Prison Island (Changuu)
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Tanzania
Warm and humid, with a sea breeze
Year-round travel
Giant Aldabra tortoises
2 key species listed
4 to 7 Nights
Tailored itinerary
All year, in the morning
High & Green seasons
About Prison Island (Changuu) & Destination Guide
Prison Island, also called Changuu Island, is a small island a short boat ride from Stone Town. It suits families and anyone who wants a half day trip with tortoises, history and clear water.
Boats leave from the Stone Town waterfront and the ride takes roughly 30 minutes. On the island you can see giant tortoises, walk through historical ruins and swim or snorkel in clear water.
The trade-off is that it gets busy mid-morning and boat trips depend on the sea.
Combine Prison Island with the Nakupenda sandbank and a Stone Town tour: do Prison Island first, the sandbank second and Stone Town in the afternoon.
Getting Here, Transport & Climate
Boats leave from the Stone Town waterfront and the ride takes roughly 30 minutes. From Prison Island to the Nakupenda sandbank is 30 to 45 minutes by boat, depending on the tide. We can book the trip with your hotel pickup.
Private air-conditioned road transfers and scheduled ferry services connect all coastal resorts, towns, and beaches with full luggage assistance.
Prison Island (Changuu) Interactive Map & Terrain
Explore the geographic coordinates, boundaries, local airstrips, and surrounding wilderness circuits of Prison Island (Changuu).
Weather, Climate & Seasonal Advice
All year, in the morning. Pair with the sandbank and Stone Town.
Warm and humid, with a sea breeze. The sea is calmer in the morning.
Highlights & Wildlife in Prison Island (Changuu)
Key Wildlife & Marine Species
Signature Highlights
Giant tortoises
Historical ruins
Snorkelling in clear water
A boat ride from Stone Town
Activities & Things to Do in Prison Island (Changuu)
Prison Island Tour
A boat leaves from the Stone Town waterfront and takes about 30 minutes to reach Prison Island, also called Changuu. A guide shows you the giant tortoises and the old ruins, and there is time to swim or snorkel in clear water before the boat returns. You can combine the island with the Nakupenda sandbank and a Stone Town walk in one day. The island is small, so it suits a half day more than a full day.
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. 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.
Changuu Island Adventure
This is the Prison Island trip with extra time. After the tortoises and the ruins, you spend more time snorkelling and relaxing on the beach before the boat returns to Stone Town. Choose it if you want to swim and relax and not just see the sights. If you only want the tortoises, the standard Prison Island tour is shorter.
Featured Safaris & Tours in Prison Island (Changuu)
Explore our custom travel itineraries for Prison Island (Changuu)
Request Custom ItineraryPerguntas frequentes
Prison Island (Changuu): Best time to visit
All year, in the morning. Pair with the sandbank and Stone Town.
Prison Island (Changuu): Getting there
Boats leave from the Stone Town waterfront and the ride takes roughly 30 minutes. From Prison Island to the Nakupenda sandbank is 30 to 45 minutes by boat, depending on the tide. We can book the trip with your hotel pickup.