Giant tortoises, turquoise water and a strip of white sand that appears with the tide — the classic Stone Town boat trip.
Prison Island, also known as Changuu, lies about 30 minutes by boat from Stone Town. Despite its name, the building on the island was never used as a prison; it was built in the late nineteenth century as a jail and later served as a quarantine station. Today, the island is best known for its colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, some of them more than a century old, which you can see, feed and photograph in their protected enclosure. Paths lead past the old buildings, and the island’s small beach offers clear water for a swim.
From Prison Island, the boat continues to the Nakupenda sandbank — whose name means “I love you” in Kiswahili — a bright white strip of sand surrounded by turquoise water that appears and disappears with the tide. Here you can swim and snorkel over sea-grass and coral patches, relax under a shade, and enjoy a picnic of fresh fruit and, on many trips, grilled seafood prepared by the crew.
The trip is relaxed and suitable for all ages, and pairs easily with a morning or afternoon in Stone Town. Timing depends on the tides, which we check for your date. The boats are traditional wooden boats or small motorboats with shade, and life jackets are provided.
Meet Aldabra tortoises, some over a century old.
The old jail and quarantine station on Changuu island.
A white sandbank in turquoise water, shaped by the tide.
Clear, warm water around the island and the sandbank.
Fresh fruit and, on many trips, grilled seafood.
Transfer to the Stone Town beach to board your boat.
A 30-minute boat ride across the harbour, with views back to Stone Town.
Meet the giant tortoises, explore the old buildings and swim from the island beach.
Boat to the sandbank for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing.
Fresh fruit and seafood picnic on the sandbank, depending on the trip.
Boat back to Stone Town and transfer to your hotel.
Per person in US dollars. The more travellers in your group, the lower the price per person.
Just your party, with your own guide and vehicle or boat — set your own pace and start time.
Join other travellers on a scheduled departure — a relaxed, sociable and lower-cost way to go.
One price per seat, whatever the size of your party.
Indicative per-person prices in US dollars. Private prices are for your own party with a private guide, vehicle or boat; shared prices are for a seat on a scheduled group departure. Your final price depends on your date, hotel location and group size, and is always confirmed in writing before you book.
Private prices are per adult for a party of one, two, four or six; shared prices are per seat. Larger groups are quoted on request.
Return transfers from hotels in Stone Town and the main beach areas (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Michamvi, Matemwe) are included. Remote hotels may carry a small supplement.
Prison Island entry fees are included at current rates.
Reduced rates apply for children; ages and any minimum age are confirmed with your quote.
Boat trips depend on the weather, sea state and tides. If conditions are unsafe, we move your trip to another day or refund it.
Availability, pick-up time and the final price are confirmed in writing before you pay.
Pair this experience with another on the same day or during your stay — we arrange the timing and transfers.
This experience fits naturally into these itineraries — ask us to add it to your quote.
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It was built as a jail in the late nineteenth century but never held prisoners; it was later used as a quarantine station.
Yes — many guests do the boat trip in the morning and walk Stone Town in the afternoon.
It is pleasant and easy around the sandbank and island; for the best coral, choose Mnemba.
About 30 minutes from Stone Town to Prison Island, and a short ride on to the sandbank.
Tell us your date, group size and where you’re staying — our team will confirm availability, pick-up time and your final price within 24 hours.
