Set off from Stone Town for a full-day dhow trip that pairs the historical ruins and giant tortoises of Prison Island with the powder-white Nakupenda Sandbank—perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and a beachside seafood lunch.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A wooden dhow slips away from the busy quay of Stone Town at first light, the harbor cooling in the breeze while gulls wheel overhead. Within minutes the city’s carved doors recede and the boat pushes into cobalt water; the sea dares you to jump in, the current nudging the hull toward two very different destinations: the compact, ruin-strewn Prison Island and the low-lying Nakupenda sandbank.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels—requires basic mobility to board a small boat and walk short sandy or uneven surfaces
Wildlife
History
Prison Island (Changuu) was used in the late 1800s as a detention and quarantine site; its stone structures reflect Zanzibar’s colonial-era maritime history.
Conservation
Coral reefs around Nakupenda are sensitive—avoid touching or standing on coral, use reef-safe products, and dispose of waste responsibly to limit plastic pollution.
Reserve your spot on the Full-Day Boat Tour to Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Time with the tide
Nakupenda is most expansive at low tide—confirm tide and return times before disembarking so you won’t be stranded on shifting sand.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The coral reefs are fragile—use reef-safe sunscreen and reapply under a shade or after swimming to protect both skin and marine life.
Protect your camera
Expect spray and sand on the sandbank—use a dry bag or waterproof case for phones and cameras to avoid salt damage.
Footwear for the boat and sand
Slip-resistant water shoes help when climbing over a wooden boat ladder and walking on shell-strewn sand.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin while minimizing damage to coral ecosystems.
summer
Water shoes
Provides traction boarding boats and walking on shell-strewn sandbanks.
Snorkel mask (personal)
A well-fitting mask improves comfort and prevents fogging compared with shared gear.
Dry bag (small)
Keeps phone, documents, and spare clothes dry from spray and sand.