Prison Island Tour

3.8(5 reviews)

3 hour(s)

English (United Kingdom)

Zanzibar, Tanzania

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Visit the historic prison, built in 1893, now a hotel
Discover the vibrant peacocks that roam the island
Explore the marine life around the island's coral reefs
Enjoy a boat trip from Stone Town to the island

Explore the Historic Prison Island Sanctuary and Encounter Giant Tortoises on a Zanzibar Boat Trip

Embark on a captivating half-day excursion to Prison Island, located just a short boat ride from the historic shores of Stone Town. Originally constructed in 1893 to house prisoners and the sick, the island has transformed into a tranquil retreat. Today, it stands as a testament to Zanzibar's complex history, offering visitors a blend of colonial architecture and natural beauty that provides a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the main island.

The island is most famous for its remarkable tortoise sanctuary, which hosts a thriving colony of giant tortoises originally imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. These magnificent creatures, some of which are over 150 years old and weigh up to 200 kilograms, roam freely in a protected environment. You will have the unique opportunity to interact with these ancient giants, touch their shells, and take memorable photos in this serene setting.

Beyond the tortoise sanctuary, the island is a haven for nature lovers, featuring a colony of beautiful peacocks that wander through the lush grounds. The surrounding crystal-clear waters offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling, allowing you to explore the vibrant coral reefs that fringe the island. Whether you choose to swim among the colorful marine life or simply relax on the pristine beach under the warm tropical sun, the island provides a perfect escape.

As the afternoon draws to a close, you will take a boat back to Stone Town, reflecting on the day's unique blend of history and wildlife. This tour is ideal for those looking to combine a bit of educational exploration with pure relaxation in a stunning island environment. It remains one of the most popular day trips from Zanzibar City, offering a peaceful retreat that captures the essence of the archipelago's natural charm.

Explore the Historic Prison Island Sanctuary and Encounter Giant Tortoises on a Zanzibar Boat Trip

What's Included

Boat from Stone Town
Snorkeling gear
Bottled water and snacks

What's Not Included

Meal and beverage
Transportation to from other parts of Zanzibar

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$ 80

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Pickup location

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Timeslots: 09:00AM, 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 01:00PM, 02:00PM

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Pickup location

Address will appear once location is loaded.

Timeslots: 09:00AM, 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 01:00PM, 02:00PM

Click "Show Pickups on Map" to open the interactive map and search for your hotel or nearby location.

Click any purple pickup marker to view its connection to your searched location and find the best pickup point.

Activity Provider: Colors of Zanzibar

Customer Reviews

3.8

Good

Based on 5 reviews

Pascal I.

November 19, 2025

The excursion got off to a bad start with $22 in taxes per person, listed in tiny print as "not included." Despite a very kind and knowledgeable guide, Prison Island was completely uninteresting: a single room with a few gemstones, a shop, and a reserve of large, motionless turtles. Next, we headed to Nakupenda, where we were dropped off and herded like cattle. The photos of the site are misleading, both in terms of the scenery and the meal. The place could be paradise, but it's completely ruined by the large influx of tourists and poor organization. Swimming was only allowed an hour after a meal consisting of rice, fries, inedible octopus, dry chicken, and slipper lobsters, served on a plastic plate with a single fork. The fruit after swimming, meant to keep the "sheep" (a local term for the group) close to the boat and ready to leave, was tasty but insufficient. A disappointing experience that we strongly advise against.

Victor M.

November 11, 2024

There is a huge selection of boat services to the island. Safe. Fun. Kind.

Mayur S.

July 21, 2024

This place is very beautiful

Day In a City

Explore More Prison Island Tour

Discover the wonders of Zanzibar, Tanzania with this unforgettable experience. Join us for a half day trip to Prison Island, 5 km from Stone Town. Explore the historic prison, built in 1893, and meet the famous giant tortoises. Highlights of your tour include: Visit the historic prison, built in 1893, now a hotelDiscover the vibrant peacocks that roam the islandExplore the marine life around the island's coral reefsEnjoy a boat trip from Stone Town to the island. This tour includes: Boat from Stone TownSnorkeling gearBottled water and snacks. Join us for a memorable half day trip to Prison Island, a scenic boat ride departing from the shores of Stone Town, taking you just 5 km away to the beautiful island. Once on the island, you’ll explore its fascinating history, including the iconic prison built in 1893, which was originally used to house violent criminals from the mainland and those suffering from diseases. Today, the prison has be. Duration: 3 hours . Book your Prison Island Tour today and create memories that will last a lifetime!