Overview
Prison Island also known as Changuu sits just off the coast of Stone Town, a short boat ride away, and packs a surprising amount into a small island. Despite the name, it was never actually used to hold prisoners; instead it became home to a colony of Aldabra giant tortoises, some over a century old, gifted from the Seychelles in the late 1800s. Today you can walk right up to them, feed them, and learn about their conservation.
Beyond the tortoises, the island offers clear water for snorkelling over a small reef, the ruins of the old prison building itself, and quiet beaches away from the crowds of the mainland. It’s an easy, relaxed half day that combines a bit of wildlife, a bit of history and a bit of beach time, all within sight of Stone Town.
Highlights
- Meet and feed giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old
- Learn the island’s history, from quarantine station to conservation site
- Snorkel over a small reef in clear water
- Explore the ruins of the old prison building
- Relax on quiet beaches with views back to Stone Town
- Short boat ride easy to combine with a Stone Town visit
Included/Excluded
- Boat transfer to and from Prison Island
- Tortoise sanctuary entrance fee
- All activity fees and taxes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off — this is not included in the price. Transfers from Nungwi, Kendwa and other areas can be arranged on request at an additional cost. Please ask us when booking.
- personal expenses
Tour Plan
Hotel pickup — morning or afternoon Your driver collects you from your hotel and transfers you to the boat departure point in Stone Town.
Boat crossing — A short, scenic boat ride out to Prison Island, with views back over Stone Town's waterfront as you go.
Giant tortoise sanctuary — Walk through the tortoise sanctuary, where you can get close to, and feed, the resident giant tortoises. Your guide will share the story of how the tortoises came to the island and the conservation work protecting them today.
Free time snorkelling, beach and ruins — Explore at your own pace: snorkel over the reef just offshore, relax on the beach, or wander the ruins of the old prison building and learn a little more about the island's past as a quarantine station.
Return boat and transfer Sail back to Stone Town, where your driver returns you to your hotel.
Global Discount
| Min - Max (Persons) | Adult Price |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $70.00 |
| 2 - 2 | $60.00 |
| 3 - 6 | $57.00 |
| 7 - 14 | $55.00 |
| 15 - 20 | $50.00 |
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