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A person crouching next to a tortoise on a paved area with a thatched-roof structure in the background. 1
A person petting a large tortoise in a natural setting with a wooden fence and greenery. 2
A person interacting with a tortoise in a natural setting with trees and foliage. 3
An aerial view of a tropical island with clear turquoise waters, dense green vegetation, and a few buildings. 4
A person in a pink dress with a tortoise. 5

Zanzibar: Prison Island Giant Tortoise Sanctuary Experience

By ZANTIDES TOURS AND SAFARIS
Free cancellation available
Price is €70 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 3h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup
  • Multiple languages

Overview

  • Visit Prison Island Zanzibar
  • See giant Aldabra tortoises up close
  • Learn the island’s history and heritage
  • Short scenic boat trip from Stone Town
  • Beautiful views and peaceful island experience

Activity location

    • Prison Island
    • Zanzibar, Mjini Magharibi Region, Tanzania

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • Prison Island
    • Zanzibar, Mjini Magharibi Region, Tanzania

Check availability

Private Prison Island Tour (Stone Town Guests Only)

  • Activity duration is 3 hours3h
    3h
  • English

Private guided Prison Island tour for guests staying in Stone Town only. This option offers a personalised experience with boat transfer and entry fees included and visits to the giant tortoise sanctuary.

Price details
€69.95 x 2 Adults€139.90
Total
Price is €139.90

Private Tour with Hotel Pickup (West Zanzibar Only)

  • Activity duration is 3 hours3h
    3h
  • English

Private guided Prison Island tour with hotel pickup and drop-off for guests staying in West Zanzibar. Includes boat transfer, Entry Fees and visit to the giant tortoise sanctuary.

Price details
€87.44 x 2 Adults€174.88
Total
Price is €174.88

Private Tour with Hotel Pickup (Anywhere in Zanzibar)

  • Activity duration is 3 hours3h
    3h
  • English

Private guided Prison Island tour with hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Zanzibar. Includes boat transfer, entry fees and visit to the giant tortoise sanctuary for a complete experience.

Price details
€104.93 x 2 Adults€209.86
Total
Price is €209.86

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Boat transfer to Prison Island and back
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Professional local guide
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Entrance to giant tortoise sanctuary
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Guided island tour and history explanation
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Bottled drinking water
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Hotel pickup and drop-off ( unless if selected
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Tips and service charge for guide/boat crew
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Travel insurance

Know before you book

  • Not allowed: Feeding animals, Littering
  • Not suitable for: People over 95 years
  • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
  • This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

What you can expect

Discover one of Zanzibar’s most popular attractions with a visit to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. Located just a short boat ride from Stone Town, this historic island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and wildlife.

On this tour, you will explore the famous giant tortoise sanctuary, home to centuries-old Aldabra tortoises that were originally brought to the island in the 19th century. Get the chance to see, feed, and take photos with these gentle giants while learning about their conservation and history.

The island also has a rich past, once used as a prison and later as a quarantine station. Your guide will share fascinating stories about its historical significance and transformation over time.

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, clear blue waters, and beautiful views of Stone Town from the island. This experience is perfect for travellers who want a short but memorable cultural and nature escape in Zanzibar.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Prison Island
    • Zanzibar, Mjini Magharibi Region, Tanzania

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Prison Island
    • Zanzibar, Mjini Magharibi Region, Tanzania