Best Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar: History, Giant Tortoises and Ocean Views – Gowitos Safaris & Holidays

Take a scenic boat trip from Stone Town to Changuu Island on this fascinating Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar. The half-day experience combines island history, encounters with giant Aldabra tortoises and beautiful views across the Indian Ocean.

Despite its popular name, Prison Island is not simply an old prison destination. Buildings were constructed for use as a prison, but the island later became associated with quarantine facilities. Today, Changuu Island is best known for its historical remains and protected population of giant tortoises.

The tour is suitable for couples, families, friends and solo travellers. It can also be combined with Stone Town, Nakupenda Sandbank or another Zanzibar excursion.

Prison Island Tour Overview

Tour details	Information
Destination	Changuu Island, Zanzibar
Common name	Prison Island
Tour duration	Approximately 3–4 hours
Departure point	Stone Town waterfront
Boat journey	Approximately 25–30 minutes each way
Tour style	Private or small-group excursion
Main attractions	Giant tortoises, historical buildings and ocean scenery
Optional activity	Swimming or snorkelling when conditions permit
Suitable for	Couples, families, friends and solo travellers
Availability	Throughout the year

Why Visit Prison Island?

A Prison Island Tour offers a convenient way to experience history, wildlife and coastal scenery within a single half-day excursion.

Changuu Island lies just off Stone Town, making it easily accessible by boat. Visitors can learn about the island’s changing role, see its old structures and spend time observing the resident giant tortoises.

Tour highlights include:

Scenic boat ride from Stone Town
Panoramic views of the Zanzibar coastline
Meeting the island’s giant Aldabra tortoises
Learning about the history of Changuu Island
Exploring selected historical structures
Walking around the island with a local guide
Taking photographs in a beautiful coastal setting
Swimming or snorkelling when conditions are suitable
Combining the tour with Stone Town or Nakupenda Sandbank
Choosing between a private and small-group experience

History of Prison Island

Prison Island is also known as Changuu Island. Its history is more complex than its modern name suggests.

A prison complex was constructed on the island, but the buildings did not develop into a conventional permanent prison as originally intended. The island later became a quarantine station serving Zanzibar and the wider region.

Your guide will explain how Changuu Island’s purpose changed over time and how its position away from the main settlement made it suitable for isolation and quarantine.

Some of the original structures remain and provide an interesting connection to Zanzibar’s colonial-era history. Their condition and public access may vary because parts of the island have been adapted for tourism and hospitality.

Giant Aldabra Tortoises

The giant Aldabra tortoises are the best-known attraction on Prison Island.

These impressive reptiles can live for many decades and grow to a considerable size. Visitors can observe them moving slowly around their protected area, resting in the shade or feeding.

Your guide or sanctuary staff may explain the tortoises’ history, estimated ages, diet and conservation needs. Some individuals have numbers marked on their shells to indicate their estimated age.

Visitors should treat the animals respectfully:

Follow the instructions of the caretaker or guide
Do not sit or climb on the tortoises
Do not chase or surround them
Avoid touching their eyes, head or mouth
Feed them only if authorised
Use only food supplied or approved by the caretakers
Keep children under close supervision
Avoid flash photography at close range

Responsible interaction protects the animals and creates a better experience for future visitors.

Detailed Prison Island Tour Itinerary

Hotel Pick-Up

Your driver will collect you from your hotel at the agreed time when transfers are included in your reservation.

Guests staying in or near Stone Town will have a short transfer to the waterfront. Those staying in Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani or other coastal areas should allow additional driving time.

The transfer price depends on the location of your accommodation and will be confirmed before booking.

Arrival at the Stone Town Waterfront

At the waterfront, you will meet your local guide and boat crew. The guide will provide a short briefing about the journey, weather and basic boat safety.

Departure times may be adjusted according to tides, sea conditions and local operating requirements.

You will then board a motorised local boat for the journey to Changuu Island.

Boat Ride to Prison Island

The crossing normally takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes, although the exact journey time depends on the boat and sea conditions.

During the ride, you can enjoy views of Stone Town’s waterfront and the surrounding Indian Ocean. On a clear day, the journey offers excellent opportunities for coastal photography.

Life jackets should be available, and guests are expected to follow the boat crew’s instructions throughout the crossing.

Arrival and Guided Island Walk

After arriving at Changuu Island, your guide will take you on a walk through the accessible areas.

You will learn about the island’s different names, its intended prison complex and its later use as a quarantine station. Your guide may show you selected buildings and explain their historical purpose.

The pace is generally relaxed, giving you time to look around, ask questions and take photographs.

Giant Tortoise Sanctuary

The tour continues to the giant-tortoise area.

You can observe tortoises of different sizes while your guide explains their characteristics and history. Some may be active and feeding, while others may rest in shaded areas.

Interaction depends on the rules in place during your visit. If feeding is permitted, use only the approved leaves or vegetables provided by the caretakers.

Beach Time, Swimming or Snorkelling

Depending on tides, weather and your selected package, you may have time to relax near the water.

Swimming or snorkelling may be possible when conditions are safe. However, beach size, water visibility and access can change with the tide. These activities should therefore be treated as optional rather than guaranteed parts of every visit.

Snorkelling equipment is included only when stated in your booking confirmation. Guests should follow the guide’s safety instructions and remain within the recommended area.

Return to Stone Town

After completing the island visit, board the boat for the return journey to Stone Town.

Your driver will meet you at the waterfront and transfer you back to your hotel when return transportation is included.

This marks the end of your Prison Island Tour. You can also continue directly to a Stone Town tour, spice farm or another pre-arranged activity.

Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank Combination

Travellers with more time can combine Prison Island with Nakupenda Sandbank.

This full-day option normally includes:

Boat journey from Stone Town
Guided Prison Island visit
Giant-tortoise sanctuary
Transfer by boat to Nakupenda Sandbank
Time for swimming and relaxation
Snorkelling when conditions permit
Seafood or local lunch, depending on the package
Tropical fruit and soft drinks
Return journey to Stone Town

Nakupenda is a tidal sandbank, so its visible size and accessibility change according to sea conditions. The schedule may be adjusted by the boat crew for safety.

Prison Island and Stone Town Combination

A Prison Island Tour can also be combined with a guided Stone Town walking tour.

This option allows you to experience Zanzibar’s offshore history and its historic urban centre on the same day. Depending on opening hours and the selected route, the Stone Town tour may include markets, narrow streets, carved doors and important cultural sites.

The combination is suitable for travellers with limited time in Zanzibar.

Best Time to Visit Prison Island

Prison Island can be visited throughout the year, but weather and sea conditions affect the experience.

June to October

These months generally offer drier weather and comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. They are also part of Zanzibar’s popular travel season.

December to February

Conditions are often warm and sunny. The midday sun can be strong, so sunscreen, drinking water and a hat are important.

March to May

Rainfall is more frequent during this period. Tours may still operate, but rough water, heavy rain or poor visibility can cause delays or cancellations.

November

Short seasonal rains are possible. Weather conditions can change quickly, but many tours continue operating normally.

Morning departures are often preferred because temperatures may be cooler. However, the most appropriate departure time depends on tides, weather and your other planned activities.

Private and Small-Group Tour Options

The tour can be organised privately or as a shared small-group excursion.

Private Prison Island Tour

A private tour gives your party its own boat arrangement and guide, subject to the confirmed package. It offers greater flexibility with departure time, photography and time spent at different attractions.

Private tours are particularly suitable for:

Couples
Honeymooners
Families
Groups of friends
Travellers with limited time
Guests who prefer a flexible pace

Small-Group Prison Island Tour

A shared tour allows travellers to join other guests travelling on the same departure. This can reduce the cost per person, but departure times and the daily schedule are fixed for the group.

Your booking confirmation will clearly state whether the tour is private or shared.

What Is Included?

Local professional guide
Return boat journey from Stone Town
Boat crew
Life jacket
Prison Island entrance fee
Giant-tortoise sanctuary visit
Guided historical walk
Drinking water
Hotel transfers when stated in the quotation
Snorkelling equipment when specifically included
Local support from Gowitos Safaris and Holidays

What Is Not Included?

International or domestic flights
Zanzibar accommodation
Tanzania visa fees
Zanzibar entry insurance
Meals unless specifically included
Alcoholic drinks
Personal purchases
Tips for the guide, boat crew and driver
Snorkelling equipment unless stated
Nakupenda Sandbank unless booked
Stone Town tour unless booked
Travel and medical insurance
Activities not listed in the confirmed itinerary

What to Bring

Safety During the Boat Tour

Your safety depends on weather conditions, suitable equipment and following instructions from the crew.

