This is a guided half day tour to Prison Island. the island is located 16km away from the old town of Zanzibar (Stone Town).
The tour includes the visit of the sanctuary of Aldabra Giant Tortoise that were brought to Zanzibar by The Governor of Seychelles as a gift to Sultan of Zanzibar in 1915.
The Tour also includes the visit of The prison ruins built by Sir William Lloyd Mathew in 18993 in order to inhouse Zanzibar Criminals.
There are several other species found in the Island such as peacocks and antelopes which also part of the experience.
You can also have chance to swim in the crystal clear water from the Beach on the Island.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
8 times a day, 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
Next available
Sun, Oct 11
Adult (ages 18+)
$106
Youth (ages 12–17)
$85
Child (ages 5–11)
$65
Infant (ages 0–4)
Free
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 10.
Tour Options
A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour
Pickup included
Itinerary
120 min
Prison Island also known as Changuu Island lies about 25 - 30 minutes by wooden motorized boat from Zanzibar Stone Town and this is where you will visit the Prison Ruins built by General Lloyd Mathews in 1893 and hence the name Prison Island.
The Tour includes the visit to the Sanctuary of Aldabra's giant tortoises brought by British Governor of Seychelles in 1919 as a gift to Sultan of Zanzibar.
During the Tour, you will also be able to observe the tortoises as well as taking pictures with them.
The Tour will also provide you with the chance to spot other species found in the Island such as Peacocks and antelopes, swim in the clear crystal water from the Beach at Prison Island before you find your way back to Stone Town.
What's included
Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
All Fees and Taxes
Private Guide
Not included
Expenses of a personal Nature
Pickup Locations & Times
Hotel pickups commence approximately 7 - 75 minutes prior to this time and the location of the hotel, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation. Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
3.8
5 reviews
5
3
4
0
3
1
2
0
1
1
How it compares in Zanzibar City
Starting price $106 is 31% above the typical $81 for tours of similar length in Zanzibar City
Excurgo comparison of 585 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour take?
A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour lasts about 2–3 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour cost?
Prices start at $106 per person for this Zanzibar City experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 8 departures a day between 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
How much does A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour cost for children?
Children aged 5–11 pay from $65, adults from $106. Infants go free.
Can I cancel A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Hotel pickups commence approximately 7 - 75 minutes prior to this time and the location of the hotel, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation. Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
Pickup points include Pongwe Hill Villa, Fumba Beach Lodge.
What languages is A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 3.8 out of 5 across 5 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Zanzibar Crystal Tours & Safaris.
Reviews(5)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
J
Joann_S
December 22, 2024 · via Viator
What you see in the...
What you see in the picture is a little miss leading. It’s not really a beach to go enjoy the day or snorkel. It’s a destination to go look at the old prison which is really nothing. The tortoise were real cool to see that’s the highlight. There’s so many boat around the small beach area that it’s difficult to even to swim if you wanted to.
Operator response
Thank you for your review. This is a tourist attraction and we normally expect many visitors from different parts of the country, number of boats means many tourists which is not our problem unfortunately. We normally give your guides so you seek advice from them on where to go for snorkelling or even swimming.
M
Marion_I
August 28, 2024 · via Viator
Disappointed
Unfortunately, it wasn’t the best of weather, so the excursion was only 1.5 hours long. Considering the price of the excursion ($80 USD ) you certainly didn’t get value for money
Operator response
Dear Marion
Thank you for your review.
I would like to remind you that the weather is not something that We could control mind that when you left for the activity, the weather was still good and it changed while you were already at the spot and the guide gave you the option to stay at the beach or swim and you still chose to leave after the visit. we do not get why you would come here and leave this review.
N
nourhanea2022
July 27, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
the best experience EVER.
I found Issa on Instagram, and I was planning my trip for months, but at the very last minute realized that I NEEDED a local to show me around.
I contacted Issa and shared my fears about being solo and traveling to a country the language of which I don't speak and he was more than welcoming and comforting.
I arrived in Zanzibar at 2 a.m. and he was there waiting for me, took me to my hotel, and made sure I checked in safely. I booked 3 tours in total with Issa, and it was the best experience of my entire life. He was always very understanding and shared the history of every single place in Zanzibar, he didn't mind me booking very last-minute trips either, and the tours were so fun with him around.
We'd be dancing, and singing, with no care in the world the entire tour, and he is extremely helpful, whatever you need Issa is there.
I 100% recommend him, especially for solo female travelers, you will be absolutely safe!
1
117sb
April 15, 2020 · via Tripadvisor
Just go ahead and book him!
You won’t regret it, especially if you’re like us and wanted to maximize your experience of Zanzibar. Issa gave us a truly local’s experience & made us feel like family. He’s reliable & will create whatever experience you’re looking for. I recommend just being open & going with his recommendations. We gallivanted around Zanzibar for four days & it was the best 4 days of our lives. Upon departure, it felt a little bit like leaving home. Memorable first trip to Africa. ❤️ Your friends from the US.
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