Zanzibar Prison Island & Nakupenda Beach Day Trip

Summary

Stone Town to Changuu: Tortoises, Stories & Sandbanks

This is your chance to boat from Stone Town to Prison Island with a local guide, meet ancient giant tortoises up close, snorkel at Nakupenda Beach’s clear waters, and enjoy fresh seafood lunch right on the sandbank — all with hotel pickup included. Expect moments you’ll remember long after you’ve brushed off the last grains of sand.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the boat just off Stone Town, the air thick with salt and a bit of engine smoke. Our guide, Salim, grinned and handed out life jackets — he joked about my sunhat flapping like a flag. The ride to Changuu (everyone calls it Prison Island) was quick, maybe half an hour? I lost track watching the turquoise water flicker past. There’s this moment when the city noise fades and all you hear is the slap of waves and someone’s ringtone playing taarab music behind you. I didn’t expect that.

On Prison Island itself, Salim told us about its strange history — built as a prison but never used for prisoners, mostly for holding slaves before auction. It’s heavy stuff, honestly. But then we met the giant tortoises (some older than my grandma), lumbering around like they owned the place. One of them tried to eat my shoelace; Salim laughed and said that means good luck here. The air smelled like sun-warmed stone and seaweed. After that we headed back to the boat — I was still thinking about those tortoises as we skimmed over to Nakupenda Beach.

Nakupenda is just a sandbank really, but wow — soft white sand under your toes and water so clear you can see tiny fish darting around your ankles. We snorkeled for a while (gear included), saw flashes of yellow fish and bits of coral. Lunch was simple grilled seafood on the beach — smoky, salty, perfect after swimming. I got sunburned on my nose because I forgot to reapply sunscreen (classic). On the way back to Stone Town, everyone was quiet in that good way when you’re tired but happy. I still think about that view across the water as we left — it felt like Zanzibar had let us in on one of its secrets.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach

• Visit Prison Island
• Explore Nakupenda Beach

Top questions

How long does the Zanzibar Prison Island & Nakupenda Beach day trip take?

The tour usually lasts around 5–6 hours including boat rides and time at each stop.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling equipment like masks, flippers, and life jackets are included in your booking.

Are there any age restrictions for visiting Prison Island?

No strict age limits; infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap or use specialized seats if needed.

What should I bring for Nakupenda Beach?

Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a hat, towel, and maybe sandals for walking on hot sand.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Stone Town or nearby areas, all entrance fees for Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach, bottled water during the tour, snorkeling gear (life jacket, mask & flippers), a fresh seafood lunch served right on the sandbank, plus guidance from an experienced local guide throughout your trip.