Zanzibar Full-Day Tour: Prison Island, Nakupenda & Stone Town

Giant tortoises, coral reefs and the spice markets of Stone Town in one day

A full-day tour from Zanzibar City covers three stops: Changuu Island (Prison Island) to see giant tortoises, Nakupenda Beach for snorkeling among tropical fish and coral, and Stone Town's heritage sites and markets. A guide in English, Spanish, French, German or Italian leads the route by boat and land, with lunch and snorkeling gear provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Changuu Island2h · entry included
2. Nakupenda Beach4h · entry included
3. Stone Town2h

Explore Zanzibar's history and beaches

• Tour Stone Town heritage sites
• Visit Prison Island and see tortoises
• Snorkel and relax at Nakupenda Beach

The experience

The day starts in Stone Town and moves outward by boat to Changuu Island, where giant tortoises inhabit the grounds. From there, a 25-minute boat ride reaches Nakupenda sand bank, where snorkeling equipment is provided so you can see the underwater reef ecosystem: colorful fish, sea creatures and coral formations. The sand bank itself is a place to rest and try tropical fruits between the water and the shore.

Stone Town itself is the final stop, where you walk through the heritage sites, the Darajani spice market and Forodhani to experience the history and architecture of the sultanate. Private transportation moves you between each location, and lunch is included in the day. A licensed guide fluent in your choice of five languages narrates the route and explains what you're seeing at each stop.

What’s included

• Private transportation between all stops.
• snorkeling equipment at Nakupenda Beach.
• lunch.
• all fees and taxes.
• a licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish, French, German or Italian.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (25 to 74 years) · Senior (75 and older) · Youth (11 to 24 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by KHAMIS TAXI DRIVER ZANZIBAR

Is this one for you?Eight hours means you leave the rest of your day free, so this works if you want one full immersion into Zanzibar's islands and history without splitting your time. The boat schedule and the three stops are fixed, so you move with the group rather than setting your own pace.

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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 (11 to 24 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What is Changuu Island and why do people visit it?

Changuu Island, also called Prison Island, is home to a population of giant tortoises that inhabit the grounds. Visitors come to see these large animals up close as part of the day tour from Stone Town.

How far is Nakupenda Beach from Stone Town and what can you do there?

Nakupenda sand bank is about 25 minutes by boat from Stone Town. Once you arrive, snorkeling equipment is provided so you can explore the coral reef, spot tropical fish and other sea creatures, and then relax on the sand bank itself.

Is lunch included, and what kind of meal is it?

Lunch is included in the tour price. The meal features seafood, reflecting the coastal location and local cuisine of Zanzibar.

What should I bring for the snorkeling part of the day?

Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour. You should bring sun cream and a towel, as these are not included. Consider also bringing a rash guard or light cover for sun protection in the water.