Prison Island Tour

Tour Descriptions:

The island lies just off the Old Stone Town, A half-hour boat trip from Zanzibar, Prison Island provides a fascinating glimpse into the island’s slightly dark past – this land was once used as a place where slaves were detained and, when slavery was abolished, it functioned as a camp where people with deadly diseases were sent. Fortunately enough, that is all in the past and today the island is a nature reserve for giant tortoises and a place to see the ruins that once functioned as the prison. Once on the island, you have the opportunity to feed

Tour Itinerary

This Zanzibar Prison Island Tour will offer you a myriad of attractions. The main ones include the Zanzibar tortoises, which many tourists are eager to see. The Zanzibarian tortoises are said to have been on the island for over 150 years. These tortoises are really sociable and you will be able to get close to them and see them up close.

Another main attraction during the Prison Island Tour is the historical site of the central prison of Zanzibar, from which the name of the tour derives. This was built back in 1893, but despite the fact that it has been named as a prison it was never used as a prison in reality.

For those who love swimming and snorkelling, this is an ideal tour. If you snorkel around the prison you will surely be intrigued by the sights you will see of Changuu Island. You will need to bear in mind the history of slavery which is linked to this place. Simply relaxing or swimming are another two options, allowing this tour to be ideal for anyone regardless of his or her preference.

It is also important to point out that when embarking the engine boat, which are about 7 metres long, you will be able to take a good look around you. This boat tour to Prison Island Zanzibar takes about half an hour.

Being a half day tour we suggest that the Zanzibar Prison Island tour is booked along with another half day tour, such as the Stone Town Tour, the Spice Tour or the Jozani Forest Tour. 

Group Price

$40 Per person

What's Includes

• Boat round trip
• Guide
• Entry fees
• Drinking water

What’s not included

• Tips for the guides
• Lunch