Discover the history, wildlife and coastal beauty of Changuu Island, better known as Prison Island, on a half-day excursion from Zanzibar. Travel by local motorboat from Stone Town, explore the island’s historic attractions, meet the famous giant Aldabra tortoises and enjoy snorkeling in the surrounding waters.
With hotel pickup and drop-off included, this shared group experience takes around 4–5 hours and gives you an easy way to explore one of Zanzibar’s best-known islands without giving up an entire day of your holiday.
From XX$ per person
Duration: 4–5 hours
Tour type: Shared group excursion
Destination: Changuu Island (Prison Island)
Departure: Stone Town
Transport: Local motorboat
Pickup: Hotel pickup and drop-off across Zanzibar
Snorkeling: Included
Lunch: Not included
Book Your Prison Island Zanzibar Tour
What Makes Prison Island Zanzibar Worth Visiting?
Prison Island offers a combination of experiences that makes it different from a simple beach trip.
The island is known for its historical buildings, giant Aldabra tortoise sanctuary and clear coastal waters. During the excursion, you can explore the island with a local guide, spend time around the tortoises and enjoy snorkeling as part of the experience.
It is also a convenient half-day excursion for travelers who want to explore beyond their resort while keeping enough time available for other Zanzibar activities.
Your Prison Island Zanzibar Experience
Your excursion begins with pickup from your hotel anywhere in Zanzibar before continuing towards Stone Town.
From the Stone Town waterfront, you board a local motorboat for the journey to Changuu Island. The boat trip adds another dimension to the experience, giving you the opportunity to enjoy Zanzibar’s coastal scenery before reaching the island.
Once you arrive, your guide will accompany you as you discover the main attractions of Prison Island.
The island’s historic area provides an insight into its past, while the tortoise sanctuary introduces you to the famous giant Aldabra tortoises that have become one of Changuu’s defining attractions.
After exploring the island, you can enjoy the water. Snorkeling is included in the excursion, with equipment provided for the activity, and there is also time to swim and relax around the island.
After the island visit and water activities, you return by motorboat before your hotel transfer.
Prison Island Zanzibar Tour Highlights
- Visit Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island
- Travel from Stone Town by local motorboat
- Explore the island’s historic prison area
- Visit the giant Aldabra tortoise sanctuary
- Observe the famous giant tortoises
- Enjoy snorkeling as part of the excursion
- Swim in the clear waters around the island
- Relax on the island’s sandy beach
- Learn about Changuu Island with a local Zanzibar guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Travel as part of a shared group experience
Prison Island Zanzibar Itinerary
Hotel Pickup Across Zanzibar
Start your excursion with convenient pickup from your hotel. Zanzibar Voyage provides hotel pickup and drop-off across Zanzibar as part of the experience.
Your exact pickup arrangements are organized according to your hotel location and booking details.
Local Boat Trip From Stone Town
After reaching Stone Town, continue to the waterfront and board the local motorboat for the journey towards Changuu Island.
The boat ride takes you away from the busy atmosphere of the main island and towards the quieter surroundings of Prison Island.
Explore Changuu Island
On arrival, begin exploring the island and its main attractions.
Your local guide will help you discover the historical areas of Changuu and provide context about the places you visit.
Visit the Giant Tortoise Sanctuary
One of the main reasons travelers visit Prison Island is its giant Aldabra tortoise sanctuary.
Spend time observing these remarkable animals and discovering one of the island’s most distinctive attractions.
Snorkeling Around Prison Island
Snorkeling is an essential part of this excursion.
With the provided snorkeling equipment, you can enter the water and explore the marine environment surrounding Changuu Island.
The activity also provides an opportunity to enjoy the clear coastal waters from a different perspective.
Swimming and Beach Time
After exploring the island and snorkeling, enjoy time by the water.
You can swim, relax on the beach and take in the tropical surroundings before preparing for the return boat journey.
Return to Your Hotel
Once the Prison Island experience is complete, board the local motorboat back towards Stone Town.
Your Zanzibar Voyage transfer then takes you back to your hotel, completing the approximately 4–5-hour excursion.
What’s Included in the Prison Island Tour?
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local motorboat transportation
- Changuu Island entrance fees
- Professional local Zanzibar guide
- Snorkeling equipment
- Life jacket
- Snorkeling mask
- Fins
- 1-liter bottle of mineral water
- Taxes
- Fuel surcharges
- Service fees
What’s Not Included?
