Zanzibar: Prison Island and Nakupenda Boat Trip with Lunch

Introduction

If you’re planning a day trip around Zanzibar, the tour to Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank promises a mix of history, wildlife, and beachside relaxation. While we haven’t personally hopped on this boat, dozens of travelers have and their reviews highlight its charm and value.

What makes this experience stand out? Many love the friendly guides, the chance to interact with giant tortoises, and the delicious seafood lunch served right on the beach. The views are stunning, and the entire day feels like a well-balanced mix of activity and chill time.

That said, some visitors note that the prison tour can be brief, and the beach is crowded during peak season. Still, for the price, it offers a lot of memorable moments. If you’re after a fun-filled, culturally interesting, and visually spectacular day, this tour is a solid pick — especially for those eager to see Zanzibar’s wildlife and splash around in its clear waters.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Great value for a full day of sightseeing, food, and beach fun.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with entertaining insights.
• Interaction with giant Aldabra tortoises makes for a memorable wildlife encounter.
• Scenic boat rides offer stunning views of Zanzibar’s coastline.
• Fresh seafood lunch served on Nakupenda Sandbank is a highlight.
• Sometimes crowded, so early booking and patience are recommended.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Starting Point: Arrival and Departure from Stone Town

Your day begins with meeting outside the Livingstone Restaurant Beach, where the tour company coordinates the pick-up. The boat departs in the morning, usually around 9:15-9:30 am, giving you plenty of time for the day ahead. The boat ride itself is a relaxing way to kick off—gliding smoothly over the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, with views of Zanzibar’s coastline that are worth the trip alone.

Prison Island: A Peek into Zanzibar’s Past and Wildlife

Your first stop is Prison Island, a site with a history that’s more intriguing than its old prison cells. Visitors have reported that the prison tour can be quite brief, with around an hour to explore. The highlight here is the large turtle park, home to giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old. Many reviews mention how much they enjoyed feeding and interacting with these gentle giants—“the turtles looked well fed and happy” one reviewer said.

The prison itself is quite basic, with some visitors feeling it could do with better upkeep. Still, it’s a chance to walk through historic cells and hear stories about the island’s past prisoners, which guides like Hussein (Milano) and Jafar make lively and engaging.

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Wildlife Encounters and Nature Walks

Beyond the tortoises, the island offers a chance to stroll around the lush greenery or take photos on the rustic pathways. The natural setting allows for some relaxed exploration, especially if you want to stretch your legs between activities.

Nakupenda Sandbank: Beach, Snorkel, and Seafood Feast

Next, the boat takes you to Nakupenda Sandbank, a stunning stretch of white sand and clear shallow waters. Many reviewers describe this as “the most beautiful beach” they’ve seen in Zanzibar. While it’s mostly sand and not a traditional island—“mostly sandbanks” as one reviewer noted—you’ll find it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and taking in the scenery.

Here, the guides set up a simple canopy so you can enjoy the sun without getting roasted. The highlight? The seafood barbecue lunch served directly on the sand. This typically includes fresh fish, chicken, and seasonal fruits—delicious, plentiful, and perfect for a beach picnic. Multiple reviewers rave about the quality and freshness of the seafood, calling it “amazing” and “very tasty.” One even mentioned that the fruits were fresh and flavorful, adding a sweet touch to the meal.

Snorkeling and Water Activities

After lunch, snorkeling gear is provided, allowing you to explore the vibrant underwater life around the sandbank. Many travelers enjoy this part, noting the crystal-clear waters and the chance to see colorful fish and coral reefs. Some reviewers, however, pointed out that snorkeling was more of an afterthought than a dedicated activity—“you have to ask for equipment” and there’s limited gear available—so if snorkeling is your main goal, bring your own or ask in advance.

Relaxation and Free Time

The sandbank’s peaceful environment makes it ideal for just lying back with a drink, doing a bit of beachcombing, or even playing beach volleyball. The calm, shallow waters are inviting for a quick swim or paddleboarding if you’re feeling energetic.

