Spend a half-day by boat from Stone Town to Prison Island’s giant tortoises and the shallow, swim-ready Nakupenda Sandbank. This 5–6 hour trip blends short historical walks, gentle snorkeling and a beachfront lunch buffet.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The boat slips away from Stone Town’s rust-orange dhow masts and the city’s coral-stone silhouette shrinks into heat and salt. Sea air pushes you forward as the shoreline falls into a ribbon of mangroves and the hulking shape of Prison Island (Changuu) rises from blue water — a place where giant tortoises chew sunlight and old quarantine ruins keep quiet company.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels — involves short walks on sandy and uneven coral surfaces and brief snorkeling (optional).
Wildlife
History
Prison Island (Changuu) was built as a quarantine station in the late 19th century and later used as a prison; its structures reflect Zanzibar’s Indian Ocean trade importance and colonial-era health responses.
Conservation
Coral reefs around the sandbank are sensitive — use reef‑safe products, avoid standing on coral and follow guides to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Full-day Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch buffet today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Check the tide
Nakupenda Sandbank is most exposed and comfortable at low to mid tide; ask your operator for local tide windows before you go.
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen
Coral is fragile; use reef‑safe sunscreen and reapply after swimming to protect reefs and your skin.
Footwear for coral
Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals for walking on coral and uneven stone on Prison Island.
Small dry bag and cash
Bring a small dry bag for phone/camera and some cash/tips for guides and island vendors.
Reef‑safe sunscreen
Protects skin and nearby coral during extended sun exposure on the sandbank.
summer
Water shoes
Protects feet on coral, rocky shorelines and when walking to shallow snorkeling spots.
Light dry bag
Keeps phone, wallet and camera dry on the boat and while swimming.
Snorkel mask (fit-tested)
Reduces time adjusting gear and improves your snorkeling enjoyment in calm waters.