The Price Costs for Prison Island Tour Zanzibar

PER PERSON (ESTIMATED PRICE)
$45 - $90 USD
Price per person. Includes boat transfer, island entry fees & guide. Snorkeling gear & lunch available as add-ons or included depending on package.
Boat Transfer IncludedHalf-Day TourTortoise Sanctuary Entry IncludedSnorkeling Available

Prison Island Tour Zanzibar - Overview

A Prison Island tour in Zanzibar offers a captivating journey to one of the region's most intriguing and historically significant destinations. This island, also known as Changuu Island, was originally established as a quarantine station for potential yellow fever cases in the 19th century. However, it later served as a prison, giving it the name "Prison Island." Today, it is renowned for its lush vegetation, pristine beaches, and a remarkable population of giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over a century old.

The highlight of a Prison Island tour is undoubtedly the opportunity to interact with the gentle giants that call the island home. The Aldabra tortoises, which were originally a gift from the Seychelles, are a delightful sight to behold, and visitors can feed and even take photographs with these magnificent creatures. Beyond the tortoise sanctuary, visitors can explore the island's historical ruins, including the old quarantine station and the prison cells, gaining a unique perspective on Zanzibar's complex history of disease control and the legacy of slavery in East Africa.

Additionally, the island's crystal-clear waters provide an ideal setting for snorkeling and swimming, revealing a vibrant underwater world filled with colorful coral formations and a diverse array of marine life. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the bustle of Zanzibar's main island, a Prison Island tour is an unforgettable half-day experience, easily combined with your Stone Town exploration or as a relaxing break from beach holidaying along Zanzibar's coast.

Prison Island Tour Zanzibar - Highlights

🏖
Meet and feed century-old giant Aldabra tortoises — originally a gift from the Seychelles
🏖
Explore historic quarantine station ruins & former prison cells
🏖
Scenic boat ride from Stone Town with picturesque coastal views
🏖
Snorkel in crystal-clear waters among vibrant coral formations & marine life
🏖
Relax on the island's pristine, uncrowded beaches
🏖
Learn about Changuu Island's fascinating history from yellow fever quarantine to prison
🏖
Perfect half-day excursion — easily combined with Stone Town sightseeing
🏖
Ideal for families, history lovers, nature enthusiasts & photographers

Prison Island Tour Zanzibar - Short Itinerary

  • Tour Day: Changuu Island (Prison Island) — Tortoises, History & Snorkeling

Prison Island Tour Zanzibar - Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Tour Day

Changuu Island (Prison Island) — Tortoises, History & Snorkeling

Meals: L (Included)Duration: 4–5 HoursBoat Ride: ~20 mins each wayDifficulty: Easy

Morning Departure & Boat Transfer (09:00 – 09:30 AM)
Your Prison Island adventure begins with a scenic boat ride from Stone Town's harbor to Changuu Island, just a short 20–30 minute crossing across calm turquoise waters. Enjoy picturesque coastal views of Stone Town's historic skyline as it recedes behind you, with the lush green island growing larger ahead.

Historical Exploration — Quarantine Station & Prison Cells (09:30 – 10:30 AM)
Upon arrival, your guide leads you through the island's fascinating history. Explore the remnants of the old quarantine station, originally built in the 19th century to isolate potential yellow fever cases arriving by ship. Walk through the former prison cells and learn the island's compelling story — from quarantine facility to a prison where rebellious slaves were once confined, offering a unique perspective on Zanzibar's complex colonial and pre-colonial history.

Giant Tortoise Sanctuary (10:30 – 11:30 AM)
The centerpiece of your visit is the island's beloved population of giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which have called Changuu home for over a century. Originally a gift from the Seychelles, these gentle giants roam freely within a protected sanctuary area. You'll have the wonderful opportunity to feed them fresh greens, get up close, and capture unforgettable photographs with these remarkable creatures.

Beachside Lunch (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Enjoy a delicious beachside lunch featuring local Zanzibari dishes, served with views over the Indian Ocean. Relax in the shade of the island's palm trees and take in the island's peaceful, unspoiled atmosphere.

Snorkeling & Beach Time (12:30 – 13:30 PM)
Spend the afternoon exploring Changuu's crystal-clear waters on a snorkeling excursion, discovering vibrant coral formations and a diverse array of tropical marine life just off the island's shore. Prefer to stay dry? The island's pristine beaches are perfect for relaxing, swimming, or simply soaking in the natural beauty around you.

Return Boat Transfer to Stone Town (13:30 – 14:00 PM)
As your visit draws to a close, board the return boat to Stone Town, enjoying one more scenic ride across the water and a chance to reflect on the captivating history and natural beauty you've experienced on Prison Island.

Prison Island Tour Zanzibar - Accommodation Standard

🏛️
Budget — Stone Town Guesthouse
Historic & Central
Charming, locally-run guesthouses within Stone Town's historic UNESCO-listed streets, just minutes from the harbor departure point. Great for budget-conscious travelers wanting easy access to the boat dock. Breakfast typically included.
Budget
🌴
Mid-Range — Stone Town Boutique Hotel
Comfort & Character
Well-appointed boutique hotels within restored Stone Town buildings, offering comfortable rooms, rooftop terraces, and easy harbor access for your Prison Island tour. Excellent base for combining history, culture, and island excursions.
Mid-Range
🌊
Luxury — Beachfront Resort (East Coast or North)
Premium Beach Escape
Exclusive beachfront resorts along Zanzibar's north or east coast, with hotel pickup arranged for your Prison Island day tour. Combine your island excursion with world-class beach relaxation, spa treatments, and gourmet dining.
Luxury

Prison Island Tour Zanzibar - Inclusion & Exclusion

What's Included?

Round-trip boat transfer from Stone Town to Changuu Island
Professional English-speaking local guide
Changuu Island & tortoise sanctuary entry fees
Beachside lunch featuring local Zanzibari dishes
Bottled water during the tour

What's Excluded?

Hotel pickup/drop-off outside Stone Town (available as add-on)
Snorkeling gear rental (available on-site at small extra cost, or bring your own)
Gratuities for guide and boat crew (recommended: $5–10 per person)
Personal travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Personal items and souvenirs

Why Book with Generous African Tours?

🕵️‍♂️
KPAP & Local Experts
Our guides have 10+ years of tracking experience, knowing exactly where the wildlife migrates and how to escape the crowds.
🚙
Custom 4x4 Vehicles
Travel in safety with custom-modified Toyota Land Cruisers featuring charging ports, large windows, and a pop-up roof.
⭐
Tailored Hospitality
We handpick clean, high-service safari lodges and luxury camps, ensuring delicious meals and excellent comfort after game drives.

What's Best Time to Visit Prison Island Tour Zanzibar?

Tanzania offers year-round wildlife viewing, but dry seasons provide the best road conditions and animal concentration around water sources.

Jan
🌤
Dry Season
Calving
Feb
🌤
Dry Season
Migration
Mar
🌧
Short Rains
Lush
Apr
🌧
Long Rains
Wet
May
🌧
Long Rains
Wet
Jun
⭐
Peak Dry
Excellent
Jul
⭐
Peak Dry
Excellent
Aug
⭐
Peak Dry
Excellent
Sep
⭐
Peak Dry
River Cross
Oct
🌤
Dry End
Good
Nov
🌧
Short Rains
Quiet
Dec
⭐
Good Season
Festive
Peak season
Good season
Low / rainy season

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Q1: How do I get to Prison Island (Changuu) from Stone Town?

Prison Island is reached by a short boat ride of approximately 20–30 minutes from Stone Town's harbor. Boats depart regularly throughout the morning, and the crossing offers lovely coastal views of Stone Town's historic skyline.
FAQ

Q2: Can I really feed and touch the giant tortoises?

Yes — visitors are welcome to feed the giant Aldabra tortoises fresh greens (typically provided on-site) and get close for photographs within the designated sanctuary area. The tortoises are accustomed to visitors and the experience is safe and suitable for all ages.
FAQ

Q3: Is Prison Island suitable for children and families?

Absolutely. Prison Island is one of Zanzibar's most family-friendly excursions. Children particularly love feeding and photographing the giant tortoises, while the island's history and beaches offer something engaging for visitors of all ages.
FAQ

Q4: Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling gear is often available for rent on the island at a small additional cost, though we recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel if you have them for the best fit and hygiene. Check with our team when booking to confirm what's included in your specific package.
FAQ

Q5: How long does a Prison Island tour take?

A typical Prison Island tour lasts approximately 4–5 hours, including the boat transfers, historical exploration, tortoise sanctuary visit, lunch, and snorkeling or beach time. It makes an excellent half-day activity, leaving your afternoon or morning free for other Zanzibar experiences.
FAQ

Q6: Why is it called "Prison Island"?

The island earned its nickname from its history as a detention facility for slaves in the 19th century, and later, structures were built with the intention of housing prisoners, though it was ultimately used as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases instead. The original name, Changuu Island, remains in official use today.
FAQ

Q7: Can I combine Prison Island with other Zanzibar activities?

Yes — Prison Island is most commonly combined with a Stone Town walking tour, given its proximity to the harbor. It also pairs well with a spice farm tour or an afternoon at one of Zanzibar's east coast beaches. Ask our team about combo excursion packages for the best value.
FAQ

Q8: Is the water safe for swimming and snorkeling around Prison Island?

Yes, the waters surrounding Changuu Island are calm, clear, and well-suited for both swimming and snorkeling, with visibility that reveals vibrant coral formations and tropical marine life just off the island's shore.

Prison Island Tour Zanzibar 2026/2027 | Giant Tortoises, History & Snorkeling. : Tour Gallery

Prison Island Tour Zanzibar 2026/2027 | Giant Tortoises, History & Snorkeling.
Prison Island Tour Zanzibar 2026/2027 | Giant Tortoises, History & Snorkeling.
Prison Island Tour Zanzibar 2026/2027 | Giant Tortoises, History & Snorkeling.