Highlights
- Explore Prison Island and meet the famous giant Aldabra tortoises up close
- Relax and swim at Nakupenda Sandbank, surrounded by crystal-clear waters
- Traditional wooden dhow cruise from Stone Town along Zanzibar’s turquoise waters
- Enjoy a delicious Swahili-style seafood BBQ lunch and fresh seasonal fruit
- Small-group tour with a maximum of 20 participants and optional hotel transfers
Description
Your Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank tour in Zanzibar begins in the morning with an optional hotel pickup (if the transfer option is selected) and transfer to Stone Town. For those arriving independently, the meeting point is at Livingstone Restaurant in Stone Town. This experience runs in a small group with a maximum capacity of 20 participants, ensuring a more comfortable and personal atmosphere.
At around 9:00 AM, we board a traditional handcrafted wooden dhow and set off across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
After approximately 20–30 minutes of cruising, we arrive at Prison Island — one of Zanzibar’s most unique and historically significant spots. We spend around 45 minutes on the island, where you can see the famous giant Aldabra tortoises up close, some of them over 100 years old. You’ll have the unique opportunity to walk among them and take unforgettable photos.
In addition to the tortoise sanctuary, the island also offers a glimpse into Zanzibar’s past. Despite its name, Prison Island was never actually used as a prison, but later served as a quarantine station in the late 19th century.
After exploring the island, we continue our journey to the breathtaking Nakupenda Sandbank — a stunning stretch of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear, shallow waters in the middle of the Indian ocean.
Here, we spend approximately 2 hours relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Fresh seasonal fruits are served, followed by a delicious Swahili-style seafood BBQ lunch prepared with local flavours — a true highlight of the experience.
After our time on the sandbank, we board the dhow and begin our return to Stone Town, enjoying the ocean views and relaxed atmosphere along the way.
We return to Stone Town around 2:00 PM. Guests who selected the transfer option will be taken back to their hotel, while others finish the experience at the original meeting point.
This tour combines Zanzibar’s nature, history, and local cuisine into one unforgettable half-day experience — leaving you with truly memorable Zanzibar memories.
Includes
Hotel pick-up and drop-off (if transfer option selected)
Small-group tour (min 2, max 20 participants)
Traditional handcrafted wooden dhow boat cruise
Entrance fee to Prison Island included
Opportunity to meet the giant Aldabra tortoises
2 hours at Nakupenda Sandbank
Fresh seasonal fruit
Swahili-style seafood BBQ lunch
Soft drinks throughout the tour
Knowledgeable local guide on board
Excludes
Personal expenses
Tips for crew and guides
Important Information
- This is a shared boat tour
Suitable for all ages, unless restrictions apply.
Please inform us in advance if you require vegetarian meals.
Notify us in advance of any special needs or health concerns.
Be prepared for sun exposure; bring sun protection and appropriate clothing.
Departure times and operators may change due to weather, operational, or safety reasons. (full refund will be issued if the chnages don't work with the guests)
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