- Lunch
- Medical insurance
- Flights to Zanzibar
- Visa expenses
- Personal expenses
- Souvenirs
- Additional activities not specified in the tour
Who Is This Prison Island Excursion Best For?
Families
The combination of a boat trip, wildlife, sightseeing, swimming and snorkeling makes Prison Island an appealing option for families looking for a varied half-day Zanzibar experience.
Couples
Couples can combine island exploration, time by the sea and snorkeling during one compact excursion.
First-Time Zanzibar Visitors
If you are visiting Zanzibar for the first time, Prison Island offers an opportunity to experience the island’s history and marine environment within a single half-day trip.
Nature and Wildlife Lovers
The giant Aldabra tortoises are one of the defining attractions of Changuu Island, making the excursion particularly interesting for travelers who enjoy wildlife encounters.
Snorkeling Enthusiasts
Snorkeling is included in the experience, so visitors can combine the island’s historical and wildlife attractions with time in the water.
Prison Island Tour Practical Information
Duration: 4–5 hours
Tour type: Shared group
Boat: Local motorboat
Departure: Stone Town
Pickup: Hotel pickup and drop-off across Zanzibar
Snorkeling: Included
Lunch: Not included
Guide: Local Zanzibar guide
Water: 1-liter bottle included
Price: From XX$ per person
What Should You Bring to Prison Island?
For a comfortable experience, we recommend bringing:
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable footwear
- Towel
- Camera or smartphone
- Some cash for personal expenses
If you plan to spend additional time in the water, bring anything else you personally need for swimming and snorkeling.
Respect the island’s wildlife during your visit. Follow the instructions of your guide and observe the tortoises without disturbing them or their environment.
Why Book Your Prison Island Tour With Zanzibar Voyage?
Zanzibar Voyage is a local operator offering excursions in Zanzibar with local guides and direct booking options.
Instead of arranging your excursion through multiple intermediaries, you can contact the Zanzibar Voyage team directly to organize your Prison Island experience.
Our approach focuses on local knowledge, flexible arrangements and a personal experience rather than treating every traveler as part of the same fixed itinerary.
Local Zanzibar Guides
Your experience is supported by local Zanzibar guides who know the destination and can help you understand the places you visit.
Flexible Hotel Pickup
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it easier to join the excursion whether you are staying in Stone Town or elsewhere in Zanzibar.
Small-Group Experience
The excursion is designed as a shared group experience while maintaining a more personal approach.
Direct Local Operator
Book directly with Zanzibar Voyage and communicate with the team arranging your Zanzibar excursion.
Flexible and Customizable Arrangements
Where available, the itinerary can be adjusted according to your requirements. Contact the Zanzibar Voyage team before booking if you have a specific request.
How to Book Your Prison Island Zanzibar Tour
Booking your Prison Island excursion with Zanzibar Voyage is straightforward.
You can choose the booking method that works best for you:
- Complete the online booking form
- Contact Zanzibar Voyage through WhatsApp
- Send an email
- Use the available online payment option
When booking, provide your hotel details, preferred date and contact information so the team can arrange the excursion and pickup.
Book your Prison Island Zanzibar Tour today and let Zanzibar Voyage arrange the details for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prison Island Zanzibar
How long does the Prison Island Zanzibar Tour take?
The complete excursion takes approximately 4–5 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off.
Is snorkeling included in the Prison Island excursion?
Yes. Snorkeling is part of the excursion, and snorkeling equipment including a mask, fins and life jacket is provided.
Does the Prison Island tour include lunch?
No. Lunch is not included in this half-day excursion. Personal meals and other expenses are therefore separate from the tour price.
Can I book Prison Island from a hotel outside Stone Town?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available across Zanzibar. Your pickup arrangements are organized according to your hotel location when you make your booking.
Book Your Prison Island Zanzibar Tour
Explore Changuu Island, discover its history, meet the giant Aldabra tortoises and enjoy snorkeling in Zanzibar’s coastal waters.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, boat transportation and snorkeling included, this 4–5-hour excursion is an easy way to add a memorable island experience to your Zanzibar holiday.
Reserve your Prison Island Zanzibar Tour with Zanzibar Voyage and start planning your Changuu Island adventure.