| No. of Travellers | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Traveller | $150per person | |
| 2 Travellers | $113per person | |
| 3 Travellers | $100per person | |
| 4 Travellers | $88per person | |
| 5 Travellers | $88per person | |
| 6 Travellers | $88per person | |
| 7 Travellers | $88per person |
Rates shown are per person in USD and vary by group size.
A Prison Island Tour combines wildlife, history and an enjoyable boat journey just off the coast of Stone Town.
The experience begins on the water as you travel to Changuu Island. Once ashore, the island’s Aldabra giant tortoises are usually the main attraction. Prison Island has become particularly well known for its tortoise sanctuary, while its historic structures tell a very different story about the island’s past.
With a local guide, you can learn how the island developed over time, explore its historic buildings and understand why Changuu became known as Prison Island.
The combination of giant tortoises, Zanzibar history and an Indian Ocean island setting makes this one of the most distinctive half-day excursions from Stone Town.
For many travellers, meeting the Aldabra giant tortoises is the highlight of a Prison Island Tour.
The tortoises found on Changuu are linked to the Aldabra giant tortoise population of the Seychelles. Historical accounts record that four Aldabra tortoises were sent from Seychelles to Changuu Island in 1919, after which the population increased on the island.
Today, these gentle giants have become closely associated with Prison Island and are one of Zanzibar’s best-known wildlife attractions.
Visiting with a guide allows you to learn more about the tortoises rather than simply seeing them, adding another dimension to your time on the island.
Changuu Island is commonly known as Prison Island because of its association with prison facilities developed during the nineteenth century.
However, the island’s history is more complicated than its name suggests. Prison buildings were constructed, but Changuu later became particularly associated with quarantine use. Surviving historic structures remain part of the visitor experience today.
Learning this history with a local guide helps explain why the island has carried several identities over the years, including Changuu Island, Prison Island and Quarantine Island.
A trip to Prison Island is more interesting when you understand the stories behind what you are seeing.
Your local guide can introduce you to the island’s giant tortoises, explain the history behind the surviving buildings and help connect Changuu Island with Zanzibar’s wider maritime past.
Instead of simply taking a boat across to see the tortoises, the guided experience brings together the wildlife, history and character of the island.
Prison Island can be visited throughout the year.
Easy Travel offers both morning and afternoon departures, allowing you to choose the time that works best with your Zanzibar itinerary.
As the excursion includes a boat journey, weather and sea conditions can influence the experience. Lightweight clothing, sun protection and a hat are useful throughout the year.
Explore Prison Island with a knowledgeable local guide who can introduce you to the island’s giant tortoises, history and natural surroundings.
From hotel transfers to your boat journey and island visit, we take care of the arrangements so you can enjoy the experience.
Enjoy a private Prison Island Tour with personal attention, flexibility and plenty of opportunity to ask your guide questions.
Easy Travel supports you from your first enquiry through to the end of your Prison Island Tour.
What is a Prison Island Tour?
How long is the Prison Island Tour?
Where is Prison Island?
How long is the boat ride to Prison Island?
Will I see giant tortoises on Prison Island?
Why is Changuu Island called Prison Island?
Is the Prison Island Tour private?
Can I choose a morning or afternoon tour?
Is hotel transport included?
Are Prison Island entrance fees included?
Is drinking water included?
Is lunch included?
