Zanzibar Full Day Prison Island Nakupenda sandbank and Stone town

Zanzibar, Tanzania
Duration8h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Full-Day Prison Island, Nakupenda Sandbank & Stone Town Tour
Experience the very best of Zanzibar in a single unforgettable day with our Full-Day Prison Island, Nakupenda Sandbank, and Stone Town Tour. This carefully designed excursion combines history, culture, nature, and relaxation, making it one of the most popular tours for visitors seeking to discover the island's unique charm.
Your journey begins with a guided tour of the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its narrow streets, carved wooden doors, bustling markets, and centuries-old architecture. As you explore this fascinating town, you'll learn about Zanzibar's rich cultural heritage, the spice trade, Arab and Swahili influences, and the stories that shaped the island's history. You'll also visit some of the town's most famous landmarks while experiencing the vibrant local atmosphere.
Next, enjoy a scenic boat ride across the turquoise waters to Prison Island.

What's included

  • Private transportation
  • seafood lunch and soft drinks but also, we have vegetarian dish for those who are not use sea food
  • Entrance fee
  • Alcoholic Beverages

What to expect

  1. Prison Island - Changuu Private Island
    2h · Admission ticket included
    Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is a small island located about 5.6 km northwest of Stone Town in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Once intended as a prison for rebellious slaves and later a quarantine station, it is now a popular tourist attraction noted for its historical ruins and giant Aldabra tortoises.
    Key facts
    Local name: Changuu Island
    Location: Off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania
    Area: Approximately 0.22 km²
    Notable feature: Giant Aldabra tortoise sanctuary
    Access: Short boat ride from Stone Town
    Historical background
    The island’s name originates from its 19th-century use under Arab ownership as a holding area for enslaved people. In the 1890s, the British colonial administration constructed a prison complex, which was never used for inmates as intended. Instead, it became a quarantine station for yellow fever cases, especially travelers from mainland East Africa.
    Changuu is surrounded by clear turquoise waters and coral reefs that attract snorkeling enthusiasts.
  2. Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve
    4h · Admission ticket included
    The Nakupenda Sandbank Tour is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Zanzibar, offering visitors a perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. Located just a short boat ride from Stone Town, Nakupenda Sandbank is a stunning stretch of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. During the tour, guests enjoy a scenic traditional dhow boat ride to the sandbank, where they can relax under the warm tropical sun, swim in the calm, shallow waters, or snorkel among colorful coral reefs filled with tropical fish. Snorkeling equipment is usually provided, making it easy for everyone to explore the vibrant marine life. A highlight of the tour is the delicious seafood lunch served on the sandbank. Freshly prepared fish, lobster, prawns, octopus, tropical fruits, and refreshing soft drinks create a memorable beach dining experience. The peaceful atmosphere & breathtaking ocean views make Nakupenda an ideal destination for couples.
  3. Stone Town
    2h
    Stone Town, or Mji Mkongwe (“Old Town” in Swahili), is the historic quarter of Zanzibar City on the island of Unguja, Tanzania. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, it represents one of the best-preserved examples of a Swahili trading town, shaped by centuries of African, Arab, Indian, and European cultural exchange.
    Key facts
    Location: West coast of Unguja Island, Zanzibar City
    UNESCO inscription: 2000
    Main materials: Coral rag stone and lime mortar
    Population (approx.): 16,000 within 96 hectares
    Notable eras: Omani Sultanate (17th–19th c.), British Protectorate (1890–1963)
    History and cultural significance
    Emerging from a small 10th-century Swahili settlement, Stone Town became a major Indian Ocean port under Omani rule in the 18th century. The sultans’ relocation of their capital from Muscat in 1840 transformed it into a hub for the spice and slave trades. Its coral-stone architecture and carved wooden doors reflect the prosperity of merchant families.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

All travelers should be waiting 15 before at reception, they will recognize us with proper uniform with logo.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • 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.
From
$145.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in Zanzibar
From
$145.00 per person
Check availability