Tour Overview
This 1 day Prison Island tour takes you by boat from Stone Town to Changuu Island — better known as Prison Island — a small coral island about 5km offshore. The island is famous for its colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, brought from the Seychelles over a century ago, and for the coral reef that surrounds it, one of the most accessible snorkelling spots near Stone Town.
The day combines three very different experiences — time with the tortoises, snorkelling on the reef and a walk through the island's historic prison ruins, built in the 1890s but never actually used to hold prisoners. A picnic lunch on the island is included, and there is time to relax on the beach before the boat takes you back to the mainland.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The tour works well on its own or combined with a Stone Town walking tour on the same day. Snorkelling equipment is provided.
Best Time to Visit
Prison Island can be visited year-round. The best snorkelling conditions are during the dry seasons — June to October and December to February — when visibility is highest and the sea is calmer. The tortoises and ruins are worth visiting at any time of year. Morning departures make the most of the cooler temperatures and calmer water before the afternoon sea breeze picks up.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Prison Island — Tortoises, Snorkelling & Beach
Pickup from your hotel and transfer to the Stone Town waterfront, where your boat is waiting. The crossing to Prison Island takes around 20 to 30 minutes by traditional dhow or motorised boat. The water between Stone Town and the island is shallow and turquoise — a good start to the day.
On arrival, head straight to the giant tortoise enclosure. The island is home to a large colony of Aldabra tortoises, some estimated to be well over 100 years old. They move slowly and are used to visitors — you can get very close, touch them and hand-feed them under the rangers' supervision. It is a genuinely enjoyable experience, especially with children.
After the tortoises, pull on your snorkelling gear and spend time in the water on the reef surrounding the island. The reef is shallow and accessible, with reef fish, the occasional sea turtle and good visibility on calm days. Then take some time to explore the old prison building — built in 1893 as a quarantine facility for slaves and later used as a holiday retreat for British officials. The ruins are atmospheric and the guide will explain the full story.
Picnic lunch is served on the island, giving you time to relax on the beach before the boat takes you back to Stone Town. Transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon.
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Zanzibar
- Return boat transfer to Prison Island
- Professional guide throughout
- Giant tortoise enclosure visit
- Snorkelling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel)
- Guided reef snorkel
- Prison ruins guided walk
- Picnic lunch on the island
- Life jackets on the boat
- Bottled water throughout
- 24/7 support from Wild Safaris & Travel
Not Included
- Prison Island entry fee (payable on arrival)
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- International flights
- Tanzania visa / Zanzibar entry fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Gratuities for guide and boat crew
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Frequently Asked Questions
Prison Island, officially known as Changuu Island, is a small coral island about 5km from Stone Town. It was built as a prison in 1893 but was never actually used for that purpose — instead it served as a quarantine station and later a British colonial retreat. Today it is best known for its giant Aldabra tortoise colony and accessible coral reef.
Yes. The reef around the island is shallow and accessible, making it one of the best snorkelling spots near Stone Town. You can expect reef fish, sea turtles and healthy coral. Snorkelling equipment is included. The best visibility is during the dry seasons — June to October and December to February.
Yes. The tortoises are accustomed to visitors and you can touch and hand-feed them under the rangers' supervision. Some of the tortoises are estimated to be well over 100 years old. It is a highlight of the trip for most visitors, especially children.
The crossing from Stone Town waterfront takes around 20 to 30 minutes by traditional dhow or motorised boat, depending on sea conditions. The ride itself is pleasant — shallow, calm water with good views back towards Stone Town.
Yes. The tour is suitable for all ages. Non-swimmers can enjoy the beach, the tortoises and the ruins while others snorkel. Life jackets are available on the boat and the overall pace is relaxed throughout the day.
Yes — this is a popular combination. A morning on Prison Island followed by an afternoon Stone Town walking tour covers both in one full day. Let us know when you enquire and we will arrange it as a single package.
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. Most nationalities need a Tanzania tourist visa, applied for online through the Tanzania e-visa portal before travel. We guide all clients through the process after booking.