Prison Island
The Prison Island (Prison Island or Changuu Island) is a small island located 6 km in front of Stone Town (30 min boat) being popular half-day attraction world famous for Aldabra giant tortoise colony (100+ specimens age 50-200 years), historical ruins 19th century jail/quarantine, snorkel coral reefs. Half day tours from Stone Town: 50-80 USD person includes boat round trip, island entrance fee, guide, snorkeling equipment, 4-5 hours total. Main activities: feeding/photographing giant tortoises (main attraction families/kids), snorkeling nearby reefs (colorful fish, coral, visibility 10-15 meters), explore historical ruins quarantine building 1893, white sand beach walks, viewpoints overlooking Stone Town. Best time: Jun-Oct (calm sea, excellent snorkeling visibility), avoid Mar-May (rains, rough sea). This guide explains what to see, tour prices, how to get there and tips.
Basic information Prison Island
NamePrison Island (Changuu Island local name).
Location6 km northwest of Stone Town (30 min by boat).
Size: Small 800m x 230m, walkable 1-2 hours.
Famous forAldabra giant tortoise colony (100+ specimens aged 50-200 years old main attraction).
HistoryBuilt 1893 disease quarantine station (never actually used as a prison), now a nature reserve.
VisitorsPopular half day excursion for families/children to see turtles.
Information: Zanzibar Tourism official guide attractions.
What to see Prison Island
Aldabra giant tortoises
Main attraction: Colony of 100+ giant Aldabra tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) brought from Seychelles 1919.
Ageage: 50-200 years (some born in the 19th century), weight 150-250 kg.
InteractionFeeding turtles (lettuce sold entry 5,000 TZS), photographing nearby, touching shell gently (supervision by keepers).
Ideal for families: Children enjoy watching/feeding giant tortoises, educational wildlife experience.
Turtle CenterProtected sanctuary, guards explain species/conservation.
Historic ruins
Quarantine buildingBuilt 1893 to isolate cholera/yellow fever patients (never actually used).
ArchitectureBritish colonial style, coral walls, arched windows.
HistorySold to the British Sultan Zanzibar, currently visitable ruins.
PrisonPrison Island: Name "Prison Island" popular myth - never worked real prison.
Prison Island Snorkeling
Nearby reefs50-100 meters offshore, healthy coral, colorful tropical fish.
Visibility10-15 meters (best June-Oct dry season).
SpeciesClown fish, parrot fish, butterfly fish, starfish, sea urchins.
TeamIncluded tours Stone Town (mask, snorkel, fins).
BeachSmall white sand for swimming/relaxing after snorkeling.
Viewpoints
High point: Central hilltop viewpoint with panoramic views of Stone Town, ocean, nearby beaches.
Photography: Excellent sunset photo spot, 360° views.
Access: Easy 10 min walk from the landing.
Prison Island Tours from Stone Town
Standard half-day tour
Price: 50-80 USD per person (shared group tour 8-15 people).
IncludesBoat round trip Stone Town (30 min each way), island entrance fee 10.000 TZS, guide, snorkeling equipment, 2-3 hours island.
SchedulesDepartures morning 9:00-10:00 (return 14:00-15:00) or afternoon 14:00-15:00 (return 18:00-19:00).
Total duration4-5 hours including transportation.
ReservationStone Town Tour Operators (Fisherman Tours, Sama Tours, Mr Kahawa Tours), hotels organize.
Private tour
Price150-250 USD group (2-6 persons), more expensive but flexible schedules.
AdvantagePrivate boat, personalized schedules, more island time.
IncludesEqual standard tour plus privacy flexibility.
Combined Tour
Prison Island + Nakupenda sandbank80-120 USD per person, includes 2 islands, seafood lunch and beach.
Prison Island + snorkel Mnemba120-180 USD person, full day, best reefs.
How to get to Prison Island
From Stone TownOnly access by boat to Stone Town main pier (Forodhani Gardens area).
Public vesselsNO - only authorized tour operators.
Duration30 min trip (depending on type of boat/sea conditions).
Type boatsTraditional dhow (slow picturesque wooden sail) or speedboat (modern fast).
Schedule: Tours depart tomorrow/afternoon, no independent transportation available.
Best optionBooking tour operator Stone Town includes everything (transportation, entrance fee, guide).
Best time to visit Prison Island
Dry season (Jun-Oct)BEST - calm sea, comfortable ride, excellent snorkeling visibility 15-20 meters, abundant sunshine.
Intermediate season (Nov-Feb)Good - sea generally calm, occasional showers.
