Island & Sandbank Tours
Wildlife & Nature
Prison Island Tour
Giant tortoises and a 19th-century former quarantine station, a short boat ride from Stone Town.
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- Area
- Prison Island
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Group size
- 1–20
- Activity level
- easy
- Private / shared
- Private / Shared
- Swimming required
- No
Weather dependent
Changuu, commonly called Prison Island, sits a short boat ride from Stone Town. Despite its name, the building on the island was never used to hold prisoners — it was built in the 1890s and used instead as a quarantine station for the port. Today the island is best known for its colony of Aldabra giant tortoises, some reportedly well over a hundred years old, brought originally from Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles. Visitors typically walk among and feed the tortoises under supervision, and the surrounding waters offer some snorkelling.
Highlights
- Aldabra giant tortoise sanctuary
- 19th-century former quarantine station
- Snorkelling in surrounding waters
- Short boat ride from Stone Town
What is typically included
A return boat transfer and access to the tortoise sanctuary are typically included; check whether the island entry fee is included separately.
What is typically excluded
Snorkelling gear rental is sometimes separate.
What to bring
Swimwear, sun protection, water, cash for the island entry fee if not included.
Safety notes
Follow staff instructions around the tortoises — do not sit on or attempt to ride them.
Meeting point / pickup
Stone Town waterfront, typically near Mizingani Road jetties.
Best time of year
Year-round; calmer seas typically June–October and December–February.
Environmental guidance
The tortoises are a protected, actively conserved population — follow the sanctuary's feeding and handling rules exactly.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are set by each provider and shown at booking. No cancellation policy is guaranteed by this page.
Nearby attractions & related listings
This page is an original Zanzibar.today description, researched from public and provider-supplied information. It is not copied from any single operator's marketing material.