Prison Island: Tours and Guided Visits

Just off the coast of Zanzibar City lies Prison Island, an isolated bit of land surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Despite its foreboding name, Prison Island is truly paradisiacal.

White sand beaches encircle a colorful fort and shelter a community of giant tortoises. The reef along the island’s edges offers some of Zanzibar’s best snorkeling. A Prison Island tour in Zanzibar is a fun way to combine history, nature and relaxation on tropical sands.

Here's all you need to know about Prison Island, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Zanzibar City.

What are the best Prison Island tours in Zanzibar?

Small-group Prison Island tours

Join no more than 10 like-minded people for a boat cruise from Zanzibar City and tour of Prison Island. Inspect the namesake prison and discover its unexpected history. Snorkel along the edges of the island for some of Zanzibar’s most spectacular underwater scenery. Get to know the island’s community of tortoises, some of whom are well over 100 years old.

Prison Island plus Stone Town

Get to know the character-filled stone lanes of Zanzibar City before a few hours on Prison Island. Connect with a small group or enlist a guide for yourself for a historical and architectural exploration of UNESCO Heritage Site Stone Town and its famed spices, before a jaunt to Prison Island.

There, you will spend the rest of your day steeped in tropical beauty. Snorkel, soak in the sun and enjoy the two islands’ resident animals.

Prison Island plus Nakupenda Island

“Nakupenda” means “I love you” in Swahili. A visit to this tiny island will make you want to say it to this pristine locale. Also known as “disappearing island”, Nakupenda is a sandy strip of land covered by water during high tides. Fill your day with sun, snorkeling and photography at these two islands. For a fuller experience in Zanzibar, you can also opt for tours that include a walking tour of Stone Town.

Private Prison Island tours

Plan a day just for yourself and your chosen few with a private tour to Prison Island. Soak up Indian Ocean views during your 1-hour round-trip boat transportation and from the island’s shores, and benefit from the full attention of your guide as you learn about your surroundings.

Are there any combos available with Prison Island tours in Zanzibar?

Prison Island plus Kuza Cave and dolphin swim

Spend a full day exploring two areas on opposite sides of Zanzibar. Your adventure begins at Kizimkazi Beach with dolphin watching and the opportunity to swim with them, for an interactive experience you’ll remember forever.

Absorb the sights of Prison Island as well as two coveted spots on Zanzibar’s east coast. Marvel at Kuza Cave’s surreal rock formations and float in its glowing blue waters. Then head to the nearby Paje Beach, for a stroll or swim.

Which places are visited?

Prison Compound

The center point of Prison Island are the late 19th-century remnants of a planned penal colony. Walk among the painted buildings and learn about how the walls never actually housed criminals.

Hear about its role as a quarantine for yellow fever sufferers, and don’t leave without considering the island’s dark past. Countless humans were held on the site as a transfer point during the slave trade.

Tortoise sanctuary

A little over a century ago, Prison Island received a gift of four giant Aldabra tortoises from the governor of the Seychelles. The current population of over 100 animals feature some over 150 years old. Feed, pet and photograph your new friends in their idyllic home.

Beaches and reefs

Fans of snorkeling and sun will spend most of their time on Prison Island, taking advantage of pristine sands and clear waters filled with life. Tours provide you with snorkeling equipment to help you get close-up glimpses of the coral forests and their vast array of inhabitants.

How much do Prison Island tours in Zanzibar cost?

The most affordable Prison Island tours from Zanzibar City cost US$40 to US$50 per person, while private tours being a bit pricier and start from about $50 per person.

Prices for Stone Town and Prison Island tours range from about US$50 to US$100 per person, with the more expensive options including a visit to a spice farm.

Tours to Prison Island that include Nakupenda are usually priced between US$100 and US$150, depending on the size of your group, duration and additional activities.

Prison Island tours that include Kuza Cave range from US$130 to US$170 per person, with excursions that include a dolphin tour portion being the more expensive options.

What is included?

Prison Island tours include round-trip transportation from your hotel in Stone Town, a boat trip to the island and the services of a guide. Snorkeling gear is typically provided and some tours may also include lunch and bottled water.

Higher-price tours tend to include the TZS 10,000 per person (US$4) entry fee to the island and TZS 6,000 conservation fee per person (around US$2.50).

Where does it start?

Prison Island tours start with pickup from your Stone Town accommodations. Some tours will pick you up at hotels outside of Zanzibar City, either included in the price or for an extra cost.

How long does it last?

Prison Island tours last 3 hours for an excursion without lunch and 5 hours with lunch. The boat journey between Zanzibar City and Prison Island lasts about 30 minutes each way. Combo tours last from 7 to 13 hours, depending on the itinerary.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Some Prison Island tours are wheelchair-friendly, while many are not. Check with your tour provider at the time of booking to make sure your needs will be met.

When is the best time for a Prison Island tour from Zanzibar City?

The best time for a Prison Island tour from Zanzibar City is during the dry seasons from June to October and December to February, when the weather is warm and clear, offering ideal conditions for sightseeing and snorkeling.

Mornings are the most preferred time for the tours as they tend to be cooler and less crowded. As the island hosts a sanctuary for Aldabra giant tortoises, an early visit increases your chances of interacting with them while they're most active.

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot.
• Wear light and comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for warm weather and walking. A bathing suit is essential if you plan on swimming or snorkeling.
• Bring along sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun as it can get quite hot, especially around midday.
• Be sure to bring cash in Tanzanian shillings in case you need to make purchases on Prison Island, such as souvenirs or refreshments.
• Follow local guidelines for interacting with the tortoises at the sanctuary. Remember not to feed them unless supervised by a guide.