Prison Island
Prison Island is a small island located in front of Stone Town, which is the capital of Zanzibar and is one of the most touristic areas thanks to its colony of giant tortoises and the magnificent coral reef that you will have the opportunity to see when you do diving near the surface.
Prison Island becomes one of the best alternatives to enjoy with those people who are part of your life, its route is practical and you only have to dedicate part of your day, without having to move away from the other areas of interest in Zanzibar.
Here the fish and corals are the main protagonists and the ones that will welcome you once you arrive in the region, since from the coast you can appreciate the different shades of fish, and they create a multicolored range next to the corals.
What to see in Prison Island?
Once you are in Zanzibar, we advise you to adapt your itinerary so that Prison Island is among your first options to visit, so that from day one you will have the most pleasant experience.
Together, if you still don't know what to see in this island, here are some alternatives that will surely be to your liking, come and discover more about each one of them.
- Boat trip on the lakeHere you will come across the well known "dhows" which are large boats widely used in the region, on your ride you will enjoy beautiful views of the coast of Stone Town or Stone City.
- Diving near the reefone of the major pastimes of those who visit this island, with these activities you can see all the marine diversity that is opening up before you
- Tour of the areaHere you will discover more about the history of this island, as well as see the remains of the prison for rebel slaves that dates back to 1890 and is the reason why this island is known by this name (although its real name is Changuu").
It should be noted that it is also possible to see each of the wild animals of the region in their natural habitat, thanks to the care of the island and the preservation of its flora and fauna.
Prison Island Activities
Considering the high population of tourists in this area, it is not surprising to find different recreational activities for both children and adults. You have the opportunity to explore to the fullest every option presented to you.
- Giant tortoise centerIn 1955, this population of turtles began to grow in Zanzibar until it reached two hundred specimens, most of which are found on this island, which is why it is essential to visit them.
- Visit to the viewpoints in the areaFrom each of the different viewpoints, these are located at the highest points of the island, thus achieving a superior appreciation, not only of the island but also of Stone Town and the beaches that are nearby.
- Kayak tripsThe water is perfect to appreciate the sunset and the tones that the water acquires once it begins to get dark.
- Walking on the coast, as has been highlighted, it is natural that this activity does not go unnoticed, since the softness of the sand makes it ideal to walk along it, either on foot or on horseback, in both options it is a pleasant idea.
- Diving in the reef
- Excursion in the commercial premisesIf you don't know where the most popular sites or gift stores are located, you can purchase a map where each of the most popular stores are delimited, both handicraft and gift shops, you can also opt for the guide of one of the specialists in giving tours or excursions, these people in charge can be found before arriving at the island, in Stone Town.
- In the same vein, if you decide to go for the option of a guide, you will also have the possibility to go to each of the ancient monuments of Prison Island, since the people trained to give these tours, know the area perfectly and can give you the help you need, as well as allow you to learn more about the history and culture, not only of this island but also of the region of Zanzibar.
- Do not forget to try the traditional culinary dishes of this island, they are a spectacular gastronomic experience, seafood is the special and you can ask for various accompaniments.
- Sports remain on the list of activities, occupying the first places, each visitor has the option of choosing between the surfWhether it is low tide, diving or windsurfing, each of them will vary according to the degree of tide of the day, whether it is low or high, this is essential before you start your aquatic exploration.
As in all of Zanzibar, the activities in Prison Island are in appropriate synchrony with each of the expectations of the different users, taking into account that the priorities of tourists may be different from each other, here we seek to satisfy and enhance your experience.
Also, unlike other alternatives, the tropical beaches near Prison Island give the opportunity to have easy access to them, in other words you can find yourself visiting Prison Island during the early hours of the day and then head to the other beaches surrounding Zanzibar, without having to take hours to find transportation or the road being longer or later than expected.
Zanzibar has unique connections between each island, so that tourists can dedicate themselves to each beach without having to compromise their itinerary or stray too far from the hotel where they are staying.
