excursion overview
A short boat ride to giant tortoises and a calm reef.
Prison Island (Changuu) sits just off Stone Town and is home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, some more than 100 years old, brought to the island in the 19th century. This half-day tour combines time with the tortoises with a swim and snorkel over the calm reef just offshore, all reachable on a short boat crossing. It's an easy, low-effort excursion that works well alone or paired with a Stone Town or Spice Farm tour on the same day.
how the day unfolds
Tortoises in the morning, reef time after.
A short crossing gets you to the island, where the pace stays relaxed for the rest of the morning.
After your hotel pickup, you're driven to the jetty in Stone Town for a short boat crossing to Prison Island, named for the never-used prison building constructed here in the 1890s. The island's main draw today is its colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, some more than a century old, which you can walk among and feed under the guidance of the island's keepers.
Once you've spent time with the tortoises, there's free time to swim or snorkel over the calm reef just off the island's beach — snorkeling gear is provided, and the water here is generally clear and gentle, making it a good option even for less confident swimmers. When you're ready, the boat brings you back to Stone Town, where your driver is waiting for the return to your hotel.
what's included
Exactly what's covered — and what isn't.
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- Return boat transfer to Prison Island
- Prison Island entry fees
- Local guide at the tortoise sanctuary
- Snorkeling gear
- Meals & drinks
- Hotel accommodation
- Flights to and from Zanzibar
- Travel & medical insurance (required)
- Souvenirs & personal expenses
- Tips for your guide & driver
Good to know before booking
- Bring swimwear, a towel and reef-safe sunscreen — snorkeling gear is provided but wetsuits are not.
- The boat crossing is short (10–15 minutes) but can be a little choppy in windier months — those prone to seasickness may want to take precautions.
- This tour pairs well with a Stone Town Tour or Spice Farm Tour on the same day — ask about combining them.
- A Tanzania e-Visa is required for most nationalities — apply at immigration.go.tz at least 3 weeks before travel.
pricing
What you'll pay — no hidden extras.
Placeholder price shown below — update to your actual rate before publishing.
| Option | Price per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prison Island Tour Half-day boat trip, tortoise sanctuary & reef snorkeling | $100 | Per person, hotel pickup & drop-off included |
Ready to book your Prison Island Tour?
Tell us where you're staying and your preferred date, and we'll confirm availability and send a full quote.
frequently asked questions
Questions we get asked most often.
Some of the giant Aldabra tortoises on the island are recorded as being over 100 years old. They were introduced to the island in the late 19th century.
It's usually a short, calm ride, though conditions can vary with wind and season. The crossing takes around 10–15 minutes each way.
No, snorkeling masks and fins are provided. You're welcome to bring your own if you prefer a specific fit.
Yes, many guests combine Prison Island with a Stone Town Tour or Spice Farm Tour on the same day — just ask when booking.
Related Tanzania Safari Tours you may like
Sunset Dhow Cruise — An Evening on the Water
Dolphin Tour — Kizimkazi Boat Excursion
Mnemba Snorkeling — Zanzibar’s Best Reef
Jozani Forest Tour — Red Colobus Monkeys & Mangroves
Safari Blue Tour — Dhow Sailing & Sandbank Lunch
Prison Island Tour — Giant Tortoises & Snorkeling
Spice Farm Tour — Walk the Spice Island
Stone Town Tour — Zanzibar’s Historic Old City
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