Prison Island & Nakupenda Beach tour: Zanzibar with Stone Town

See giant tortoises over 150 years old, then swim at Nakupenda Beach and walk Stone Town's UNESCO streets

An eight-hour guided tour of Zanzibar visiting Prison Island (Changuu Island), Nakupenda Beach and Stone Town, with hotel pickup, a professional guide, and lunch. You explore the island's history as a former slave prison, now home to Aldabra giant tortoises; swim and relax on the beach; then wander the narrow streets and historic landmarks of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Changuu Island3h · entry included
2. Nakupenda Beach3h · entry included

Explore Prison Island, Nakupenda Beach, Stone Town

• Visit Prison Island and see giant tortoises
• Relax and swim at Nakupenda Beach
• Tour Stone Town's historic streets and markets

The experience

The tour starts with hotel pickup and heads to Prison Island, also called Changuu Island, where you step ashore to meet giant tortoises, several over 150 years old, in their sanctuary. The island's history is stark: it once held enslaved people, then served as a quarantine center. You learn that past while walking among the tortoises, and you can feed them if you choose. There's a restaurant on the island if you want to eat there, though lunch is included later in the day.

From the island, the boat takes you to Nakupenda Beach, where the water is shallow and clear and the sand is white. You have time to swim, sunbathe or simply sit. This is the quiet part of the day: no crowds, no schedule, just the beach itself.

The final stop is Stone Town, Zanzibar's historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide leads you through the narrow, winding streets to show you the mosques, the Arab fort, and the markets where locals shop. The alleys are dense and easy to get lost in on your own, so having a guide who knows the layout and the stories behind the buildings changes what you see. The tour ends with drop-off back at your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• professional guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language.
• lunch.
• entry to Prison Island and Stone Town.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (25 to 34 years) · Senior (35 and older) · Youth (18 to 24 years) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Zanziflowers Tours And Safaris

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're staying in Zanzibar town and want a guide who knows Stone Town's layout and handles boat transfers to Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (18 to 24 years); Child (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What are the giant tortoises on Prison Island like?

Prison Island is home to Aldabra giant tortoises, several of which are more than 150 years old. You can see them in their sanctuary and have the option to feed them during your visit.

Can I swim at Nakupenda Beach?

Yes. Nakupenda Beach is included in the tour, and you have time to swim, sunbathe or relax in the shallow, clear water.

What is Stone Town and why is it worth seeing?

Stone Town is Zanzibar's historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's built on narrow, winding streets lined with historic mosques, an Arab fort, and vibrant local markets. A guide helps you navigate the alleys and understand the landmarks.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch is included. There's also a restaurant on Prison Island if you prefer to eat there instead.

How long is the full tour?

The tour runs eight hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, covering all three stops: Prison Island, Nakupenda Beach and Stone Town.