PRISON ISLAND AND NAKUPENDA SANDBANK UNVEILED EXCURSION

Exploring Zanzibar is about more than just lounging on beaches — it’s about discovering unique sights and flavors that make the island special. The Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank tour offers a well-rounded day of adventure, history, and relaxation. While we haven’t taken this trip ourselves, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a clear picture of what to expect.

What we love about this experience? Its combination of cultural insight and natural beauty, the chance to snorkel over vibrant marine life, and the opportunity to enjoy a finger-licking seafood barbecue by the water. It’s a lively, guided outing that’s perfect if you’re after a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of planning every detail.

A potential drawback? The group size can be large, leading to crowded moments, especially at popular spots like Prison Island. Also, the old boat and the lack of a formal safety plan mentioned by some reviewers may matter if you’re seeking a more upscale or safety-conscious experience.

Ultimately, this tour is best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of history, adventure, and beachside leisure — ideal if you’re comfortable sharing a boat with others and want an affordable, lively day on the water.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $45 per person, this tour offers good value for a full day of activities.
• Guided, Sharing Experience: It’s a group tour with a guide, making logistics easier but potentially crowded.
• Diverse Activities: Expect snorkeling, island exploration, wildlife viewing, and a seafood barbecue.
• Inclusion of Food & Drinks: Fresh fruits, water, sodas, and a seafood lunch are included, enhancing the experience.
• Timing & Flexibility: The tour runs from 09:30 am to 3:00 pm, with flexible booking options.
• Considerations: Entry fees are not included, and the boat’s condition may not be luxurious.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Day in Zanzibar: The Itinerary Breakdown

Meeting Point and Departure

Starting right in Stone Town, the tour kicks off at Livingstone Restaurant Beach, near Forodhani Gardens. At 09:30 am, you’ll meet your guide (likely a friendly local who speaks multiple languages including English, Italian, French, and German) and board a wooden dhow boat.

The early start is a plus for those eager to maximize their day. The boat ride, typically sharing with other travelers, sets a relaxed tone. The timing at 10:00 am allows for a smooth transition from land to sea.

Prison Island: History and Giant Tortoises

The main attraction of the morning is Prison Island, a short cruise from Stone Town. Here, you’ll uncover a slice of Zanzibar’s past, with the island known for its former prison and as a sanctuary for giant tortoises.

While the island’s history is interesting, it’s the giant tortoise sanctuary that steals the show. As one reviewer noted, “You see the giant tortoises in their sanctuary, which is quite a unique experience.” Expect to spend about an hour here, wandering around, taking photos, and enjoying the scenery.

Some comments, such as Virginie’s, highlight the downside of large crowds — “Way too many people!!!” — which can diminish the peaceful vibe if you’re expecting a quiet escape. Still, guides like George or Hassan tend to be knowledgeable, sharing tidbits about the island’s history and wildlife.

Snorkeling at the Sandbank

After exploring Prison Island, the tour moves to the Nakupenda Sandbank, a stunning stretch of white sand that appears at low tide. This is where the snorkeling comes in.

Expect to snorkel over lively coral reefs, with the equipment provided (masks and fins). The reviews suggest that the snorkeling might not be the highlight for everyone, with one reviewer mentioning, “nothing much to see in snorkeling,” but the chance to swim and relax on a pristine sandbank is still a major draw.

You’ll also have time to swim and lounge, taking in the breathtaking views of turquoise waters. It’s a perfect spot for some photo ops and a break from the busy island tour.

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Lunch and Refreshments

The highlight for many is the seafood barbecue. The meal includes fresh seafood grilled on site, served with fruit snacks like mango, pineapple, bananas, coconut, and watermelon. Water and soft drinks come as standard, helping you stay refreshed.

Naif mentioned, “Food in the island was amazing and a lot,” which makes this part of the tour worthwhile, especially given the quality and abundance of the meal. It’s a fabulous treat after snorkeling, offering a true taste of Zanzibar’s seafood bounty.

Relaxation and Return

Post-lunch, there’s some time to relax before the cruise back to Stone Town around 3:00 pm. Some reviews note that there’s “enough time to enjoy both islands,” though others mention the boat being “old” and lacking a safety plan — a consideration if safety is a priority for you.

The return journey offers more scenic views, with some travelers enjoying the sea breeze and sunset if timing permits.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Balance of Nature and Culture

This is not just a beach day; it’s an experience that offers insight into Zanzibar’s history while delivering on natural beauty. Visiting Prison Island provides a glimpse into the island’s colonial past, and the giant tortoises add an element of fun.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

While some reviews note the snorkeling may not be spectacular for everyone, the chance to glide over coral reefs and swim in clear waters is still a major perk. The equipment supplied makes it accessible even if you’re a beginner.

Food and Drink

The inclusion of fresh seafood barbecue and tropical fruits turns the meal into a highlight. It’s a generous spread that can satisfy even the most ravenous travelers, and many reviewers found the food “amazing” and plentiful.

Value for Money

At $45 per person, including snorkeling gear, fruits, and lunch, the tour offers solid value, especially considering the guided nature and all-inclusive food and drinks.

Considerations for Travelers

• Large group sizes may lead to crowded spots, especially at Prison Island.
• The boat is described as old, and safety concerns were raised in some reviews—bring your own caution and awareness.
• Entry fees are not included ($22 per person from September 1), so budget accordingly.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users, so check accessibility if needed.
• The tour is offered in multiple languages, making it accessible for diverse travelers.
• You can reserve your spot with flexibility—pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing, snorkeling, and tasty food without the stress of organizing each part themselves. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable sharing space with others and don’t mind a lively, bustling atmosphere.

Those interested in history, wildlife, and marine life will find plenty to enjoy. However, if personal safety or quiet, private experiences are your priority, you might prefer a smaller, more exclusive tour.

FAQ

Is this a guided tour? Yes, the experience is guided, with knowledgeable guides sharing information about Prison Island and the sandbank.

What’s included in the price? The tour includes a shared boat cruise, fruits, snorkel equipment (mask and fins), bottled water, soda, and a seafood barbecue.

Are entry fees included? No, entry fees ($22 per person from September 1) are paid separately. The fee covers Prison Island and conservation contributions.

Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this suitable for children or families? The tours are generally family-friendly, but check the boat and snorkeling conditions for young children.

What should I bring? Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and perhaps a waterproof camera. The tour provides basic snorkeling gear but consider your personal comfort needs.

Is there hotel pickup? Hotel pickup and drop-off are available upon request for an extra fee, but most guests meet at the designated point in Stone Town.

Final Thoughts

The Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank excursion provides a satisfying mix of history, wildlife, and beach fun at a reasonable price. It’s a great way to experience Zanzibar’s natural beauty and cultural sites in a single day, especially if you’re comfortable with shared tours and a slightly rustic boat.

While some aspects like crowd levels and boat condition may not appeal to everyone, the delicious seafood, lively guides, and stunning scenery make it a worthwhile choice for many travelers. Whether you’re after a relaxed day on the water or a bit of adventure ashore, this tour offers a memorable slice of Zanzibar life.

In summary, this experience suits curious travelers who love a blend of sightseeing and leisure, enjoy sharing experiences with others, and are eager to sample local cuisine. It’s particularly good for those who want a cost-effective way to see some of Zanzibar’s most iconic sights with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and relaxing on a sandy island.

You can check availability for your dates here: