Snorkeling in Michamvi: Prison Island, caves and Paje Beach

Snorkel three water sites in one day, from coral reefs to hidden caves

A full-day snorkeling tour from Michamvi covering Prison Island's reefs and giant tortoises, two freshwater caves with Swahili history, Paje Beach at sunset, and lunch at The Rock restaurant. Hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment, and an English-speaking guide are included. Children from age one are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day Zanzibar island tour

• Visit Prison Island and snorkel
• Explore Kuza Cave and swim
• Discover Swahili Cave and swim
• Enjoy seafood lunch at The Rock
• Watch sunset at eastern Zanzibar tip

The experience

The day starts with a three-hour snorkeling session at Prison Island (Changuu Island), where you enter the water above pristine coral reefs. Your guide takes you to the viewpoint overlooking the historical prison buildings and a jetty where peacocks roam, then down to a small white sand beach where giant tortoises rest in the sun. You handle the snorkeling gear yourself (the operator provides it), and move at your own pace through the reef.

After Prison Island, the route turns inland to Kuza Cave, a freshwater pool inside a cave that doubles as a cultural center. You swim in clear water while your guide walks you through local artifacts and a timeline of Swahili history stretching back to East Africa's earliest human settlements. The same happens at Swahili Cave, a separate site where you swim again in healing freshwater surrounded by jungle. Both caves let you see how people lived here centuries ago without leaving the water.

The afternoon takes you to Paje Beach on Zanzibar's eastern tip, timed so you arrive as the sun turns the sky pink and gold over the Indian Ocean. You then head to The Rock Restaurant, built in the middle of the ocean, for a seafood lunch with views of local dhow boats and women collecting shells. If you want to stay for the sunset, the operator can arrange a later transfer back to your hotel. Private transportation, bottled water, and WiFi on board are included throughout.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• private air-conditioned transportation.
• snorkeling equipment for all three water sites.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• WiFi on board.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (25 to 55 years) · Senior (60 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 24 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 49 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Africa & Beyond Tours & Travel Ltd

Is this one for you?Pick this full-day combo if you're staying anywhere on Zanzibar and want to visit three scattered sites (Prison Island, Kuza Cave, Paje Beach) in one trip. The included pickup handles transport between them.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 24 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

What exactly do I snorkel at Prison Island?

Prison Island has pristine coral reefs where you enter the water with snorkeling gear to explore the marine life. The island also has a white sand beach where giant tortoises sunbathe, and you visit the historical prison buildings and jetty from above water with your guide.

Are the caves freshwater or saltwater?

Both Kuza Cave and Swahili Cave are freshwater pools inside caves, so you swim in fresh water rather than ocean water. Each cave has local artifacts and Swahili history displays your guide explains while you're in the water.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch at The Rock Restaurant is not included in the tour price, though the operator arranges it for you at that location. You order and pay separately for the seafood meal.

How does hotel pickup work?

The operator picks you up from your hotel in Michamvi and drops you back there at the end of the day. If you stay elsewhere in Zanzibar, confirm your location when you book so the driver knows where to collect you.