Zanzibar: Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with Lunch

Exploring Zanzibar’s Coastal Treasures: Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour

Getting a taste of Zanzibar’s natural beauty and local culture often means venturing beyond the main towns and beaches. The Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour, offered by Wonderful Zanzibar Tours & Safaris, promises a packed day of snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and stunning beaches—all for around $63 per person.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to see and interact with giant tortoises on Prison Island, a rare experience that’s both fun and educational. Second, the snorkeling opportunities in crystal-clear waters that give you a peek into Zanzibar’s vibrant marine life. Third, the idyllic Nakupenda Sandbank, a perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun with a delicious seafood BBQ.

However, a possible consideration is the entry fee of $22 (from September 1st), which adds to the overall cost. It’s also worth noting that the tour involves a boat ride, so if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer less time on water, this might be something to prepare for.

This trip is highly recommended for travelers who love wildlife, scenic beaches, and good food—especially those wanting an authentic yet hassle-free day out in Zanzibar.

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Key Points

Wildlife Encounters: Meet giant tortoises and learn about their conservation.
Snorkeling: Explore vibrant undersea life in calm waters.
Idyllic Beaches: Relax on Nakupenda Sandbank’s white sands.
Delicious Food: Enjoy a fresh seafood BBQ with tropical fruits.
All-Inclusive Feel: Transfers, snorkeling gear, lunch, and water included.
Group Size & Atmosphere: Tours are typically intimate, with cheerful guides like Jeff and Milano.

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A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

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The Journey Begins: From Meeting Point to Prison Island

The tour kicks off at a designated meeting point outside the Livingstone Restaurant at the Blue Bunner. From there, you hop aboard a small motorized dhow—a traditional Zanzibar boat—which smoothly cuts through the waters, setting the tone for a relaxed day. The boat ride itself is quite enjoyable, often accompanied by lively music and friendly chatter, as some reviews highlight a fun, singing-filled return journey.

Travel time to Prison Island is short, but enough to enjoy the views and get excited about what’s ahead. The guides, often praised for their warmth and knowledge, typically share interesting tidbits about the island’s history and the giant tortoises, making the experience more engaging.

Meeting the Giants: Prison Island’s Tortoises

Once on Prison Island, the main attraction is the resident population of Aldabra giant tortoises. These gentle creatures, some over a hundred years old, are a highlight for many travelers. Reviewers like Katerina and Janine mention how much they enjoyed the tortoises—”amazing” and “cool” are common words used to describe the encounter.

The island also features a small museum and a café, giving visitors a chance to learn about the island’s history, which once served as a prison in the colonial era. The entrance fee of $12 (plus a conservation fee of $10) is noted as somewhat steep by some, but many feel it’s justified by the opportunity to see the tortoises up close and learn from knowledgeable guides.

Snorkeling in Zanzibar’s Marine Wonderland

After the tortoise visit, the boat heads to snorkeling spots along the coast. The provided gear allows you to explore Zanzibar’s underwater universe—bright fish, coral, and possibly other marine creatures. Several reviews mention how clear and warm the water felt, making snorkeling a definite highlight.

The guides are often commended for their attentiveness, ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable. As Andre notes, the crystal-clear waters are one of the “best parts of the tour,” letting you truly appreciate Zanzibar’s marine biodiversity.

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Nakupenda Sandbank: A Tropical Paradise

The highlight for many is the stop at Nakupenda Sandbank, a postcard-perfect stretch of white sand surrounded by azure waters. Here, you can walk around, soak up the sun, or take a dip. The tranquil setting, combined with the company of fellow travelers and the soft soundtrack of waves, creates a feeling of escape from everyday life.

The beachside BBQ lunch is served in this scenic setting. The meal features fresh seafood, including the catch of the day, complemented by tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, bananas, coconut, and watermelon. Many reviews emphasize the quality and abundance of the food—“delicious,” “fresh,” and “more than enough” are words frequently used. Vegetarians are also accommodated, though some travelers have noted the menu is primarily seafood-focused.

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Wrapping Up the Day

After lunch, the boat departs back to Zanzibar, with some reviews mentioning the return trip involved singing, dancing, and a lively, jovial atmosphere. The entire trip typically lasts from around 10 am to 4 pm, making it a full but manageable day out.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Insights

The overwhelming feedback praises the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. Jeff, Milano, and other guides are frequently highlighted for their upbeat energy, care, and ability to keep the group engaged. “Jeff made sure we were all happy,” says Sydni, illustrating the personal touch.

Many reviewers also appreciated the well-organized logistics—from the pick-up arrangements (some note that the tour doesn’t include hotel transfers) to the thoughtful provision of snorkeling gear and water. The boat ride’s length, sometimes described as “more like 10 am-4 pm,” still offers enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Food receives high marks; fresh seafood and tropical fruit are appreciated, and the casual, beachside setting makes the lunch feel like a true local experience. The mention that the lunch was “delicious” and “more than enough” suggests good value for the included meal.

A Few Caveats

Some reviewers mention the entry fee of $22 (from September 1), which bumps up the overall cost. While most find it acceptable given the experience, budget-conscious travelers might want to account for this extra expense.

The boat’s capacity can sometimes feel crowded—several reviews note a full boat with about 12 people onboard—so if you prefer more space or privacy, this might be something to consider. Also, the timing can stretch slightly beyond the listed hours, so allow for a flexible schedule.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is excellent for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, thanks to the giant tortoises and marine life. It’s also ideal for foodies who enjoy fresh seafood in a relaxed setting. Families and groups looking for a fun, full-day experience that combines education, adventure, and relaxation will find this tour particularly rewarding.

Travelers seeking a low-stress way to see Zanzibar’s iconic sights without worrying about planning logistics or transport will appreciate the included boat transfers and guides.

The Sum Up

The Zanzibar Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of the island’s natural beauty, wildlife, and coastal charm. The balance of wildlife encounters, snorkeling, and beach relaxation makes it a trip suited for those who want variety in one day. The knowledgeable guides, especially Jeff and Milano, add warmth and insight, elevating the experience.

The included seafood lunch, with its generous portions and fresh flavors, makes the price feel like good value, especially given the experience’s authentic, laid-back vibe. While the entry fee and potential boat crowding are considerations, they don’t significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to combine wildlife, beach time, and local cuisine into a single memorable day. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy Zanzibar’s coastal scenery and marine life, leaving you with plenty of stories and photos to share long after you’ve returned home.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour? No, the tour does not include hotel pickup and drop-off. Participants meet at the designated meeting point outside the Livingstone Restaurant.

How long does the tour last? The trip usually runs from about 10 am to 4 pm, giving ample time for each activity, though some reviews mention it can extend slightly longer.

What is the cost of the entry fee? From September 1st, the entry fee is $22 per person, which covers Prison Island entrance ($12) and a conservation fee ($10).

Are vegetarian options available for lunch? Yes, vegetarian options are available, although most reviews highlight the seafood BBQ as the main feature.

What should I bring? Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The tour provides snorkeling equipment and bottled water.

Is snorkeling equipment included? Yes, snorkeling gear is provided for exploring the marine life around Prison Island and Nakupenda.

How crowded does the boat get? The boat typically holds around 12 people, making it a reasonably intimate experience, but some reviews mention it can feel quite full.

In short, the Zanzibar Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour offers a delightful mix of wildlife, scenic beaches, and good food—ideal for travelers wanting a full day of authentic coastal experiences. With friendly guides and stunning views, it’s a memorable way to see the best of Zanzibar’s off-the-beaten-path highlights.