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Prison Island Tour Zanzibar

(7 Reviews)
Best Price
From$40$30
Best Price
From$40$30
Select your pickup location:
  • From North part of IslandFrom North part of IslandAvailable: 0 seats
  • From Central part of Island (Stone Town)Available: 0 seats
  • From South-East part of IslandAvailable: 0 seats

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Why I need to pay deposit fee?

A deposit is needed to secure your Zanzibar tour booking, confirming your commitment and allowing us to organize essential logistics like transportation, meals, and expert local guides for a personalized and exceptional experience.


Infants/Children age & Discounts?

Infants – 0 to 5 years for Free!
Children- From 5 to 12 Years with 20% Discount


Why Book With Us?

  • No-hassle best price guarantee
  • All tours includes transfers from/back to your hotel (from any part of island)
  • Customer care available 24/7
  • Hand-picked Tours & Activities


Get a Question?

Do not hesitage to write us on WhatsApp or call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

+255 776 936 065

[email protected]

Tour Details

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is a small island located off the coast of Stone Town, the historic capital of Zanzibar. It has a dark history but has been transformed into a sanctuary for wildlife and a popular tourist destination. The island is home to various exciting attractions, from the historical ruins of a former prison to the giant tortoises that roam freely on the island.

The tour begins with a scenic boat ride from Stone Town to Prison Island. As you approach the island, you will be struck by the beauty of its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. The island’s lush vegetation and towering palm trees add to its tropical charm, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and adventure.

Once you arrive at the island, a knowledgeable guide will take you on a tour of its many attractions. You will visit the ruins of the former prison, built in the late 1800s and initially intended to be a quarantine station for enslaved people. The prison was never used for its intended purpose but was later used as a quarantine station for yellow fever and cholera patients. Today, the ruins offer a glimpse into the island’s past, with crumbling walls and rusted bars that tell a haunting story.

One of the tour’s highlights is the giant tortoises that call the island home. These magnificent creatures are believed to be over 100 years old and are a sight to behold as they stroll around the island’s lush vegetation. Visitors are welcome to feed and interact with the tortoises; it is an experience that will leave a lasting impression.

In addition to the tortoises, Prison Island is home to various other wildlife, including rare bird species and exotic butterflies. The island’s coral reefs are also a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, with crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish and other marine life.

In conclusion, the Prison Island Tour is the perfect choice if you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Zanzibar. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and unique wildlife, this tour offers something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Book your tour today and discover the magic of Prison Island for yourself!

Departure & Return Location

Рiсk uр frоm thе hоtеl оf yоur stаy in Zаnzibаr, drive you to the Stone Town.

 

Tour Duration

3 hours  (approx.)

Price Includes

  • Tour Guide
  • Transfer from hotel to location and back to your hotel
  • Boat
  • Bottled water
  • Entrances

Price Excludes

  • Any Private Expenses
  • Lunch

Complementaries

    What to Expect
     

    Prison Island Tour Zanzibar is a unique experience that offers visitors the chance to explore the history and culture of Zanzibar. The tour includes visiting Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island, which was once used as a detention center for enslaved people. Visitors can see the ruins of the prison and the giant tortoises that now inhabit the island.   The tour typically lasts 3-4 hours and includes transportation to and from your hotel.

    • Take a ride on a locally made wooden boat to Prison Island.
    • Feed the giant tortoises at Prison Island.
    • Relax and swim at the beach.
    • Shop at Darajani Market in Stone Town.
    Itinerary

    (You set the time with the guide after booking)Pick you up from your Hotel

    We will pick you up from your hotel or a location of your choice and take you to the boat that will take us to Prison Island.

    Departure from Stone Town with boat

    30 minutes (aproxx)Boat ride from the mainland to Prison Island

    The boat ride to Prison Island is approximately 30 minutes. During the ride, you will enjoy the stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

    Explore the island's history and visit the former prison

    Upon arrival at the island, we will take a tour of the former prison. The prison was built in the late 1800s and was used to house slaves before they were transported to other parts of the world. During your tour, you will learn about the island’s history and its role in the slave trade.

     

    Observe the island's giant tortoises and other wildlife

    After visiting the former prison, we will take a walk around the island to observe its giant tortoises and other wildlife. The giant tortoises are one of the main attractions of the island and can live up to 200 years.

    Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island

    After observing the island’s wildlife, we will take you on a snorkeling adventure in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island. You will have the chance to see a variety of fish and other marine life.

    Return to Stone Town

    We will head back to the boat and return to Stone Town. 