Return Journey

The day wraps up with the boat ride back to Stone Town, often around 3-4 pm. The trip home offers a chance to reflect on a day full of wildlife, sun, and good food. Many reviewers mention that the guides kept the atmosphere lively and fun, making the boat ride itself an enjoyable part of the adventure.

Practical Details and What You Should Know

Pricing and Entry Fees

The tour costs approximately $37 per person, which includes the boat trip, guide, fruits, seafood barbecue lunch, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, water, and sodas. The entry fee to Prison Island is an additional $22 (from September 1st), covering marine conservation and island maintenance. There are discounts for children, with those aged 5-15 paying $17, and children under 5 enter free.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You’ll get the essentials—transport, guided commentary, food, and snorkeling gear. However, the Prison Island entry fee is not included in the tour price, so budget accordingly. Also, some reviews mention that snorkeling isn’t automatically included—you’ll need to request equipment, and gear availability might be limited.

Meeting Point and Duration

The experience starts at the designated meeting point outside Livingstone Restaurant Beach, with the tour lasting roughly six to seven hours. Expect a full day of activities, with some flexibility depending on weather and group size.

What to Bring

To fully enjoy the day, pack:

• A towel for beach and snorkeling.
• Sandals to walk comfortably on the sand and boat.
• Beachwear for sunbathing and swimming.
• Cash for souvenirs, drinks, or optional extras not covered in the tour.

Important Considerations

• The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year.
• Be aware that peak season might mean crowds, especially on Nakupenda Sandbank.
• The lunch offers vegetarian options, but if you have dietary restrictions, communicate in advance.
• During bad weather, the trip might be shortened or adjusted—reviews mention that the weather can impact beach time.

What Past Travelers Say

The reviews offer a balanced view: most are positive, emphasizing friendly guides like Milano and Jeff who add humor and personality to the trip. Many highlight the delicious seafood and the beauty of Nakupenda as major highlights.

One reviewer, who spent over three hours on Pange Island, said, “We enjoyed the wonderful beach and seafood BBQ, even if the quantity was modest.” Another appreciated the knowledgeable explanations about the tortoises and prison history, calling the guides “very helpful and engaging.”

A few pointed out that prison visit can be brief and that the island could use better maintenance, but overall, the value for money is considered excellent by most. Many mentioned they would happily do it again, especially for the memorable wildlife encounters and stunning scenery.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This tour offers a fantastic way to experience Zanzibar’s highlights in one day without breaking the bank. It’s best suited for adventurous travelers eager to see wildlife, enjoy stunning beaches, and savor fresh seafood. The guided element adds educational value, while the relaxed pace makes it suitable for families or groups seeking a balanced mix of activity and lounge time.

If you’re looking for an authentic, affordable day trip that combines history, nature, and beach fun, this experience hits most marks. Just keep expectations realistic regarding the prison tour’s brevity and the crowds at Nakupenda. With its friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and tasty lunch, it’s a solid choice for making memorable Zanzibar moments.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?
The entire tour lasts around six to seven hours, including boat rides, island visits, and beach time.

What does the seafood lunch include?
The lunch features a seafood barbecue with options such as fresh fish and chicken, served right on Nakupenda Sandbank. Vegetarians are also accommodated.

Is snorkeling included?
Snorkeling equipment is provided, but you need to ask for it, as gear availability is limited. It’s more of an optional activity after lunch.

How much does the entrance to Prison Island cost?
From September 1st, the total entry fee for Prison Island is $22, covering marine conservation and island upkeep, with discounts for children.

Can children join the tour?
Yes, children aged 5-15 pay $17, and those under 5 years old are free. The tour is generally family-friendly, but keep in mind the boat and water activities.

Is this tour suitable for travelers staying outside Stone Town?
It’s best to check with the tour provider about pickup options if you’re staying farther away, as most meet at the main point outside Livingstone Restaurant Beach.

This full-day trip to Zanzibar’s Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank offers something for all: wildlife lovers, beach bums, and foodies alike. With friendly guides, stunning scenery, and good value, it’s a memorable way to see part of Zanzibar’s natural and cultural charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: