Zanzibar, Tanzania info@greensafarisexperience.co.tz
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Zanzibar History & Wildlife

Prison Island
Tour

Discover Changuu Island from Stone Town. Meet the famous giant Aldabra tortoises, explore the island's historic ruins, enjoy swimming and snorkeling, and experience a beautiful boat ride across Zanzibar's waters.

Book This Tour View Itinerary
Duration Half Day · 3–5 Hours
Group Size Private / Small Groups
Boat Ride From Stone Town
Main Attraction Giant Tortoises
Giant tortoise
Meet Zanzibar's Giant Tortoises
About The Tour

Discover Changuu Island

Prison Island, officially known as Changuu Island, is a short boat trip from Stone Town. The island is famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises as well as its historic buildings and surrounding waters.

Your visit combines wildlife, history and a relaxed island experience. Walk through the island, see the tortoise sanctuary, discover the old buildings and enjoy time by the sea.

  • Scenic boat ride from Stone Town
  • Visit the giant Aldabra tortoise sanctuary
  • Explore the historic prison and quarantine buildings
  • Swimming and snorkeling when conditions permit
  • Free time for photographs and island exploration
Simple Pricing

Choose Your Group Size

Travel with friends or family and enjoy better value per person.

Solo Traveler

$60 /person

Perfect for one traveler

POPULAR

2 People

$45 /person

$90 total for 2 people

3–4 People

$35 /person

Great for families & friends

5+ People

$30 /person

Best value for larger groups

Your Experience

Prison Island Itinerary

A relaxed half-day adventure combining boat travel, wildlife, history and the ocean.

Start

Hotel Pickup / Meeting Point

Meet your Safari Excellent guide and prepare for the journey to the Stone Town waterfront where the boat departs.

Boat Ride

Sail to Changuu Island

Enjoy a scenic boat journey across the water from Stone Town to Prison Island. The crossing commonly takes around 20–30 minutes depending on conditions.

Wildlife

Giant Tortoise Sanctuary

Meet the famous Aldabra giant tortoises, observe them in their sanctuary and capture memorable photographs.

History

Explore the Historic Ruins

Discover the historic buildings on the island and learn about Changuu Island's past as a quarantine station and its association with the old prison complex.

Ocean Time

Swimming & Snorkeling

Enjoy time near the beach, swim in the clear water or snorkel around the island when weather, tide and visibility conditions are suitable.

Free Time

Relax & Take Photos

Take your time to enjoy the island, photograph the scenery and create memories before returning to Stone Town.

Return

Boat Ride Back to Stone Town

Board the boat and enjoy the return journey across the Zanzibar channel.

Experience

Tour Highlights

Wildlife, history and ocean adventure in one memorable Zanzibar excursion.

Giant Tortoises

Meet the famous Aldabra giant tortoises and observe these remarkable animals in their sanctuary.

Island History

Explore the historic buildings and learn about Changuu Island's unique past.

Boat Adventure

Enjoy a scenic boat ride between Stone Town and the beautiful island.

Snorkeling

Discover the surrounding marine environment when sea and visibility conditions are suitable.

Swimming

Relax by the island's beach and enjoy refreshing time in the Zanzibar waters.

Photography

Capture the tortoises, historic buildings, ocean views and beautiful island scenery.

Good To Know

What's Included

Everything arranged for a comfortable Prison Island experience.

Included

  • Return boat transportation
  • Professional local guide
  • Prison Island / Changuu visit
  • Giant tortoise sanctuary visit
  • Historic island tour
  • Time for swimming and relaxation

Not Included

  • Personal expenses
  • Lunch unless specifically selected
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Optional activities not listed in the package
Prison Island

See The Experience

Discover the wildlife, history and tropical beauty of Changuu Island.

Giant tortoise
Zanzibar tropical beach
Boat on tropical water
Island beach
Clear Zanzibar water

Ready to Meet the Tortoises?

Book your Prison Island experience with Safari Excellent and discover one of Zanzibar's most interesting island excursions.

Book Your Tour
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Prison Island is normally a half-day experience. The complete timing can vary depending on your departure point, boat schedule, weather and sea conditions.
The boat journey from Stone Town to Changuu Island commonly takes around 20–30 minutes each way, depending on the boat and sea conditions.
The island is best known for its giant Aldabra tortoises. It also has historic buildings and surrounding waters where visitors can swim or snorkel when conditions are suitable.
The island is associated with a prison complex built in the 1890s, but the buildings were later used as a quarantine station. The historic structures remain an important part of the visit.
Swimming and snorkeling may be available depending on weather, tides, sea conditions and water visibility. Safety conditions are always taken into consideration.
The tour can be suitable for families because it combines a short boat trip, wildlife, history and beach time. Children should always be supervised around the animals, boat and water.
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable clothes, water, a towel and a camera. If you have your own snorkeling mask, you may also bring it.