    Back to hotel

    Your tour will end with a drop-off at your hotel or a location of your choice.

     

    Map
    Photos
    IМРОRТАNТ INFО / FAQ

    Рriсеs & Аvаilаbility

    The total price consists of two parts: the Booking Deposit that you pay at the time of booking and the Remaining Balance that you pay in cash directly to the guide on the day of the Tour/Activity. Please specify all the details and choose the desired date in the booking box on the right-hand side to check the exact pricing and availability.

     

    Вооking Dероsit & Rеmаining Ваlаnсе:

    To confirm your booking, you must pay the Booking Deposit using a credit, debit card, or PayPal. Once the payment is made, you will receive your Tour Voucher and your booking confirmation.

    On the Tour/Activity day, you must pay the Remaining Balance directly to the Tour/Activity guide by presenting your Tour Voucher. It is not mandatory to present the voucher in physical form. Please note that the Tour/Activity provider only accepts cash payments for the Remaining Balance.

    Why I need to pay deposit fee?

    We require a deposit to secure your booking and ensure the high-quality preparation and personalized experience of your Zanzibar tour. This confirms your commitment to the tour and enables us to arrange necessary logistics, such as transportation, meals, and the engagement of expert local guides, to deliver an exceptional experience tailored to your interests.

    Саnсеllаtiоn Роliсy

    There is no cancellation fee if you cancel your tour booking at least 14 days before the scheduled departure. If you cancel between 13 and 3 days before the scheduled departure, a 50 percent cancellation fee is charged from the paid deposit.
    If you cancel within two days of the scheduled departure or don’t arrive at the meeting point on time, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee from the paid deposit.

    Рiсk-Uр Тimе

    You set the time with the guide after booking.

    Drор-Оff dеtаils

    Drор-Оff аlwаys аt thе оriginаl dераrturе Рiсk-Uр Роint, but you can ask our guide to take you to another place if you wish.

    Are there age restrictions for visiting the giant tortoises?

    No, visitors of all ages are welcome to interact with the giant Aldabra tortoises on the island.

    Can we swim on the beaches of Prison Island?

    Absolutely! You can enjoy swimming on the island’s beautiful beaches with clear and inviting waters.

    Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

    Yes, the tour caters to both swimmers and non-swimmers. There are various activities suitable for everyone to enjoy.

    7 Reviews
    Sort By:RatingDate

    Lukas Müller

    Group Traveller

    Der Ausflug zur Gefängnisinsel in Sansibar war fantastisch! Einfache Buchung, pünktliche Abholung und beeindruckende Riesenschildkröten – ein absolutes Muss in Sansibar. Sehr empfehlenswert!

    January 14, 2024

    Анна Смирнова

    Solo Traveller

    Тур на Остров Тюрьмы в Занзибаре был просто волшебным! Всё было организовано идеально, а путешествие получилось незабываемым. Обязательно рекомендую!

    January 4, 2024

    Ethan W

    Couple Traveller

    The Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar exceeded all my expectations. The booking process was incredibly user-friendly, and the follow-up on WhatsApp. The tour itself offered a perfect mix of historical exploration and natural beauty. The highlight for me was interacting with the giant tortoises and soaking in the island’s unique history. The tour operators were knowledgeable and friendly, making this experience both educational and enjoyable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a well-organized and insightful tour in Zanzibar.

    December 16, 2023

    Olivia Brown

    Group Traveller

    My visit to Prison Island with this tour was nothing short of mesmerizing. The ease of booking online and the prompt WhatsApp communication for confirmation was impressive. The tour was beautifully organized, blending historical insights with natural wonders seamlessly. Seeing the giant tortoises and exploring the island’s rich history was an unforgettable experience. This tour is a definite must-do in Zanzibar for its excellent service and captivating content.

    October 27, 2023

    Carlos Rivera

    Couple Traveller

    ¡El tour a la Isla Prisión en Zanzíbar fue extraordinario! La reserva en línea fue sencilla y directa, y después de hacerla, los operadores nos contactaron rápidamente por WhatsApp para confirmar todos los detalles. Fueron muy puntuales, recogiéndonos en un coche confortable y bien cuidado. El tour en sí fue una combinación perfecta de historia y belleza natural. Visitar las tortugas gigantes y explorar la rica historia de la isla fue educativo y fascinante. Recomiendo encarecidamente este tour a cualquiera que visite Zanzíbar, ofrece una visión única del pasado y presente de la isla. ¡Altamente recomendado por su excelente organización y experiencia reveladora!

    September 27, 2023
    1
    7 travellers are considering this tour right now!