Tours/Zanzibar/Nakupenda Sandbank and Prison Island Boat tour with lunch
Viator · group up to 15 pax

Nakupenda Sandbank and Prison Island Boat tour with lunch

4.7(20)Zanzibar1 hour
VIATOR4.7(3)TRIPADVISOR4.6(17)

Description

Discover two of Zanzibar’s most iconic attractions in one unforgettable day. This Nakupenda Sandbank and Prison Island Boat Tour with Lunch combines history, wildlife, crystal-clear waters, and a freshly prepared seafood BBQ lunch on a stunning white sandbank. Explore the Giant Tortoises at Prison Island Visit Prison Island, home to the famous Aldabra giant tortoises, some over 180 years old. Learn about the island’s history as a former quarantine station and enjoy panoramic views of the turquoise Indian Ocean. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Nakupenda Sandbank, a pristine white sandbank surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and capture unforgettable photos in one of Zanzibar's most beautiful locations. Enjoy a delicious BBQ seafood lunch including grilled fish, lobster, prawns, calamari, octopus, tropical fruits, and refreshing soft drinks. freshly prepared and served directly on the sandbank. This is a sharing tour, perfect for meeting fellow travelers

Tour Options

Nakupenda Sandbank and Prison Island Boat tour with lunch
  • Duration: 6 hours: 7 hours Seafood BBQ lunch, fruits and Prison island and Nakupenda Sa: Visit Prison Island for 2 hours And Nakupenda Sandbank 4 hours Boat

Itinerary

Admission included180 min

A Meticulously curated adventure to Prison Island with your dedicated private guide. As you traverse this captivating isle, delve into the enigmatic history of the unused prison, gaining insights into its past. Relax on the pristine sandy beaches, where the turquoise waters beckon for a refreshing dip. Immerse yourself in the vibrant marine world through snorkeling, discovering the hidden treasures beneath the surface. A highlight of your journey will be encountering the majestic giant tortoises, residents of the island for generations. These ancient creatures add a touch of wonder to the landscape, offering a unique opportunity for up-close observation. Throughout the excursion, your guide will provide fascinating details about Prison Island's historical significance and ecological wonders. This exclusive experience ensures a harmonious blend of exploration, relaxation, and education, making your visit to Prison Island an unforgettable chapter in your travel narrative.

180 min

Nakupenda Beach, or Sand Bank Island, awaits as an undiscovered gem in the Indian Ocean, inviting you to indulge in its beauty during your Zanzibar stay. As your guide, I recommend this pristine spot for its tranquil allure. The experience begins with crystal-clear waters surrounding the sandy strip, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The underwater world is a vibrant tapestry of life, leaving lasting impressions. For those in Stone Town, a 20-25 minute boat ride transports you to Nakupenda's enchantment. As you approach this oceanic oasis, picture the serenity awaiting. Planning to stay a few hours? We can arrange a shaded spot for your comfort amid nature's grandeur. Whether seeking serenity or vibrant underwater exploration, Nakupenda promises an unforgettable journey. Explore its unique beauty with me, and create Zanzibar memories etched in extraordinary moments.

Highlights

Use of Snorkelling equipment
All Fees and Taxes
Seafood BBQ lunch, Fruits, Soft drinks & Vegetarian food

What's included

Included
Use of Snorkelling equipment
All Fees and Taxes
Seafood BBQ lunch, Fruits, Soft drinks & Vegetarian food
Not included
Medical Insurance
International Flights Visa
Expenses of a personal Nature
Transport from your hotel and drop-off

Traveller Ratings

4.7
20 reviews
5
16
4
1
3
3
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(20)

N
nanikahonua
July 7, 2026
Beautiful Day

Amazing day visiting two beautiful islands. Met some fantastic folks from all around the world. Great weather to top it off. Great lunch. Wish we had a bit more time on Nakupenda but that’s ok. A note: the waters can be rough so be sure to take your meclizine if you get seasick.

C
ChrisR6490
July 7, 2026
Not well organised - "This is Africa"

This was the third tour that we did while in Zanzibar and by far the worst organized. We arrived at the collection point before the required time and ended up waiting for over an hour to get going. This time lost was not added to the end of the trip and effectively forced us to rush through the day. This is a great tour, I would choose a different service provider, or just walk up to the operators at the beach and choose one that you like.

