.
Free time for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the beach.
Scenic boat ride back to Stone Town.
Drop-off at your hotel or free time to explore Stone Town.
Where is Prison Island Located?
Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is situated in the Mjini Magharibi Region of Tanzania, approximately 5.6 km northwest of Stone Town on Unguja Island in the Zanzibar Archipelago.
It’s located on the western part of Zanzibar Island, just off Stone Town, and the boat ride from there takes around 30 minutes.
The island itself is small, measuring about 230 meters wide and 800 meters long, making it easy to explore in a few hours.
Why is it Called Prison Island Zanzibar?
Prison Island gets its name from its intriguing history.
Originally known as Changuu Island, it was uninhabited until the 1860s when the first Sultan of Zanzibar, Majid bin Said, gifted it to two Arab slave owners who used it as a detention site for rebellious slaves.
In 1893, under British administration, a prison was built on the island intended for violent criminals, but it was never used for that purpose.
Instead, it served as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases.
Also referred to as Kibandiko or Quarantine Island, its “prison” moniker stuck due to the ruins of the unused prison buildings that remain today
Prison Island Zanzibar Tortoises
One of the island’s star attractions is its population of Aldabra giant tortoises, which have turned Prison Island into an unexpected sanctuary.
In 1919, four of these tortoises were gifted by the Governor of the Seychelles, and their numbers grew to over a hundred before poaching reduced the population—now protected and thriving again.
Many are over 150 years old, with an average weight of 200 kg, and visitors can interact with them, feed them, and take photos for a truly memorable experience.
Prison Island Best Combinations
Maximize your Zanzibar adventure by pairing Prison Island with our curated combinations for a full, value-packed day. These popular bundles are designed to give you more for less, blending history, nature, and relaxation seamlessly:
- Stone Town, Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour: Wander Stone Town’s UNESCO-listed alleys, commune with Prison Island’s tortoises, and bask on Nakupenda’s idyllic sandbank—ultimate variety in one epic day. Book This Combination
- Prison Island & Stone Town Tour: Combine the island’s wildlife and ruins with Stone Town’s cultural treasures for a deep dive into Zanzibar’s soul. Join this Tour
- Spice Farm, Prison Island & Stone Town Tour: Awaken your senses at a spice farm, interact with giant tortoises, and explore Stone Town— a sensory overload of flavors, sights, and stories. Book Now
These combinations are our guests’ favorites for a reason—they save time, money, and hassle while delivering unforgettable experiences.
Prison Island tour price 2025
Tour Price
Starts from $60 per Person
Price Includes
- Proffesional Tour Guide
- Boat
- Entrace fees
- All government fees
- Transfer from and return to your hotel is available only for the additional costs
- Luxury boat for extra costs
Why Choose Us for Your Prison Island Zanzibar Tour?
- Experienced Guides: Our knowledgeable guides provide in-depth insights into the island’s history and wildlife.
- Seamless Experience: We handle all the details, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip from start to finish.
- Personalized Service: We tailor the tour to your interests, offering a personalized and memorable experience.
- Comfort and Safety: Our well-maintained boats and safety measures guarantee a comfortable and secure journey.
- Local Expertise: As seasoned tour operators in Zanzibar, we offer authentic and enriching experiences.
Choose us for a captivating and hassle-free Prison Island Zanzibar tour, creating unforgettable memories.
Prison Island Zanzibar Tour FAQs
Why is it called Prison Island, Zanzibar?
Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, gets its name from a prison that was built there in the late 19th century. Although the prison was never actually used for its intended purpose of housing criminals, it was later repurposed as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases.
How long does the tour take?
The tour typically takes around 3-4 hours, including a 30-minute boat ride each way.
What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothing, swimwear, a towel, water, and a camera.
Can I swim or snorkel on the island?
Yes, the island’s beaches are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The clear waters offer great visibility for underwater exploration.
What is the best time to visit Prison Island?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to October, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.
How much is the entrance to Prison Island, Zanzibar?
The entrance fee to Prison Island is $4 per person. We include this fee in the cost of our tour package.
Can I combine Prison Island with other tours?
Yes, you can easily combine a visit to Prison Island with other tours in Zanzibar. Popular options include:
- Stone Town Tour: Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Stone Town before or after your Prison Island visit.
- Spice Tour: Discover Zanzibar’s famous spice farms and learn about the island’s spice trade.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Combine your trip with a snorkeling or diving excursion to explore the vibrant marine life around Zanzibar.
- Jozani Forest Tour: Visit the Jozani Forest to see the rare Red Colobus Monkeys and other wildlife.
Combining tours allows you to make the most of your time in Zanzibar and experience a variety of attractions in one day. Please contact us to customize your tour package.
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