Half Day Prison Island Tour: Discover Historic Sites and Tortoise Sanctuary

Embark on a half-day adventure to Prison Island, where you’ll explore historic sites and encounter a fascinating tortoise sanctuary. Discover the island’s intriguing past and marvel at the giant tortoises from the Seychelles.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Changu Island - Also known as Prison Island, Changuu Island is located about 25-30 minutes by wooden motorized boat from Zanzibar’s Stone Town. Here, you can explore the Prison Ruins, constructed by General Lloyd Mathews in 1893, which gave the island its name.

The tour includes a visit to the sanctuary of Aldabra giant tortoises, brought as a gift to the Sultan of Zanzibar by the British Governor of Seychelles in 1919.

During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and take photos with the tortoises. Additionally, you can spot other species on the island, such as peacocks and antelopes, and swim in the clear, crystal waters off the beach at Prison Island before returning to Stone Town.

What's Included
  • All Entrance Fees
  • Bottled water during tour
  • All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
  • Experienced Professional Tour guide
  • Boat charter
  • Pick up and drop off from your hotel
What's Not Included
  • Medical Insurance if needed
  • Local & International Flights
  • Visa
  • Airport Taxes
  • Expenses of a personal Nature
Additional Information

This is a guided half-day tour to Prison Island, situated 16km from Zanzibar’s old town, Stone Town.

The tour features a visit to the Aldabra Giant Tortoise sanctuary. These tortoises were gifted to the Sultan of Zanzibar by the Governor of Seychelles in 1915.

The tour also includes a visit to the prison ruins, constructed by Sir William Lloyd Mathew in 1893 to house Zanzibar’s criminals.

The island is home to various other species, such as peacocks and antelopes, which are also part of the experience.

You will also have the opportunity to swim in the island’s crystal-clear beach waters.

Location
Changu Island
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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(4 Ratings)
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Nourhanea2022
Jul 27, 2023
the best experience EVER. - I found Issa on Instagram, and I was planning my trip for months, but at the very last minute realized that I NEEDED a local to show me around. I contacted Issa and shared my fears about being solo and traveling to a country the language of which I don't speak and he was more than welcoming and comforting. I arrived in Zanzibar at 2 a.m. and he was there waiting for me, took me to my hotel, and made sure I checked in safely. I booked 3 tours in total with Issa, and it was the best experience of my entire life. He was always very understanding and shared the history of every single place in Zanzibar, he didn't mind me booking very last-minute trips either, and the tours were so fun with him around. We'd be dancing, and singing, with no care in the world the entire tour, and he is extremely helpful, whatever you need Issa is there. I 100% recommend him, especially for solo female travelers, you will be absolutely safe!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
117sb
Apr 15, 2020
Just go ahead and book him! - You won’t regret it, especially if you’re like us and wanted to maximize your experience of Zanzibar. Issa gave us a truly local’s experience & made us feel like family. He’s reliable & will create whatever experience you’re looking for. I recommend just being open & going with his recommendations. We gallivanted around Zanzibar for four days & it was the best 4 days of our lives. Upon departure, it felt a little bit like leaving home. Memorable first trip to Africa. ❤️ Your friends from the US.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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