Rainy season (Mar-May)Avoid - rough seas, uncomfortable ride/frequent cancellations, reduced snorkeling visibility, rain.
Best scheduleMorning: 9:00-10:00 departure (calmer sea, less heat at midday, more active turtles).
Tides: Consultation Tide Times - high tide better snorkel.
Weather: Weather.com updated forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions Prison Island
What is Prison Island and why is it famous?
The Prison Island (Prison Island or Changuu Island (local name) is a small island located 6 km in front of Stone Town (30 min boat) being popular half-day excursion world famous for 100+ giant tortoise colony Aldabra (Aldabrachelys gigantea age 50-200 years weight 150-250 kg main attraction families/children) brought Seychelles 1919 currently protected sanctuary. HistoryBuilt 1893 British quarantine station to isolate cholera/yellow fever patients (never actually used), name "Prison Island" popular myth but NEVER operated real prison, quarantine building now ruins visitable coral colonial architecture. Other attractionsSnorkeling: Nearby reefs 50-100 meters offshore (healthy coral, colorful tropical fish, visibility 10-15 meters best Jun-Oct), small white sand beach for swimming/relaxing, hilltop lookouts for panoramic Stone Town/ocean views, island hikes 800m x 230m 1-2 hours walkable. Tours50-80 USD per person half day includes boat round trip Stone Town (30 min), entrance fee 10.000 TZS, guide, snorkeling equipment, 4-5 hours total, departures morning 9:00-10:00 or afternoon 14:00-15:00. According to Lonely Planet, Prison Island is a "must-see excursion for families" being "a unique opportunity to interact with giant tortoises in a natural paradisiacal environment".
How much does it cost to visit Prison Island?
Visit Prison Island cost 50-80 USD person standard half day tour shared group (8-15 people) includes round trip Stone Town boat (30 min each way traditional dhow or speedboat), island entrance 10,000 TZS (~4 USD payable on arrival cash TZS), guide explaining history/turtles, full snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, fins), 2-3 hours free island explore, total duration 4-5 hours including transportation. Tour schedulesDepartures morning 9:00-10:00 (return 14:00-15:00 BEST calm sea active turtles) or afternoon 14:00-15:00 (return 18:00-19:00 beautiful sunset). Tour options: (1) Private tour 150-250 USD group 2-6 persons (private boat, customized flexible schedules, more island time); (2) Combined tour Prison Island + Nakupenda sandbank 80-120 USD (2 islands, seafood lunch white sand beach); (3) Prison Island + snorkel Mnemba 120-180 USD full day (best Zanzibar reefs). Additional costsTZS 5,000 TZS sold entrance fee (optional), tips guides/boatmen TZS 10,000-20,000, professional photo operators TZS 20,000-30,000. ReservationStone Town Operators (Fisherman Tours, Sama Tours, Mr Kahawa), hotels organize commission. According to TripAdvisor, Prison Island offers "excellent value for money" being "unique experience worth every dollar especially families children enjoying turtles".
How long does it take to visit Prison Island?
Visit Prison Island you need 4-5 hours total includes boat transportation to/from Stone Town (30 min each way = 1 hour total sailing time) + 2-3 hours island enough to fully explore being a perfect half day excursion. Island time distribution: (1) Giant tortoises 45-60 min (see 100+ specimens, feed lettuce 5,000 TZS, photograph nearby, listen to guide explaining species/preservation Aldabra age 50-200 years); (2) Snorkel 45-60 min (reefs 50-100 meters offshore, colorful tropical fish, healthy coral, visibility 10-15 meters, equipment included tours); (3) Historic ruins 20-30 min (quarantine building 1893 colonial architecture, photos, British history); (4) Viewpoints/walks 20-30 min (hill panoramic views Stone Town/ocean, small beach relax); (5) Beach/relax 15-30 min (swimming, resting white sand). Recommended schedules: Morning tour 9:00-10:00 departure Stone Town → 10:00-13:00 island → 14:00-15:00 return (BEST calm sea, active turtles, less heat), Afternoon tour 14:00-15:00 departure → 15:00-18:00 island → 18:00-19:00 return (nice sunset but more heat). FlexibilityStandard fixed time tours 2-3 hours island enough for most visitors, private tours 150-250 USD allow more flexible customized time. CombinationsIf you have a full day combine Prison Island morning + Nakupenda sandbank afternoon (combined tours 80-120 USD) or Prison Island + Stone Town exploration (both nearby). According to Lonely Planet, Prison Island is "perfect half day excursion" being "enough time to enjoy snorkeling turtles without feeling rushed".