See Why We're #1 for Prison Island Tours in Zanzibar

Shared Prison Island tickets start at $99 per person. A private boat to Prison Island starts at $990 for the whole boat, up to 10 guests. The shared Prison Island boat trip includes the guided tortoise sanctuary and prison ruins visit, plus soft drinks and water. Cancel 24 hours or more ahead for a full refund.

Yes, a couple can book the private Prison Island boat trip, with the traditional wooden boat, captain and guide for your group only. You get the same tortoise sanctuary, ruins tour and beach time as the shared Prison Island boat trip, with full flexibility and privacy.

Yes, the full-day combo trips from Stone Town do both. After the tortoises and ruins on Prison Island, you sail to Nakupenda Sandbank to snorkel the shallow reef and eat a seafood and Swahili buffet lunch on the sand. Book the shared Prison Island & Nakupenda trip or the private Prison Island & Nakupenda trip.

The Nakupenda Sandbank shared boat trip includes snorkeling equipment for the shallow coral reef, a seafood and Swahili buffet lunch of grilled fish, octopus, rice, chapati and fruit, and soft drinks, wine or beer. The private Nakupenda Sandbank trip includes the same for your group only. Towels and hotel transfers aren't included.

Prison Island, also called Changuu Island, is home to a sanctuary of giant Aldabra tortoises, where you walk freely among them with your guide. Your guide then leads you through the old prison and quarantine ruins and explains how the island got its name. Free time follows for swimming, photos or snorkeling with your own mask.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the trip includes a walk through the tortoise sanctuary and a guided tour of the prison ruins. Put swimwear on under your clothes, and bring a towel, a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses and your booking confirmation. Half-day Prison Island trips meet at Livingstone House in Stone Town; the exact spot depends on the tide.

No hidden fees. The total price is shown before you confirm your booking. A 7% service fee applies at checkout.