Step off Stone Town and into a compact, unforgettable day: meet Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island, then snorkel and barbecue on Nakupenda Sandbank. This full-day tour blends local history with reef swims and soft, private sands.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A short harbor breeze carries the scent of salt and grilled fish as your motorboat slips away from Stone Town’s coral-studded shoreline. Within thirty minutes the profile of Prison Island (Changuu) appears: low, green, ringed by pale beach and the slow movement of giant tortoises. The day unfolds as a sequence of contrasts — compact colonial ruins and tortoise gardens, then wide, sugar-white sand at Nakupenda where warm Indian Ocean water laps at your knees.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to board small boats, walk 1–2 km on uneven terrain, and swim short distances.
Wildlife
History
Prison Island served as a 19th-century planned penal and quarantine station; its later role as a tortoise sanctuary repurposed the site for conservation and tourism.
Conservation
Coral reefs here are sensitive; use reef-safe products, avoid standing on coral, and follow guides’ instructions to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank picnic today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Sunscreen chemicals damage coral; use mineral-based sunscreen or wear a long-sleeve swim shirt while snorkeling.
Protect electronics from spray
Carry a small dry bag for phones and wallets — boat rides can be bumpy and salty.
Mind the tide on the sandbank
Nakupenda’s exposed sand shifts with tides; ask guides about timing to avoid deeper water at high tide.
Wear sturdy sandals
Paths on Prison Island are uneven and can be sharp with coral rubble; closed-toe sandals protect feet.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while preventing reef damage during snorkeling.
summer
Snorkel gear (if you prefer your own)
Tours provide equipment, but your own mask can improve fit and comfort.
Light waterproof daypack or dry bag
Keeps valuables and a spare shirt dry during boat transfers.
Sturdy sandals or water shoes
Protects feet on coral-strewn shorelines and hot sand.