Zanzibar: Prison Island Tour with Giant Tortoises &Boat Ride

Zanzibar: Prison Island Tour with Giant Tortoises & Boat Ride – A Detailed Review

If you’re dreaming of a quick yet enriching getaway off the coast of Zanzibar, the Prison Island tour offers a captivating blend of history, wildlife, and natural beauty. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a vivid picture of what to expect, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a half-day adventure.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the stunning views during the boat ride are often highlighted as a highlight, giving you a chance to soak in the coastlines and turquoise waters of Zanzibar. Second, meeting the gentle giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old, is a unique wildlife encounter that many find memorable. Lastly, the chance to relax on the island’s small beaches and snorkel in clear waters offers a peaceful retreat from busy Stone Town.

However, a potential consideration is the limited time—this is a half-day tour, which means you’ll want to manage your expectations if you’re after a lengthy beach day or deep cultural experience. It’s best suited for those who want a snapshot of Zanzibar’s natural and historic charm without dedicating an entire day.

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and travelers craving a quick island escape. It combines fun, learning, and relaxation, making it a well-rounded option for various interests.

Contents show

Key Points

Historic Significance: Once used for slaves and quarantine, Prison Island offers a glimpse into Zanzibar’s past.
Wildlife Encounters: Meet the famous giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old.
Scenic Boat Ride: Enjoy stunning views of Stone Town and Zanzibar’s coastline from the sea.
Relaxation and Snorkeling: Chill on a small beach or snorkel in clear waters filled with marine life.
Value for Money: At $45 per person, it provides a compact, diverse experience.
Family-Friendly: Suitable for most travelers except those with mobility issues or over 95 years old.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Prison Island Tour

Looking for more options in Pemba Island? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Journey Begins: Scenic Boat Ride

Starting with a round-trip boat transfer, the trip offers an enjoyable ride across Zanzibar’s turquoise waters. Travelers often note the beautiful views of Stone Town from the sea—a perspective that’s often missed when exploring on land. The boat ride is typically smooth, with some tours mentioning the possibility of a few splashes or waves, so packing a rain jacket or waterproof bag might be wise.

The boat is usually shared with other travelers, making the experience lively and sociable. The duration is enough to relax and take in the coastline’s beauty, often described as a calming, scenic start to the adventure.

Exploring Prison Island’s Historic Ruins

Once on the island, the focus shifts to the historic prison ruins, built in the 19th century. Guides, usually local and fluent in English, provide insights into its past uses—from a quarantine station to a slave holding facility. The ruins themselves evoke a sense of history, with crumbling walls and old structures that invite curiosity.

While some reviews mention that the ruins are not extensively restored, their authenticity adds to the experience. Visitors appreciate having a guide to explain the stories behind the walls, making it more than just a photo opportunity.

Meeting the Giant Aldabra Tortoises

The Giant Tortoise Sanctuary is a major draw. These gentle giants are over 100 years old, with some surpassing 150 years—imagine the stories they could tell! Visitors can feed, photograph, and get close to these creatures in their naturalistic enclosure.

Multiple reviews highlight how friendly and calm the tortoises are, making it a perfect activity for families and animal lovers. An added tip: bring some cash to buy food for the tortoises, as some guides or caretakers sell feed on-site. The chance to interact with such ancient, slow-moving animals offers a memorable moment of connection with nature.

More Great Tours Nearby

Beach Time and Snorkeling

After meeting the tortoises, most tours allocate time for relaxing on the island’s small beach. The waters are often described as crystal clear, ideal for a quick swim or snorkeling. Some reviews mention vibrant coral and marine life, although the tour doesn’t always include snorkeling gear—check ahead if this is a priority.

The beach area is modest but peaceful, perfect for unwinding and soaking up the sun. Keep in mind that the beach is small, so it might get crowded if many tour groups arrive simultaneously.

There's plenty more to explore in Pemba Island

Practical Details: Timing, Cost, and Group Sizes

The tour generally lasts about half a day, making it manageable even for travelers with tight schedules. The cost of $45 includes the round-trip boat transfer, entrance fees, and a guide, which many reviewers find reasonable considering the diverse activities packed into a few hours.

Group sizes tend to be moderate, allowing for personal interactions with guides and other travelers, which enhances the overall experience. The guide is usually local and speaks multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, and German.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Travelers are advised to bring a camera for photos—both of the scenic boat ride and the tortoises. Cash is necessary if you want to buy food for the animals or tips for your guide. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted on the island, reflecting its historic and natural significance.

Visitors with mobility challenges should note that the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or over 95 years old, due to the uneven terrain and walking involved.

Is it Worth the Price?

At $45, this tour is quite accessible and offers a balanced mix of history, wildlife, and relaxation. The value stems from the variety of experiences within a half-day, especially the chance to see age-old tortoises and explore a historically significant site. For travelers short on time but eager for a meaningful snapshot of Zanzibar’s coastal charm, this is a solid choice.

Unique Insights from Reviewers

One traveler mentioned that the boat ride was the highlight, emphasizing how the views of Zanzibar’s coastline from the sea make it worth the trip alone. Others appreciated the authenticity of the ruins, noting that they felt like exploring a real piece of history rather than a touristy attraction.

A common praise is for the friendly guides, who are knowledgeable and eager to share stories, deepening the experience. Several reviewers also remarked that the timing was well-organized, allowing enough time to explore, relax, and return without feeling rushed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful escape. It’s especially great if you enjoy short, well-rounded trips that combine scenic views, cultural insights, and nature encounters—all without a hefty price tag. Families with kids, animal lovers, and solo travelers looking for a quick but meaningful adventure will find plenty to enjoy here.

If you’re looking for a full beach day or a deep dive into Zanzibar’s culture, you might want to supplement this tour with other experiences. But for a compact, scenic, and educational half-day, it hits the mark.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts about half a day, making it a convenient option for fitting into a larger itinerary.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers round-trip boat transfer, entrance fees to Prison Island, a visit to the tortoise sanctuary, and a guide.

Is the boat ride comfortable?
Most reviews mention a smooth ride with beautiful views. Bringing a waterproof bag or raincoat might be helpful, especially during the rainy season.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, children generally enjoy the boat ride, the tortoise encounter, and the beach time. However, keep in mind the small beach size and walkability of the island.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, cash for optional purchases, and sun protection like hats and sunscreen. No alcohol or drugs are permitted.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or over 95 years old due to walking and terrain.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Absolutely, it offers opportunities for kids to interact with animals and enjoy the scenic boat ride.

Are there options for languages other than English?
Yes, guides speak French, Italian, and German in addition to English, accommodating diverse travelers.

Final Thoughts

The Zanzibar Prison Island tour offers an engaging mix of history, wildlife, and seaside relaxation in a compact package. The scenic boat ride provides a stunning introduction to Zanzibar’s coast, while the giant tortoises offer a rare wildlife experience. The historic ruins add depth, and the small beaches provide a peaceful spot to unwind.

In terms of value, it’s a well-priced activity that packs a variety of memorable moments into just a few hours. Whether you’re intrigued by history, love animals, or simply want a scenic escape from Stone Town, this tour ticks many boxes.

While it’s not a full-day adventure, it’s perfect for those who want a meaningful snapshot of Zanzibar’s coastal charm without committing to a longer excursion. Keep in mind the limited beach and walking involved, but overall, it’s a flexible, family-friendly option that delivers authentic experiences.

If you’re after a scenic, educational, and relaxing half-day trip, this tour is a worthwhile addition to your Zanzibar itinerary, offering a taste of the island’s natural and historic treasures.