Zanzibar Prison Island and Nakupenda Boat Trip Swahili BBQ

Duration7h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesGerman, English, Polish, French

Group sizeUp to 20 travelers

Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Your Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank tour begins with an optional hotel pickup (if selected) and transfer to Stone Town. At around 9:00 AM, board a traditional wooden dhow and cruise across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

After 20–30 minutes, arrive at Prison Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old. Walk among these gentle giants, take memorable photos, and learn about the island’s history as a former quarantine station.

Next, continue to the breathtaking Nakupenda Sandbank, a pristine stretch of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Enjoy approximately 2 hours to swim, relax, and soak up the scenery. Fresh seasonal fruits and a delicious Swahili-style seafood BBQ lunch are served on the sandbank.

Return to Stone Town around 2:00 PM, followed by hotel drop-off (if selected). This unforgettable half-day experience combines history, wildlife, tropical scenery, and local flavors.

Options

With Transfer

Van
Pickup included

Without Transfer

What's included

Small-group tour (min 2, max 20 participants)
Soft drinks throughout the tour
Traditional handcrafted wooden dhow boat cruise
Hotel pick-up and drop-off (if transfer option selected)
Swahili-style seafood BBQ lunch
Fresh seasonal fruit
Knowledgeable local guide on board
Opportunity to meet the giant Aldabra tortoises
2 hours at Nakupenda Sandbank
Entrance fee to Prison Island included

Personal expenses
Tips for crew and guides (optional)

What to expect

Prison Island Zanzibar
45m · Admission ticket included

Prison Island, one of Zanzibar’s most fascinating historical sites. Explore the island and meet its famous giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old. You'll have the opportunity to walk among these gentle giants, observe them up close, and take memorable photos.

While exploring the island, learn about its unique history, including its role as a former quarantine station. Surrounded by turquoise waters and beautiful coastal scenery, Prison Island offers a perfect combination of wildlife, history, and stunning views just a short boat ride from Stone Town.
Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve
2h · Admission ticket included

Relax on Nakupenda Sandbank, a breathtaking stretch of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy free time to swim, sunbathe, walk along the sandbank, or simply take in the stunning scenery.

During your visit, fresh seasonal fruits and a traditional Swahili-style seafood BBQ lunch will be served, allowing you to experience local flavors in a truly unique setting. With shallow, calm waters and panoramic ocean views, Nakupenda offers the perfect tropical escape and one of Zanzibar’s most iconic natural attractions.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Livingstone Restaurant, Stone Town, Zanzibar
For easy navigation, you can use Google Maps Plus Code: R5QP+9X Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Look out for our Ocean Blue team in blue T-shirts — you can’t miss them!

End point

Livingstone Restaurant, Stone Town, Zanzibar
For easy navigation, you can use Google Maps Plus Code: R5QP+9X Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Look out for our Ocean Blue team in blue T-shirts — you can’t miss them!

Pickup details

Exact pickup time will be confirmed 24 hours before your safari, based on the hotel
pickup schedule.

Additional information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.