Zanzibar Prison Island Tour

Overview

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the boarding spot to Prison Island.

Prison Island or Changuu Island is the middle island of the three visible from the Stone Town. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get there by boat. The prison which was never used on this island was built in 1893 but was later used as a Quarantine Hospital. Apart from the Prison ruins you will also see the enormous giant tortoises which are the main attraction of the island. The tortoises were brought to the island from Seychelles by Sultan Said Majid in the 1820s. They are not indigenous and are magisterial creatures, weighing in at an average of 200 kg some are as old as over 100 years (4 turtles are 150 years). You can feed them at a fee paid at the Island, but watch out for their snapping beaks. Other marine life is also reasonably rich and Changuu provides good snorkelling. It is by no means the most extensive or varied snorkeling spot off the coast of Zanzibar, but being so close to Stone Town and so easily accessible makes it ideal for those who want to see ‘under the sea’ a little while on a city break. The island’s restaurant, Matthews, is good and well-renowned. This is especially so considering the restaurant’s charming atmosphere and good sea view. You will then be dropped off at the hotel after the excursion

Tour Highlights

• Visit Lloyd Mathew’s Architecture
• You have the opportunity to feed and pet the tortoises
• Relax on the white sands of the Prison Island
• Swim from a clean beach with clear water
• Choice of morning or afternoon departure