Just a short boat ride from Stone Town lies one of Zanzibar's most magical and unique destinations — Prison Island. Known officially as Changuu Island, this tiny jewel in the Indian Ocean combines fascinating history, ancient giant tortoises and some of the clearest snorkeling waters around Zanzibar.
What is Prison Island?
Prison Island has a layered and fascinating history. In the late 1800s it was used to quarantine enslaved people before they were sold at the Stone Town slave market. Later the British colonial government converted it into a detention facility — though it was never actually used as a prison. In the early 1900s it became a quarantine station for yellow fever cases arriving by ship.
Today it is a protected nature reserve and tourist destination — one of the most visited spots in Zanzibar.
The Giant Aldabra Tortoises
The star attraction of Prison Island is undoubtedly the giant Aldabra tortoises. These magnificent creatures were gifted to Zanzibar from the Seychelles in 1919 and have lived on the island ever since. Some of the tortoises alive today are over 100 years old — making them some of the oldest living animals on Earth.
Walking among these ancient giants is a genuinely extraordinary experience. The tortoises are completely accustomed to human visitors and move slowly and peacefully around the island. You can get very close, observe them eating, and in many cases touch their shells gently.
The oldest tortoise on the island is believed to be over 190 years old — meaning she was alive before Zanzibar became a British protectorate and long before Tanzania existed as a country.
The Historic Ruins
The ruins of the original quarantine buildings still stand on the island and are fascinating to explore. The crumbling colonial architecture draped in tropical vegetation creates an atmospheric and beautiful setting for photographs. Your guide will share stories of the island's history that you will not find in any guidebook.
Snorkeling at Prison Island
The waters around Prison Island are exceptionally clear with healthy coral reefs and abundant marine life. The boat ride itself often yields dolphin sightings and the snorkeling around the island is among the best accessible from Stone Town.
Colourful tropical fish, sea turtles and vibrant coral formations are all common sightings. The water is calm and shallow making it suitable for swimmers of all abilities.
Combining Prison Island with Stone Town and Nakupenda
Prison Island combines perfectly with a Stone Town walking tour and a visit to Nakupenda sandbank for a full day of Zanzibar's most iconic experiences. This is one of our most popular combinations and represents incredible value for a single day.
How to Visit Prison Island
Prison Island is reached by boat from Stone Town — the crossing takes around 20 to 30 minutes depending on sea conditions. The best time to visit is between June and October when seas are calmest and visibility is at its best.
Contact our team on WhatsApp at +255 688 686 983 to book your Prison Island trip. We offer Prison Island as a standalone tour or combined with Stone Town and Nakupenda sandbank for the ultimate Zanzibar day out.
HuShop Team
Paje, Zanzibar · Travel writers & local experts