Private Catamaran to Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank, Zanzibar

Snorkel two sandbanks, lunch on deck, giant tortoises ashore

A private catamaran tour from Stone Town, Zanzibar, takes up to 12 guests to Nakupenda Sandbank and Prison Island over five hours. You snorkel at Nakupenda, enjoy freshly prepared lunch and drinks on the yacht, then sail past Bawe Island to Prison Island, where you can visit the giant tortoises or stay aboard to snorkel. The return includes a sunset passage back to the marina.

The experience

The boat departs from Stone Town marina, behind the Verde Hotel, and heads straight to Nakupenda Sandbank. Here the day splits: some guests snorkel in the shallows while others relax on deck with complimentary food and drinks, or simply float on the sandbank itself. The yacht's shallow draft reaches spots local boats cannot, so the snorkeling grounds and the sandbank itself feel less crowded than the standard routes. How long you spend here shapes the rest of the day. There is no fixed schedule, so the pace is yours.

Lunch arrives freshly prepared on board: calamari, prawns, crumbed chicken, salads, soft chapati and sides, with beer, white wine, soft drinks and bottled water flowing throughout. The galley handles vegan, vegetarian and allergy requests if you mention them when you book. Two bathrooms and changing rooms let you rinse off salt water between snorkeling sessions, and the Bluetooth sound system plays whatever you want while you eat. The yacht itself is the luxury here (dual decks, indoor and outdoor dining, charging ports for phones and cameras), so even guests who skip Prison Island find the afternoon on the water worth the booking.

After Nakupenda, you sail past Bawe Island toward Prison Island, famous for its giant tortoises. Entry to the island costs extra and is optional. Many guests choose to stay aboard and snorkel instead. Either way, the return to Stone Town happens at sunset, timed so you arrive back at the marina as the light goes soft. Bring your own towel. Everything else (snorkeling gear, meals, drinks, the boat itself) is included.

What’s included

• Private use of the catamaran for your group.
• snorkeling equipment.
• freshly prepared lunch tailored to your diet.
• beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water.
• use of two bathrooms and changing rooms.
• Bluetooth sound system.
• charging facilities for devices.
• and a live English-speaking guide throughout the five hours.

Information

Lasts 5h, runs every day at 10:00 and 13:00, from US$ 1,500 per group, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Queen of Zanzibar Yacht

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon in Zanzibar and want to snorkel without renting a separate boat. The catamaran's shallow draft reaches quieter reefs, and lunch on deck means you never leave the water to eat. The five-hour window fits between a morning arrival and an evening flight, or as a standalone half-day from any Stone Town hotel.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★Exceptional12 verified traveler reviews

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Top questions

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 is there to snorkel at Nakupenda Sandbank?

Nakupenda is a shallow sandbank with coral reef nearby, so snorkeling reveals small reef fish, sea stars and coral formations in clear water. The sandbank itself is a strip of sand that appears and disappears with the tide, and many guests wade or float on it between snorkel sessions.

Can I visit Prison Island, or do I have to stay on the yacht?

Prison Island is optional. You can go ashore to see the giant tortoises (entry fee paid separately), or you can stay on the yacht and snorkel while others visit. The choice is yours on the day.

How many people will be on the catamaran with us?

The yacht holds up to 12 guests, so your group shares the boat with at most 11 others. The operator can accommodate larger groups by request, but this booking is capped at 10 through this platform.

What meals and drinks are included?

Lunch is freshly prepared on board and includes calamari, prawns, crumbed chicken, salads, chapati and sides. Beer, white wine, soft drinks and bottled water are included throughout the day. Vegan and vegetarian options are available if you note dietary preferences when booking.

Where does the boat depart from?

The catamaran leaves from Stone Town marina, behind the Verde Hotel. The operator will confirm the exact meeting time and any pickup details when you book.