From Zanzibar: Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day spent on Zanzibar’s turquoise waters, with encounters with giant tortoises, snorkel adventures, and a beachside seafood lunch, this tour might just be your perfect getaway. While we haven’t personally tagged along, the experience boasts a solid 4.2-star rating from 173 reviews, which suggests many travelers find it valuable—and a few find room for improvement.

What we love about this trip is how it combines multiple highlights—visiting Prison Island, home to the gentle Aldabra giant tortoises, snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life, and relaxing on the famous Nakupenda Sandbank. Plus, the included seafood barbecue is a definite plus for food lovers. On the flip side, some reviews flag issues like crowds, uneven service, and logistical hiccups, which are good to keep in mind.

This tour is best suited for those who want a well-rounded day of coastal exploration, appreciate authentic local experiences, and are okay with dealing with a group setting and some unpredictability. Beach lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and seafood fans will find this trip especially appealing.

Key Points

• Affordable value: At $39, including boat transfers, a seafood lunch, and snorkel gear, it offers a competitive deal for a full-day adventure.
• Diverse experiences: From giant tortoises and snorkeling to relaxing on a sandbank—variety keeps the day interesting.
• Guided insights: Knowledgeable guides add context and personality, although some reviews note inconsistencies.
• Scenic beauty: Expect stunning views, especially from the sandbank and boat rides, perfect for photos or unwinding.
• Potential crowds: Popular spots like Prison Island can be crowded, which might affect the experience.
• Variable food quality: While the seafood barbecue is a highlight, some travelers found the lunch offerings average or cold.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Out: Hotel Pickup and Boat Transfer

Your day kicks off with a hotel pickup (from your Zanzibar accommodation), which is a real convenience. The tour is operated by Island Adventure Tours and Safaris, with guides like Milano who are generally appreciated for their friendliness and knowledge. From there, you’ll board a small motorized dhow boat—an intimate, breezy way to start your adventure.

The boat ride itself is fairly quick, allowing you to settle in and enjoy views of the water before reaching your first stop.

Prison Island: Tortoises and History

The highlight for many here is Prison Island—famous for its giant tortoises, some over 100 years old. You’ll have the chance to walk among these gentle creatures, with some reviewers noting the “magnificent tortoises and their calm demeanor.” The island also hosts small museums that tell the story behind the prison, which was originally built in the early 20th century.

Some travelers, however, mention that Prison Island can get crowded, especially during peak hours, which might impact the tranquility of your visit. One reviewer observed trash in some enclosures, reminding us that conservation remains an ongoing effort.

You can purchase tickets on-site (costs are included in the total fee from September 1, 2025, onward), which cover the island entry, conservation fees, and the tortoises’ upkeep. The entry fee of $22 (for visitors 16+) is understandable considering the maintenance and conservation work involved.

Snorkeling: Exploring Zanzibar’s Underwater World

After the island walk, you’ll reboard the boat for a snorkeling session. The provided equipment allows you to explore the vibrant marine life that surrounds Prison Island. Expect to see smaller fish, and based on reviews, some might find the waters a bit cluttered with boats and debris. Still, snorkeling here offers a glimpse into Zanzibar’s underwater biodiversity, which many find rewarding.

For some, this part of the tour is a highlight—clear waters and an easy, guided way to see marine life without needing prior experience. Be cautious, as some reviews note the need to watch out for docking boats during snorkeling, which can be a little hectic.

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Nakupenda Sandbank: Relaxation and Lunch

Next, the boat heads to Nakupenda Sandbank, a true postcard-perfect spot. The shallow waters and white sands create an idyllic setting to lounge or take photos. This is where many travelers find the most peace—a tropical paradise with stunning views.

You’ll enjoy a beachside barbecue lunch that includes seafood, with vegetarian options available. The meal features the catch of the day, fresh seasonal fruits, and cold beverages. Some reviews praise the food, describing it as “delicious,” though others mention it being cold or average. It’s important to remember that the focus is on the experience rather than gourmet dining, so manage expectations accordingly.

