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Tours & experiences

A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour

About this experience

This is a guided half day tour to Prison Island. the island is located 16km away from the old town of Zanzibar (Stone Town).

The tour includes the visit of the sanctuary of Aldabra Giant Tortoise that were brought to Zanzibar by The Governor of Seychelles as a gift to Sultan of Zanzibar in 1915.

The Tour also includes the visit of The prison ruins built by Sir William Lloyd Mathew in 18993 in order to inhouse Zanzibar Criminals.

There are several other species found in the Island such as peacocks and antelopes which also part of the experience.

You can also have chance to swim in the crystal clear water from the Beach on the Island.

At a glance

  • Duration: 2 hr–3 hr
  • Private experience

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour2 hr–3 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesGerman (live guide), English (live guide), Italian (live guide), French (live guide), Spanish (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 2 hr–3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Private Guide

Not included

  • Expenses of a personal Nature

Itinerary and highlights

Prison Island also known as Changuu Island lies about 25 - 30 minutes by wooden motorized boat from Zanzibar Stone Town and this is where you will visit the Prison Ruins built by General Lloyd Mathews in 1893 and hence the name Prison Island.

The Tour includes the visit to the Sanctuary of Aldabra's giant tortoises brought by British Governor of Seychelles in 1919 as a gift to Sultan of Zanzibar.

During the Tour, you will also be able to observe the tortoises as well as taking pictures with them.

The Tour will also provide you with the chance to spot other species found in the Island such as Peacocks and antelopes, swim in the clear crystal water from the Beach at Prison Island before you find your way back to Stone Town.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Hotel pickups commence approximately 7 - 75 minutes prior to this time and the location of the hotel, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation. Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

Languages and tickets

  • German — Guide
  • English — Guide
  • Italian — Guide
  • French — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Zanzibar Crystal Tours & Safaris

Accessibility and practical details

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 2 hr–3 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Hotel pickups commence approximately 7 - 75 minutes prior to this time and the location of the hotel, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation. Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
Which guide languages are listed?
German (live guide), English (live guide), Italian (live guide), French (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 5–11; Youth tickets: age 12–17; Adult tickets: age 18+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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