Prison Island tour from Stone Town

Highlights

• Explore the best snorkeling spot in entire Zanzibar
• Enjoy the well-renowned restaurant and its great views
• Meet with Aldabra giant tortoises and learn about their personalities

All about the trip

See the giant land tortoises of Prison Island on a half-day trip from Stone Town, with time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. Just a 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island has a beautiful beach, clean water, and fascinating history as a yellow fever quarantine station. Both morning and afternoon departures to Prison Island are available, and the trip includes hotel transfers and all entrance fees.

Visit Lloyd Mathew's architecture and pet the tortoises

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the excursion spot. The Aldabra giant tortoise sanctuary is a major tourist lure and the oldest tortoise is 192 years old. The turtles are not indigenous and are magisterial creatures, weighing in at an average of 200 kg some are as old as over 100 years (4 turtles are 150 years). You can feed them at a fee paid on the Island, but watch out for their snapping beaks.

Another marine life is also reasonably rich and Changuu provides good snorkelling. It is by no means the most extensive or varied snorkeling spot off the coast of Zanzibar, but being so close to Stone Town and so easily accessible makes it ideal for those who want to see ‘under the sea’ a little while on a city break. The island’s restaurant, Matthews, is good and well-renowned. This is especially so considering the restaurant’s charming atmosphere and good sea view. You will then be dropped off at the hotel after the excursion.

What is included in the price

• Experienced professional tour guide
• Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in a private car
• Entrances fees
• Snorkeling gear (life jacket, mask, and flippers)
• Boat charter
• Transport waiting charge
• All taxes, fuel surcharges, and service fees

What is not included in the price

• Medical insurance if needed
• Gratuities for tour guide
• International and domestic flights
• Visa fee (50 USD / 100 USD for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival)
• Airport/departure tax
• Expenses of a personal nature

Instructions

Public transportation is nearby.

Infants must sit on your lap.

The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Not wheelchair accessible.

Not stroller accessible.

Not suitable for pets.

COVID-19 CLEAN AND SAFE

All vehicles are disinfected regularly after each ride. We have established set protocols that we follow to make sure all of these high touch areas are disinfected in every vehicle. An emergency plan has been designed which can be followed in case of an outbreak. In the event that a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19, we have action plans ready to implement. Medical support is available if required. Not all destinations have the same resources, so we anticipate the needs of our customers should they become ill.

General staff training is in place regarding new protocols to prevent the spread of Covid19.

This training is in various stages:

Initial: containing basic information about the illness, personal hygiene, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and departmental procedures.

Follow-Up: reinforces the basic points and any improvements made. Plus, follows up employees’ concerns and needs.