Final Return and Reflection

After a relaxing time on the sandbank, the boat heads back to Zanzibar, typically arriving in the late afternoon. The drive back provides a chance to reflect on the day’s sights, with some reviewers noting the city tour-like vibe of the return journey via Stonetown.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: $39 per person, which includes boat transfers, entrance fees, snorkeling gear, lunch, and water. Considering the multiple stops and activities, this price offers good value.
• Duration: Expect a full-day trip, roughly from morning pickup to late afternoon return.
• Group size: Typically small to medium groups; some reviews mention crowded spots, so arrive early if possible.
• What to bring: Cash is recommended for any additional expenses, souvenirs, or tips. Also, pack sunscreen, hats, a towel, and a waterproof camera.
• Accessibility: The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year, and the physical activity involved is moderate.
• Language: Guides speak several languages (English, Italian, French, German, Spanish), making this accessible for many travelers.
• Booking flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Authentic Experiences and Real-World Insights

One traveler shared that Milano was a knowledgeable guide, which added to the overall experience despite some frustrations with crowding and service inconsistencies. Others appreciated the stunning views from the boat and sandbank, describing the scenery as postcard-worthy.

However, not all reviews are glowing. A less favorable review pointed out cold food and logistical issues—such as additional on-site charges for entrance and the uneven quality of service. This highlights that while the core experience is rich, some parts depend heavily on weather, crowd levels, and the local vendors.

What You Should Know

• The entry fee for Prison Island will be $22 starting September 1, 2025, covering both the government tax and conservation fees.
• Children aged 5-15 pay $17, and children under 5 enter free.
• The tour includes snorkeling equipment, water, and fruits, so you won’t need to bring much besides personal essentials.
• Guides are generally praised for their friendliness, but some reviews mention a tendency for guides to promote other activities or bar visits, so set your expectations accordingly.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This trip is ideal for budget-conscious travelers looking to pack multiple highlights into one day without overspending. It’s a solid choice if you’re interested in wildlife, marine activities, and relaxing beach time all in one package.

Those who appreciate guided tours with local insights will benefit from the knowledgeable guides, though it’s worth being prepared for some variability in service quality. If crowds and busy spots aren’t your thing, consider visiting Prison Island early or seeking quieter times for snorkeling.

This adventure suits families, couples, and solo travelers who want a lively yet scenic day—and don’t mind sharing the experience with others. If gourmet food or exclusive, quiet moments are your priority, you might find the experience somewhat more hectic.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour starts with hotel pickup from your Zanzibar accommodation, making logistics easy.

What is the age limit? Children under 5 can join free, but the tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year old.

How much does the entrance fee cost? Starting September 1, 2025, the fee is $22 for visitors 16+, covering government tax and conservation fees. Children 5-15 pay $17.

What should I bring? Cash, sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a waterproof camera are recommended. The tour provides snorkeling gear, water, and fruits.

Is the seafood lunch included? Yes, a seafood barbecue lunch is part of the package, with vegetarian options available.

Can the tour be canceled? Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

How long is the trip? Expect a full-day experience, from morning pickup to late afternoon return.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners? Yes, snorkeling is guided and accessible with provided equipment, but be mindful of boat traffic during the activity.

Final thoughts

This Zanzibar tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife, marine adventure, and relaxation, all wrapped into an accessible price point. You’ll get close to giant tortoises, enjoy snorkeling in clear waters, and unwind on a picture-perfect sandbank—all while sharing the experience with fellow travelers. The included seafood lunch is a bonus that adds to the tropical vibe, even if the quality varies slightly.

For those wanting a well-rounded day trip that captures the essence of Zanzibar’s coast, this tour makes a compelling choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who value authentic moments, scenic views, and a dose of adventure—though patience with crowds and some logistical quirks will serve you well.

To sum it up, if you’re after a day filled with wildlife encounters, underwater exploration, and beachside leisure, this tour hits many of those marks at a price that isn’t likely to break the bank. Just remember to go with flexible expectations, arrive early at the busiest spots, and savor the beautiful scenery Zanzibar has to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here: