Changuu Island boat tour: giant tortoises and snorkeling

Walk among century-old tortoises on an island that was once a prison

A three-hour boat tour from Stone Town to Changuu Island combines history, wildlife and snorkeling in one outing. You interact with giant Aldabra tortoises over a century old, walk the island's lush paths past the remains of the old prison, hear the island's story from a guide, and snorkel or rest in the blue water. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Stone Town, entrance fees, a guide and mineral water are included; guides speak English, Italian, French or German.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Prison Island and relax

• Visit Prison Island historic site
• Interact with giant Aldabra tortoises
• Walk island’s lush paths
• Learn island history from guides
• Snorkel in blue waters
• Relax and enjoy island atmosphere

The Experience

You get picked up from your Stone Town hotel and travel by boat to Changuu Island, also called Prison Island. The boat ride itself is part of the day—you're crossing water with the island growing larger as you approach. Once there, the tortoises are the first thing: giant Aldabra tortoises, some over a century old, roam the island freely. You can walk among them, photograph them, and stand close enough to see the texture of their shells and the slow deliberation of their movement. They're gentle and accustomed to visitors, so the interaction is unhurried and real.

The island's history unfolds as you walk. Your guide leads you past the lush paths and shows you the remains of the old prison structure—the building that gave the island its original name. The guide shares the stories of what the island was, how it changed, and what it is now. This is not a rushed recitation; it's the kind of detail that makes the place stick with you after you leave. Between the history and the tortoises, you're getting both the human story and the natural one at the same time.

The water is the final piece. You can snorkel in the blue water surrounding the island, or simply sit and take in the quiet. The whole experience—boat, tortoises, history, water—fits into three hours, so you're not committing your whole day. Mineral water is provided, and the entrance fee to the island is covered. If you're in Stone Town with a free afternoon or a morning to spare, this fills the time without requiring you to plan transport or figure out what to do once you arrive.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Stone Town.
• boat transport to Changuu Island.
• entrance fee to the island.
• services of a professional guide in your choice of English, Italian, French or German.
• mineral water.
• time to interact with the giant Aldabra tortoises, explore the old prison remains, and snorkel or relax in the water.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Zan Archipelago Tours & Safaris

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here—the island and the tortoises absorb visitors without feeling crowded, and the guide can share the history and point out details without raising their voice. This suits a first-time visitor to Stone Town with a free morning or afternoon, or anyone who wants history and wildlife without a full-day commitment.

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Top questions

What are the giant tortoises on Changuu Island like?

The Aldabra tortoises on Changuu Island are ancient—some are over a century old—and move slowly across the lush island paths. You can walk near them and take photographs, and they're accustomed to visitors, so the experience is calm and close without feeling rushed or staged.

Can I snorkel during the Changuu Island tour?

Yes, snorkeling is part of the tour. The island is surrounded by blue water, and you have the chance to snorkel or simply relax by the water depending on what you prefer during your time there.

How long is the boat ride to Changuu Island?

The whole tour is three hours, which includes the boat journey from Stone Town, time on the island exploring the tortoises and the old prison remains, and time in the water. The boat ride itself is part of the experience, not a separate transfer.

What languages do the guides speak on this tour?

Guides speak English, Italian, French, or German. You can request your preferred language when you book, and the guide will be assigned accordingly.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Stone Town are included. The tour also includes the boat fees, entrance to Changuu Island, mineral water, and the services of an experienced guide.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age 4 and up. The pace is relaxed—walking among tortoises, exploring the island's history, and snorkeling or resting by the water—so it suits families and mixed groups.