Things to Do on Prison Island 2026

Meeting the Aldabra Giant Tortoises

The giant tortoises of Prison Island are the island's undisputed star attraction and one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in the entire Zanzibar archipelago. The Aldabra giant tortoise is native to the Seychelles and was introduced to Prison Island in the late 19th century as a diplomatic gift. Since then the population has thrived under careful management and now numbers over 100 individuals of varying ages — from hatchlings the size of a dinner plate to ancient giants who have been resident since before Tanzania's independence.

The tortoises are completely habituated to human presence and remarkably approachable — they move slowly and deliberately through the sanctuary garden, pausing to accept offered leaves or simply observe visitors with their characteristically ancient, calm expression. The island's caretaker knows each animal individually and can share their ages, personalities and histories. Feeding time in the morning is particularly lively — the tortoises show surprising speed and determination when fresh vegetation is offered.

Snorkeling in Prison Island's Lagoon

The snorkeling on Prison Island is a genuine highlight of any Zanzibar itinerary, particularly for visitors based in Stone Town who don't have easy access to the northern beaches. The channel between Prison Island and the Zanzibar mainland has strong tidal flows that keep the water exceptionally clear, and the shallow reef shelf on the island's western shore is accessible to swimmers of all abilities from a sandy beach entry point.

The reef ecosystem around Prison Island benefits from its relative inaccessibility — only visitors who make the dhow trip experience it, so fish populations are healthier than on more heavily visited sections of the coast. Parrotfish, wrasse, butterflyfish and angelfish are abundant, and patient observers will find pufferfish, scorpionfish and lionfish sheltering among the coral outcrops. The guided underwater photography tour at $45 is highly recommended for photography enthusiasts — your guide knows exactly where to find the most photogenic and unusual species.

The History of Changuu Island

Prison Island's history is more complex and layered than its colloquial name suggests. The island was acquired by Arab merchant Hamad bin Mohammed (better known as Tippu Tip, one of the 19th century's most powerful slave traders) with the intention of constructing a detention facility. The British colonial administration later acquired the island in 1893 and built the quarantine station to control the spread of yellow fever, cholera and bubonic plague among ships entering Zanzibar Harbour — then one of the busiest ports in the Indian Ocean.

The quarantine station processed thousands of passengers and crew members during its operational years (1893 to around 1920). The buildings — including dormitories, treatment rooms, a medical officer's residence and administrative offices — are constructed in classic British colonial style using locally quarried coral stone, with deep verandas designed for natural ventilation. Walking through them today, with their rusting iron shutters and overgrown courtyards, gives an evocative sense of the island's complex past.

Practical Guide for Prison Island Day Trips

Dhow transfers to Prison Island depart from Stone Town's main jetty (near the Forodhani seafront) from approximately 8am onwards. Journey time is 15–25 minutes depending on sea conditions and wind. The island entry fee for non-residents is currently around $4–6 per person, paid on arrival. The tortoise sanctuary entry is $15 per adult. Snorkel equipment hire on the island itself costs around $10–15 if not included in a package.

The island has a small restaurant and bar serving grilled fish, rice, chips and cold drinks at reasonable prices. If you are visiting independently, bring cash in Tanzanian shillings or small USD notes — card payments are not reliably available. Sun protection is essential as shade on the island is limited outside the tortoise sanctuary garden. The best time to visit is in the morning, arriving by 9am before the main rush of day-trippers from around 10:30am.

Combining Prison Island with Stone Town

Prison Island is almost always visited as a day trip from Stone Town, and the combination works extremely naturally. A popular itinerary is a morning visit to Prison Island (departing Stone Town by 8:30am, returning by 1pm), followed by a late lunch in Stone Town and an afternoon walking tour of the old town's historic streets and spice market, finishing with an evening at Forodhani Night Market. This makes a satisfying and well-rounded full day.

Our Stone Town & Prison Island Combo package at $499 for three nights builds exactly this kind of layered itinerary — covering the island's tortoises and lagoon alongside the Arab Fort, House of Wonders, Slave Market and Forodhani Market in a coherent cultural and natural experience. Contact our team to book or enquire about building a custom itinerary around your preferred combination of Stone Town and Prison Island activities.