Before departure:

Wear or keep your life jacket accessible as instructed
Listen to the safety briefing
Keep your hands inside the boat
Protect electronic devices from water
Inform the guide if you cannot swim
Supervise children throughout the journey
Tell the team about mobility or medical concerns
Avoid entering the water without approval
Do not swim when sea conditions are unsafe

Boat departures may be postponed, changed or cancelled when conditions are unsuitable.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

Yes. The tour can be enjoyable for families, particularly because children can see the giant tortoises at close range.

Parents or guardians must supervise children during:

Boarding and leaving the boat
The ocean crossing
Interactions with tortoises
Walking near the shoreline
Swimming or snorkelling

Families with babies or very young children should discuss sea conditions, sun exposure and transfer distances before booking.

Accessibility Information

Access may be challenging for guests with limited mobility because the experience involves boarding a small boat, walking on uneven surfaces and using a jetty or beach landing.

Conditions vary with tides and the type of boat used. Please provide details about mobility requirements before confirming the tour so that the team can assess whether suitable arrangements are possible.

Responsible Island Tourism

Visitors should help protect Changuu Island and its animals.

Responsible practices include:

Never leaving plastic or other waste behind
Avoiding damage to historical structures
Following sanctuary rules
Not feeding tortoises without permission
Respecting other visitors
Avoiding the collection of shells or marine life
Using reusable drinking bottles where possible
Following instructions from the guide and caretakers

The tortoises are living animals, not photography props. Calm and respectful observation should remain the priority.

Combine the Tour With Your Zanzibar Holiday

The Prison Island Tour can easily form part of a longer Zanzibar Island holiday.

Possible additions include:

Stone Town walking tour
Zanzibar spice-farm tour
Zanzibar Cooking Class
Nakupenda Sandbank
Safari Blue excursion
Jozani Forest
Sunset dhow cruise
Nungwi or Kendwa beach stay
Paje or Jambiani beach stay
Mnemba Island snorkelling excursion

Gowitos Safaris and Holidays can combine several activities into a private Zanzibar itinerary based on your available time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Prison Island?

Prison Island, officially known as Changuu Island, lies offshore from Stone Town on Zanzibar’s western coast.

How long is the boat journey?

The journey normally takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes each way. Travel time varies with the boat and sea conditions.

How long does the complete tour take?

Most tours take approximately three to four hours, including the return boat journey and time on the island.

Why is it called Prison Island?

Buildings were constructed for an intended prison use, but the island later became associated with quarantine facilities. Your guide will explain its history during the tour.

Are there still prisoners on the island?

No. Prison Island is now a tourism destination known for historical structures and giant tortoises.

Will I see giant tortoises?

The tortoise sanctuary is one of the main attractions included in the tour. Animal activity and behaviour naturally vary throughout the day.

Can visitors touch or feed the tortoises?

Interaction depends on sanctuary rules. Visitors should follow caretaker instructions and use only approved food when feeding is permitted.

Can I swim at Prison Island?

Swimming may be possible when tides, weather and sea conditions are suitable. It is not guaranteed on every departure.

Is snorkelling included?

Snorkelling is included only when specifically listed in your booking confirmation.

Is the tour private?

Private and small-group options are available. Your quotation will state which arrangement is included.

Are hotel transfers included?

Transfers are included only when stated in your quotation. Charges depend on the location of your hotel.

Can I combine Prison Island with Nakupenda?

Yes. Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank can be arranged as a full-day boat excursion.

What happens during bad weather?

The schedule may be changed, postponed or cancelled if the guide and boat crew consider sea conditions unsafe.

Book Your Prison Island Tour

Travel across the Indian Ocean from Stone Town, discover the history of Changuu Island and observe its famous giant tortoises on a professionally arranged Prison Island Tour.

Gowitos Safaris and Holidays can organise private and small-group departures, hotel transfers and combination trips with Stone Town or Nakupenda Sandbank.

Gowitos Safaris and Holidays
Website: gowitossafarisandholidays.com
WhatsApp: +255 769 100 815
Email: info@gowitossafarisandholidays.com