Zanzibar: Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Boat Tour +BBQ

Stone Town, Tanzania



Set off on a full-day boat tour from Stone Town to Prison Island, meet giant tortoises, then relax on the Nakupenda Sandbank, snorkeling, sunbathing and a BBQ seafood lunch with fruit in this paradise

Highlights

  • Feel the wind in your hair as you sail to a low-lying island carpeted in trees
  • Explore the rich history of Prison Island and learn about its former residents
  • Observe a wide array of wildlife including tortoises, peacocks, and antelopes
  • Snorkel in crystal clear waters in search of coral reefs at Nakupenda Sandbank
  • Tuck into a fresh and delicious seafood BBQ lunch on the island's sandbank

Description

Start your day at the meeting point, where you will board a traditional dhow boat for a 30-minute sail to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. Built during British colonial rule, the old prison ruins still stand and are open for exploration. On the island, visit the Aldabra tortoise sanctuary, home to some of the world’s largest and oldest tortoises, including individuals over 200 years old. You can also spot peacocks and other native animals. After exploring Prison Island, continue by boat to Nakupenda Sandbank. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, Nakupenda is the ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Spend your afternoon enjoying free time, discovering marine life, and relaxing on the sandbank. A delicious seafood BBQ lunch will be served, accompanied by fresh tropical fruits and soft drinks, before you return to Stone Town. Please note: You can also book other Zanzibar tours with us, as well as 1-day safaris by flight to Mikumi National Park or Selous Game Reserve. Exclusive transfer offers are available directly from our page!

Includes

Hotel pick-up and drop-off transfer (available if transfer option is selected) Round-trip boat transfer Professional local guide BBQ seafood lunch (alternative options like vegetarian meals are also available) Fresh seasonal tropical fruits Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins) Life jacket Soft drinks Government taxes

Excludes

Conservation fees of $22 (or 60,000 Shillings) payable on the day of your tour Tips

Important Information

  • If you don’t prefer a seafood lunch, please let us know your preferred meal in advance (at no extra charge) Children under 8 years old receive an extra 30% discount off the adult price! Please share your WhatsApp number with us so we can communicate more quickly Please note: Starting September 1st, 2025, the total entry fee for the tour is $22. This amount covers both the government tax and the Prison Island fee—$10 for marine conservation and $12 for entry to Prison Island

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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