Prison Island (Changuu) Day Trip from Stone Town, Zanzibar

Enjoy a relaxing half-day or full-day excursion from Stone Town to Prison Island (Changuu Island), combining history, giant tortoises, beautiful beaches and snorkeling. Changuu is approximately 5–6 km from Stone Town and is normally reached by boat in about 20–30 minutes.

Tour Highlights

🚤 Boat trip from Stone Town

• Depart from the Stone Town waterfront.
• Cruise across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean to Changuu Island.
• Enjoy views of Stone Town and the Zanzibar coastline.

🐢 Giant Aldabra Tortoise Sanctuary

• Visit the island’s famous giant tortoise sanctuary.
• See and photograph tortoises, including very old individuals.
• Learn about their history and conservation.

🏛️ Prison & Quarantine History

• Explore the historic buildings and ruins on the island.
• Learn about Changuu’s history as a planned prison site and its later use as a quarantine station.
• The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism notes that the island’s prison building dates from the 1890s and was later associated with quarantine operations.

🤿 Swimming & Snorkeling

• Enjoy time in the clear waters around the island.
• Snorkeling can be included, with equipment available on many organized tours.

🏖️ Beach Relaxation

• Relax on the white-sand beach.
• Swim, sunbathe and enjoy the tropical island atmosphere.

Sample Itinerary – Half Day

08:30 – Pick-up from your Stone Town hotel
09:00 – Boat departure from Stone Town
09:30 – Arrive at Changuu Island
09:30–10:30 – Giant tortoise sanctuary and island history
10:30–11:30 – Snorkeling/swimming and beach relaxation
11:30 – Boat back to Stone Town
12:00 – Arrive in Stone Town and transfer to hotel

A typical island visit takes around 2½–3 hours, making it easy to combine with a Stone Town walking tour or another afternoon activity.

Full-Day Option

For a longer excursion, combine Prison Island + Nakupenda Sandbank:

• Morning boat to Prison Island.
• Giant tortoise sanctuary and historical ruins.
• Snorkeling and swimming.
• Continue to Nakupenda Sandbank.
• Seafood barbecue lunch.
• Relax on the sandbank.
• Return to Stone Town in the afternoon.

Package Includes

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• Return boat transfer from Stone Town.
• Professional guide.
• Prison Island entrance fees.
• Giant tortoise sanctuary visit.
• Snorkeling equipment where applicable.
• Bottled drinking water.

Optional: Seafood lunch, Nakupenda Sandbank, private boat and private guide.

Suggested Tour Duration

Half Day: 3–4 hours
Prison Island + Nakupenda: 5–7 hours

Note: Despite its name, Changuu was not used as a functioning prison in the way the name might suggest; the island’s buildings were associated with a planned prison and later quarantine use.