Snorkeling Zanzibar: Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank

Swim among tortoises, then snorkel a sandbank and eat fresh seafood on the beach

A full-day snorkeling tour from Zanzibar combines two islands: Prison Island (Changuu), a former quarantine station now home to giant Aldabra Tortoises, and Nakupenda Sandbank, where you snorkel in clear shallow water, rest on white sand and eat grilled seafood. Hotel pickup, boat transport, guide and equipment are included. The day runs 8 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank tour

• Pick up from Zanzibar island
• Travel to Stone Town local harbour
• Boat cruise to Prison Island
• Explore Prison Island and tortoise sanctuary
• Boat cruise to Nakupenda Sandbank
• Snorkel around Nakupenda Sandbank
• Relax on white sand beach
• Enjoy seafood barbecue and fresh fruit
• Return to Stone Town local harbour
• Drop off at hotel or general area

The experience

The boat leaves Stone Town harbor and heads first to Prison Island, also called Changuu Island or Quarantine Island. The island's history shifts through its layers: it was built as a slave prison, then became a coral mine, then a quarantine station for people with yellow fever. Now it holds a sanctuary of Aldabra Tortoises (some of the largest and longest-lived tortoises in the world) that roam the grounds. You walk the island with your guide before returning to the boat.

From there, the motorboat cruises to Nakupenda Sandbank, where the snorkeling begins. The water here is shallow and clear, the sand is soft white, and the waves are gentle. You enter the water with snorkeling equipment (provided) and explore the reef around the sandbank. Between swims, you rest on the sand under a private tent. A barbecue lunch of grilled seafood and fresh tropical fruit happens on the beach, with soda and bottled water available throughout the day. After the afternoon winds down, the boat returns you to Stone Town and then to your hotel or your chosen drop-off point.

The tour runs 8 hours total, with pickup from any area of Zanzibar island where you're staying. A live guide speaks English or French and leads the whole day. The pace mixes activity (snorkeling and walking Prison Island) with downtime on the sand, so you're not rushed between stops.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from anywhere on Zanzibar island.
• private transportation to Stone Town harbor.
• boat transport to both islands.
• snorkeling equipment.
• a live guide in English or French.
• lunch with grilled seafood and tropical fruits.
• soda and bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 80 years) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 7 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Zanzibar Eco-Friendly Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want history and snorkeling in one outing. You'll visit Prison Island's tortoises and quarantine ruins, then snorkel at Nakupenda Sandbank, all in a single day trip from your hotel.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years); Child (2 to 7 years); Infant (under 2): free.

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 Aldabra Tortoises on Prison Island like?

Aldabra Tortoises are among the largest and longest-lived tortoise species in the world. Prison Island became a sanctuary for them after it stopped being used as a quarantine station, and they now roam the island grounds where you'll see them during the visit.

How deep is the water for snorkeling at Nakupenda Sandbank?

Nakupenda Sandbank has shallow, clear water. The conditions are calm and gentle, making it suitable for snorkeling without strong currents or deep drop-offs.

What's included in the barbecue lunch?

Lunch is a grilled seafood barbecue with fresh tropical fruits, served on the beach. Soda and bottled water are available throughout the day.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour, so you don't need to bring or rent your own.

How much of the day is spent snorkeling versus relaxing on the beach?

The day balances both: you snorkel around Nakupenda Sandbank, then rest on the white sand under a private tent between swims and during lunch. The full tour is 8 hours, with Prison Island visited first, then the afternoon split between water time and beach time.