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are genuinely sorry that your experience did not meet your expectations. We would, however, like to provide some clarification for future guests. The Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank tour you booked is clearly advertised and sold as a shared boat experience, and this information is stated in the tour description before booking. Upon arriving at the meeting point, you requested a private boat instead. Although a private boat was not included in your booking, our team wanted to make sure you enjoyed your day. Instead of asking you to pay the additional cost for a private tour, we arranged a separate private boat for you at no extra charge. Preparing another boat and crew understandably took some extra time, which caused the delay in departure. This delay was solely the result of our effort to accommodate your special request beyond what was included in the booking. Our intention was never to inconvenience you. On the contrary, we went beyond our standard service, even at our own expense, because we genuinely wanted you to have the experience you were looking for. At Blue Wave Zanzibar, we treat every guest with respect, kindness, and hospitality regardless of where they come from. We are proud of our service and always do our best to help whenever possible. We appreciate your feedback, and we hope future guests will also read the tour description carefully before booking so that the experience matches their expectations. We wish you all the best and thank you for visiting Zanzibar. Peace and Love Blue Wave Islands Boat Trips

S
Stay62505504210
July 1, 2026
Verry good

Amazing experience from start to finish! The organization was excellent, everything was on time, and the guide was very friendly and professional. The excursion was well planned, the places we visited were beautiful, and I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the day. Thank you for making this trip so memorable. I highly recommend this excursion to anyone visiting Zanzibar! ★★★★★

I
Isabel_B
June 25, 2026
A good day.

It was a very good day. I loved Prision Island and Nakupenda. I just regretted not having an English guide on the prison island but it was still worth it. The lunch was very good and the staff was always helpful and friendly.

G
glinew2026
March 17, 2026
Carefree

Very nice carefree trip. I liked to see the big turtles and eating, snorkling at the sandbank.

Operator response

Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so happy you enjoyed the carefree experience, from the giant tortoises to snorkeling and relaxing at Nakupenda Sandbank. It means a lot to us—hope to see you again for another amazing day.

V
Voyager59177084362
March 13, 2026
Tourist attraction

Find €70 too expensive, for what you get for it Prison Island admission alone is $22 and it's not worth it

Operator response

Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that you felt the price did not match your expectations. Our tour to Nakupenda Sandbank and Prison Island includes not only transportation, but also a guided experience, fresh seafood lunch, fruits, soft drinks, and personalized service from our team. The entrance fee to Prison Island is set by the government and is included as part of the overall experience we arrange for our guests. We always aim to provide memorable and high-quality experiences, and we truly appreciate your feedback as it helps us improve. Blue Wave Islands Boat Trip

S
stephanierT1110UN
March 5, 2026
Excellent trip

We had a great time, Mila was very knowledgeable as a guide and there was plenty of time for everything we wanted to do. Good food and great value for money

Operator response

Thank you so much for your kind review. We’re really happy to hear you had an excellent trip to Nakupenda Sandbank and Prison Island. Mila will be glad to know you enjoyed her guidance—he always does her best to make every experience special. We’re also pleased you loved the food and found the tour great value for money. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you again.

R
R1109PZwilliamh
February 25, 2026
One of the Best Tour in Zanzibar

This tour was honestly one of the highlights of my trip to Zanzibar. Nakupenda Sandbank felt like dream. The water was crystal clear and the sand was so white and soft. I didn't want to leave. Visiting Prison island and seeing the giant tortoises was such a unique experience. The team was kind , fun and made us feel very comfortable the whole day. Everything was perfectly organized and the seafood lunch was delicious. I would 100% do this tour again

Operator response

Thank you so much for this wonderful review! We’re truly happy to hear this tour was one of the highlights of your Zanzibar trip. Nakupenda Sandbank really is like a dream, and we’re glad you enjoyed its beauty and the unique experience at Prison Island. It means a lot that you felt comfortable with our team and enjoyed the organization and seafood lunch. You’re always welcome back — we’d love to host you again for another unforgettable adventure!

B
briannarB4391NT
January 27, 2026
Excellent Boat trip with Blue Wave islands!

Blue Wave islands boat trip delivered an unforgettable experience. The boat was comfortable, the crew was very kind and attentive, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Visiting Nakupenda Sandbank and Prison Island in one trip perfect planned. We felt safe, relaxed, and truly enjoyed every moment. I would definitely book again next year!

Operator response

Thank you so much for this amazing review! We’re truly happy to hear you had an unforgettable experience with Blue Wave Islands Boat Trip. It means a lot that you felt safe, relaxed, and well taken care of throughout the journey. Nakupenda Sandbank and Prison Island are special places, and we’re glad you enjoyed every moment. We can’t wait to welcome you again next year for another beautiful adventure!

2
230simbai
October 17, 2025
Excellent holiday season and skillful guide

Thank you so much machano for being our tour guide during our holiday in zanzibar we had many tours but those one was perfect we touched the tortoise and swimming at the sandbank was fantastic experience for us thank you again machano

Operator response

Thank you for your feedback, i hope you enjoy well our tour with my guide Machano, Peace and Love

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