Prison Island & Nakupenda Beach Tour: Snorkel & Seafood

Two islands, snorkeling and a seafood lunch on the water

A full-day boat tour from Stone Town visits Changuu Island, home to giant tortoises brought from the Seychelles, then moves to Nakupenda Beach for snorkeling and a meal of fresh lobster, prawns and fish. The captain picks you up from Forodhani Gardens, and the day runs 7 to 9 hours with all snorkeling gear, fruit, drinks and seafood included. A live guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and other languages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Changuu Island2h · entry included
2. Nakupenda Beach3h · entry included

Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach Tour

• Travel from hotel to Stone Town
• Board boat at Forodhani Gardens
• Boat ride to Prison Island
• Explore Prison Island and tortoises
• Sunbathe, swim, and snorkel at Prison Island
• Boat to Nakupenda Beach
• Relax and sunbathe at Nakupenda Beach
• Eat fresh fruits on the island
• Snorkel at coral reef
• Enjoy seafood lunch with drinks
• Relax for a couple of hours
• Return boat trip with captain

The experience

The boat leaves from the front of Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town and takes a 20 to 30 minute ride out to Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island. The island holds a population of giant tortoises originally from the Seychelles, and its history as a slave transit point is part of what the guide explains as you walk the white sand beach and look at the small coral reefs at low tide. This is where you get your first swim and snorkel if the conditions suit it.

After Changuu, the boat moves to Nakupenda Beach, a smaller sand island where the day slows down. You have time to relax, sunbathe and snorkel again at the reef. Fresh tropical fruit comes out while you're on the beach, and then the crew serves the main meal: fresh seafood including lobster, prawns, octopus and fish, with rice, chips and salads. Soft drinks and bottled water are included throughout. A couple of hours of rest follows before the captain takes you back to Stone Town.

All snorkeling equipment is provided, and the tour suits any fitness level. Hotel pickup is included in the booking, and your guide is live and speaks multiple languages.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from your accommodation.
• boat transport to Changuu Island and Nakupenda Beach.
• snorkeling equipment for both reef sites.
• fresh tropical fruit.
• fresh seafood lunch with lobster, prawns, octopus and fish.
• rice, chips and salads.
• soft drinks and bottled water.
• live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French and additional languages.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (3 to 13 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Polish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 23 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Pongwe Tour & Safari

Is this one for you?The tour runs 7 to 9 hours, so it fills most of a day but leaves the morning or evening free for Stone Town itself. If you want both the islands and time to walk the old quarter, book this as your full-day activity and plan the town for a separate half-day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian and Polish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 13 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the giant tortoises on Changuu Island?

Changuu Island is home to a population of giant tortoises that were brought from the Seychelles. You'll see them as you walk the beach and explore the island during the tour.

Can I snorkel on this tour, and is the equipment included?

Yes, you snorkel at two spots: once at Changuu Island and again at the coral reef near Nakupenda Beach. All snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour.

What seafood is served for lunch?

The meal includes fresh lobster, prawns, octopus and fish, served with rice, chips and salads. Soft drinks and bottled water are included, along with fresh tropical fruit during the beach time.

How long is the boat ride from Stone Town to the islands?

The boat takes 20 to 30 minutes to reach Changuu Island from Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in the tour price.