Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour Zanzibar

Overview

Tortoises, Ocean & Sandbank Paradise

Combine two of Zanzibar's most memorable island experiences into one full-day adventure. Begin with a boat trip from Stone Town to Changuu Island, commonly known as Prison Island.

Explore the island, discover its historic surroundings and meet the famous giant Aldabra tortoises. After your island experience, continue by boat to Nakupenda Sandbank for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and relaxing beside the Indian Ocean.

Depending on the selected package and conditions, lunch can be enjoyed on or near the sandbank, often with fresh seafood and tropical fruits.

Boat trip from Stone Town
Changuu / Prison Island visit
Giant tortoise experience
Nakupenda Sandbank experience
Swimming & snorkeling when conditions allow

Your Day

Prison Island & Nakupenda Itinerary

A relaxed full-day combination of wildlife, island history, ocean activities and sandbank relaxation.

08:00 AM

Hotel Pickup

Meet your driver and travel towards Stone Town for the boat departure.

09:00 AM

Boat Departure

Board your local boat and begin the scenic crossing from Stone Town towards Changuu Island.

09:30 AM

Arrive at Prison Island

Explore Changuu Island, discover its historic surroundings and enjoy the peaceful island scenery.

10:00 AM

Giant Tortoise Experience

Meet the famous giant Aldabra tortoises and learn about their presence on the island.

11:00 AM

Island Exploration

Enjoy time around the island, take photographs and discover the historic atmosphere of Changuu.

11:30 AM

Sail To Nakupenda

Continue by boat towards Nakupenda Sandbank for the beach and ocean part of your adventure.

12:15 PM

Arrive at Nakupenda Sandbank

Step onto the sandbank and enjoy the surrounding ocean views and tropical atmosphere.

12:30 PM

Swimming & Snorkeling

Swim, snorkel or relax in the shallow coastal waters depending on tide and sea conditions.

01:30 PM

Seafood Lunch & Tropical Fruits

Enjoy a relaxed lunch experience with fresh seafood and tropical fruits when included in your selected package.

02:30 PM

Sandbank Relaxation

Spend free time swimming, walking along the sandbank, taking photographs or simply relaxing by the sea.

03:30 PM

Return Boat To Stone Town

Board the boat and enjoy the return journey towards Stone Town.

04:30 PM

Hotel Drop-Off

Return to your hotel after a full day of island adventure and relaxation.

Please Note: The itinerary times are sample display times. Actual timing can change depending on your hotel location, boat operations, tide, weather and sea conditions. Nakupenda is a tide-dependent sandbank experience. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Highlights

Two Zanzibar Icons In One Day

Combine wildlife and island history with swimming, snorkeling and tropical sandbank relaxation.

Giant Tortoises

Meet and photograph the famous giant Aldabra tortoises on Changuu Island.

Prison Island

Explore Changuu Island and learn about its historic buildings and past.

Boat Adventure

Enjoy scenic boat rides between Stone Town, Changuu Island and Nakupenda.

Swimming & Snorkeling

Enjoy time in the ocean when tides and sea conditions are suitable.

Nakupenda Sandbank

Relax on a beautiful sandbank surrounded by the Indian Ocean.

Zanzibar Photography

Capture tortoises, boats, ocean scenery and memorable tropical island moments.

Tour Details

What's Included

Your package can be arranged as a private or small-group island experience.

Included

Local boat transfers
Professional local guide
Prison Island / Changuu experience
Giant tortoise viewing
Nakupenda Sandbank experience
Swimming / snorkeling experience
Bottled water

Not Included

Hotel pickup unless selected
Lunch unless selected
Snorkeling equipment unless selected
Alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Tips

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before booking your Prison Island & Nakupenda experience.

The tour is designed as a full-day experience, usually around 6–8 hours. Exact duration can vary depending on hotel location, boat schedule, tide and sea conditions.

Prison Island is the common tourist name for Changuu Island, located off Stone Town. The island is known for its historical buildings and giant Aldabra tortoises.

The giant tortoises are one of the main attractions on Changuu Island. Animal activity can vary, however, so exact behavior and interaction cannot be guaranteed.

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling can be part of the experience when weather, tides, sea conditions and the day's schedule allow.

Lunch is not included in the standard displayed package unless selected or arranged separately. A seafood and tropical-fruit lunch can be arranged for the sandbank experience.

Hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged. Please provide your hotel location when booking so the transfer can be confirmed.

Nakupenda is a tide-dependent sandbank, so its size and appearance can change with the tide. The exact time spent there may therefore change with sea conditions.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, towel, comfortable footwear, a camera and some cash for personal expenses.

Yes. Boat operations, tides, weather and sea conditions can affect the exact departure, activity and return times.

Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank

Tortoises, Ocean & Sandbank Paradise

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