Prison Island Tour Zanzibar – Boat Trip to Changuu Island & Giant Tortoises
Discover the fascinating history and unique wildlife of Prison Island (Changuu Island), just a short boat ride from Stone Town. Visit the historic prison building, meet giant Aldabra tortoises over 100 years old, enjoy snorkeling around the coral reef, and relax on the island’s beautiful beaches.
This half-day excursion combines Zanzibar’s colonial history, incredible wildlife, and stunning coastal scenery, making it one of the island’s most popular and family-friendly tours.
Duration
Half Day
Tour Type
Boat & History
Difficulty
Easy
Age
All Ages
Wildlife
Giant Tortoises
Ruins
Historic Tour
Guide
Local Expert
Pickup
Available
Overview
The Prison Island Tour is a relaxed guided excursion from Stone Town to Changuu Island, roughly 5.6 km offshore and about a 20–30 minute boat ride away. The island’s star residents are its giant Aldabra tortoises, first gifted from the Seychelles in 1919. Many are now over 100 years old — some close to two centuries — with their ages painted in blue on their shells. You can walk among them, feed them fresh greens, and get remarkably close to these gentle, slow-moving giants.
Beyond the tortoise sanctuary, you’ll explore the island’s historic coral-stone ruins. Despite the dramatic name, no prisoners were ever held here — the complex, built by the British in the 1890s, became a quarantine station during the yellow-fever years. Your guide unpacks the layered history: from a detention site in the slave-trade era to the “prison that never was.”
With free time to swim in the calm shallows and relax on soft white sand, the Prison Island Tour blends wildlife, history, and easy island time in a single half day — ideal for families, couples, and first-time visitors looking for a gentle introduction to Zanzibar’s coast.
Guiding travelers across Zanzibar with a passion for sharing the island’s beauty, culture, and hidden gems. Rama and his local team are committed to delivering authentic experiences, friendly service, and unforgettable adventures across Zanzibar.
Highlights
Giant Aldabra Tortoises
Meet, feed and photograph century-old tortoises in their protected sanctuary.
Historic Prison Ruins
Walk the coral-stone ruins and hear the real story of the “prison that never was.”
Swim in Clear Water
Take a dip in the calm, shallow turquoise water off the island’s beach.
Scenic Boat Ride
Cruise turquoise water between Stone Town and Changuu — a short, calm crossing.
Local Guide & History
A knowledgeable local host brings the island’s layered past to life.
Photo-Perfect Island
Ancient ruins, gentle giants and ocean views — every corner is picture-worthy.
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup & Stone Town Departure
Your day begins with a pickup and a short transfer to the Stone Town seafront, where your guide meets you and introduces the island and the plan for the trip.
Boat Ride Across to Changuu
Board your boat and cruise 20–30 minutes across calm, clear water. Enjoy the sea breeze and the views of Stone Town’s waterfront and passing dhows as the island comes into view.
Giant Tortoise Sanctuary
Step ashore and meet the island’s famous Aldabra tortoises. Feed them fresh greens, watch them roam, and hear about their conservation story — some are well over 100 years old, with their ages marked on their shells.
Explore the Historic Ruins
Walk the atmospheric coral-stone buildings with your guide and learn the island’s real history — from a slave-era detention site to a British-built prison that instead became a yellow-fever quarantine station.
Swim & Relax on the Beach
Enjoy free time to swim in the calm shallows or simply relax on the white-sand beach. Grab a drink at the island café or browse the little boutique before heading back.
Return to Stone Town
Cruise back across the water with a camera full of photos, then transfer to your hotel — or ask to be dropped in Stone Town if you’d like to keep exploring.
Price
-
1 Person $80
-
2-3 Persons $70
Price per Person
-
4-6 Persons $65
Price per Person
-
7-14 Persons $60
Price per Person
-
15+ Persons More Discount
Price per Person
Includes
- Profesional Tour Guide
- Boat
- Entrance fees
- All government fees
- Transfer from and return to your hotel is available only for the additional cost
Best Time to Visit Prison Island
Prison Island runs year-round, and the short, sheltered crossing means it’s one of the more weather-resilient tours on the island. The dry seasons — June to October and December to February — bring the calmest, clearest water, making them the ideal months to sail across to Changuu.
The island stays popular in peak season (June–October & December–February) — booking a day or two ahead is recommended to secure your morning slot.
What Guests Say
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Prison Island Tour?
The Prison Island Tour is a relaxed half-day boat excursion from Stone Town to Changuu Island. It combines a visit to the island’s giant Aldabra tortoise sanctuary, a guided walk through the historic coral-stone ruins, and free time to swim and relax on the beach.
Where is Prison Island and how long is the boat ride?
Changuu (Prison) Island sits about 5.6 km northwest of Stone Town on Zanzibar’s west coast. The boat ride from the Stone Town seafront takes roughly 20–30 minutes across calm, sheltered water.
How long does the tour last?
It’s a half-day experience, usually around 3–4 hours including the boat rides and time on the island. Exact timing depends on your hotel’s location, tides, and how long you’d like to linger with the tortoises and on the beach.
Are the giant tortoises real, and can I feed them?
Yes. The island is home to a protected colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, first brought from the Seychelles in 1919. Many are over 100 years old, with their ages painted in blue on their shells. Visitors can feed them fresh greens provided by the keepers and take photos up close — just mind your fingers, as they have a strong bite.
Was Prison Island really a prison?
Not quite. In the 1860s the island was used as a detention site during the slave-trade era. In the 1890s the British built a prison complex, but it never held prisoners — instead it served as a quarantine station during yellow-fever outbreaks. Your guide explains the full story on the ruins walk.
Is the tour suitable for children and non-swimmers?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most family-friendly tours in Zanzibar. The boat ride is short and calm, the island is easy to explore on foot, and swimming is entirely optional — you can enjoy the tortoises, the ruins, and the beach without entering the water at all. Parents are responsible for supervising young children near the water.
Can I combine Prison Island with another tour?
Yes — because it’s a half day starting in Stone Town, it pairs perfectly with a Stone Town Walking Tour, a Nakupenda Sandbank trip, or a spice farm visit to make a full day. Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll build the combination that fits your schedule.
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Book This Tour
Book this tour using the form or contact Rama Zanzibar directly through the contacts below