A short boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island (Changuu) pairs giant Aldabra tortoises with easy snorkeling and a small white-sand beach. This half-day trip is ideal for city-break travelers who want wildlife and shallow reef swimming without long travel.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The dhows fan out from Stone Town and in thirty minutes the silhouette of Prison Island—Changuu—resolves from the horizon: a low coral ring, a white crescent of sand and a grove of wind-riffed casuarinas. The boat slides into a shallow lagoon where the water turns the color of a coin and the island’s most famous residents move with improbable calm. Aldabra giant tortoises lift slow heads and shuffle toward visitors who come to see them up close.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for general fitness; minimal walking on flat paths and short swims in shallow water.
Wildlife
History
Changuu was used in the late 19th century as a quarantine island for yellow fever; its stone structures and old quarantine buildings remain visible.
Conservation
Visitors should use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral and follow guides’ rules—tourism revenue helps support the small island community and tortoise care.
Reserve your spot on the Prison Island Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Go early for calm water
Morning departures usually mean gentler seas, clearer snorkel visibility and fewer day-trip crowds.
Bring reef shoes
Shallow coral and rock require protective footwear for snorkeling and beach access.
Carry small cash
There’s a local fee to feed tortoises and limited card facilities at the island restaurant—have cash for tips and snacks.
Watch children around tortoises
Giant tortoises are slow but strong—keep hands away from their beaks and supervise closely.
Reef shoes
Protect feet on rocky sand and around shallow coral while snorkeling.
Biodegradable sunscreen
Protects your skin and the reef—choose reef-safe formulas.
Lightweight rashguard or hat
Sun protection for the exposed crossing and beach time.
summer
Waterproof bag and cash pouch
Keeps valuables dry on the boat and stores local cash for fees and tips.