Prison Island and Stone Town Day
Signature Featured ExcursionCultural & Spice Tour

Duration

Full day (about 6 hours)

Difficulty

easy

Departure

09:00 AM Daily

Group Size

Small Group / Private

Best Months

Year-round (Peak: Jun - Oct)

Verified Certified Master Guides & Marine Operations

Prison Island and Stone Town Day

You start with the boat to Prison Island, about 30 minutes from Stone Town, to see the giant tortoises and the ruins.

4.95 / 5.0•Verified Guest Reviews•Instant Confirmation

The Expedition Narrative

You start with the boat to Prison Island, about 30 minutes from Stone Town, to see the giant tortoises and the ruins. After a break, you return to Stone Town for a guided walk through the old streets, markets and the waterfront.

The day is a good first introduction to Zanzibar. It is hot in the middle of the day, so we keep the walk for the afternoon, and you can end with dinner at Forodhani Gardens.

Daily Itinerary & Travel Movement

Your step-by-step journey from departure point to arrival and return.

Full day (about 6 hours)
1
11:00Your hotel

Pickup and boat

A driver collects you and takes you to the waterfront for the boat. Times are approximate.

2
11:30Prison Island (Changuu)

Giant tortoises and ruins

The boat takes about 30 minutes. A guide shows you the giant tortoises and the ruins.

3
12:30Prison Island (Changuu)

Break and swim

Rest, swim and eat before the boat returns.

4
13:30Stone Town

Lunch in town

Lunch in Stone Town while the heat of the day passes.

5
15:00Stone Town

Guided walk begins

From about 3pm the heat drops. We see the places that close at 5pm first.

6
17:00Stone Town waterfront

Streets, markets and waterfront

You walk the old streets, the markets and the waterfront.

7
18:00Forodhani Gardens

Optional dinner

End with dinner at Forodhani Gardens, then return to your hotel.

Activity Specifications & At-A-Glance

Location & Sector

Prison Island (Changuu)

East Africa Reserve

Difficulty

easy

Comfortable Pace

Timing

Full day (about 6 hours)

Roundtrip Experience

Weather Policy

100% Protected

Flexible Reschedule

Who This Experience Is Best For

Carefully designed to be seamless, comfortable, and tailored to diverse travel styles.

Families with ChildrenCouplesSeniors

Equipment & Services Provided

What's included

Boat or dhow with crew
Local guide
Life jackets
Drinking water

What Travelers Should Bring

Recommended personal clothing, gear, and essentials for maximum comfort and safety during your experience.

Sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes
Clothes that cover shoulders and knees
Small cash for tips and souvenirs

Timing, Schedule & Pickup Protocol

Departure & Operating Hours

Scheduled daily departure: 09:00 AM Daily.

Do Prison Island first and Stone Town in the afternoon, when the heat drops. See the Stone Town page for the sites to visit before 5pm. Pickup time: we confirm it by WhatsApp the evening before.

Pickup Time Confirmation

Exact hotel or resort pickup time is confirmed the evening before departure by your local safari coordinator via WhatsApp and verified at your hotel front desk.

Complimentary pickup from Stone Town and major coastal beach resorts across Zanzibar and Tanzania.

Frequently Asked Questions & Guarantees

What is the weather cancellation & reschedule policy?
Outdoor activities and marine excursions are subject to weather conditions. In the event of adverse weather, our team will either reschedule to the next available slot or issue an immediate, full refund with zero cancellation penalty.
Are park fees, permits, and conservation levies included?
Yes. All prices published on our platform are 100% transparent and inclusive of all applicable national park fees, marine sanctuary permits, licensed guide fees, and local community levies.
How does hotel or lodge pickup work?
Roundtrip transfers from your lodge or hotel are arranged seamlessly by our operations team. We coordinate directly with your accommodation reception the evening prior to confirm exact pickup timing.

Price on request

Choose your date and guests and send an enquiry. We reply with the price and availability.

09:00 AM Daily
Standard
ADULTS
12+ years
2
CHILDREN
3-11 years
0
INFANTS
0-2 years
0
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before launch
100% Weather Reschedule & Full Refund Guarantee
Licensed Naturalist Guides & Marine Operations

Custom Safari Coordination?

Our local desks can connect this excursion seamlessly with your lodge and safari transfers.

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