Tours/Zanzibar/Prison Island Half-Day Tour from Zanzibar
Viator · Private tour

Prison Island Half-Day Tour from Zanzibar

4.1(33)Zanzibar1 hour
VIATOR3.8(10)TRIPADVISOR4.2(23)

Description

Changuu Island also known as Prison Island lies about 30 min by boat from Stone Town. The island was formerly owned by an Arab and saw use for confinement of refractory slaves but no prisoners were ever housed here instead the island became a quarantine station for yellow fever epidemics. It was bought by General Lloyd Mathews and the jail (goal) which still stands was built in 1893 and hence the name “PRISON ISLAND”. In 1919 the British governor of Seychelles sent a gift in form of four Aldabra giant tortoises to Changuu. Presently this species is considered vulnerable and has been placed on the IUCN Red List. There is a dedicated foundation on the island which looks after the tortoises' welfare. This tour includes a visit to the historic Prison Island with its giant land tortoise. While on the island you will be able to observe and feed the tortoises, swim, sunbathe and snorkel.

Tour Options

From Other Coastal Area Hotels
  • For clients staying in North, North East, East, South East, South and South West Coast Area resorts/hotels Pickup included
From Stone Town/West Coast
  • For clients staying in Stone Town and West Coast Hotels Pickup included

Highlights

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide

What's included

Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Traveller Ratings

4.1
33 reviews
5
17
4
7
3
6
2
1
1
2

Important Information

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • Bring towels and swimming suit
  • Snorkeling is optional (bring own gears)

Reviews(33)

4
462oc_anes
August 21, 2025
Great expérience !

The guide was really nice and kind. We had the opportunité to do snorkelling and he explained the while historical background of the island. The encountzr with the turtles was magical !

P
paulinehR6123QC
February 27, 2025
great to see, BUT

Overpriced — this is a tiny island with not much to see. Our guide didn't even flag the museum. It was definitely underwhelming.

M
Martha_S
August 3, 2024
Prison Island was lovely.

I really loved the entire island. The tortoises were interesting but the museum outlined the history in an interesting and fascinating way. The shop was one of the best I've seen with a large variety of items. The pace was leisurely. We never felt hurried even though the island got a little crowded as the day went by. I would recommend arriving as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

J
jwakb
June 29, 2024
Good, but be prepared

Turtle Island was fascinating. The boat ride out was also an adventure. Our guide was very friendly and excellent. However, Viator Should have notified people that they must Be prepared to walk out in a foot of water to the boat, therefore shorts or raised pants legs are mandatory.. Also, the boat trip out to the island had very rough water which guests should be prepared for.

1 people found this helpful
2
277yvanp
March 29, 2024
Top guides

The French speaking guides have excellent training and you learn a lot. For those we had

E
egejnk
August 8, 2023
Prison island again

Thou I have visited Prison island a few times already, it’s always nice to see it through another’s eyes. The trip through small boats is safe, we travelled with young children under 10 years. What I noticed was the water current is higher toward the end of the day, so perhaps not the very ideal time to travel! The peacock addition makes the place even more interesting!

1 people found this helpful
8
868susannag
March 14, 2023
Wonderful.

TOUR to Prison Island together with Nakupenda, a prison that has never really been used as such but as a quarantine place and where giant turtles were important from the Seychelles...many is giant. Then you go to Nakupenda which in local language means "I love you", here I have no words to describe the beauty the colors that there are .. a tongue of sand that appears and then disappears after a few hours, where you prepare the fish cooked at the moment .. delicious fresh fruit, crystal clear sea ... the best experience for me ..

D
D1063DIdeborahc
October 7, 2022
A beautiful boat trip

We relied on this excursion to Gianduiotto. Good organization. Unfortunately the weather was cloudy and we could not fully enjoy the beauty of the tongue of sand. Interesting and fun prsion island with its turtles!

P
Pieter_B
August 18, 2022
Very nice trip to prison...

Very nice trip to prison island. Great driver and car and our guide was very friendly and informative on what we visited.

1 people found this helpful
E
Erik V
May 10, 2022
Island out of time

Coupled with the spices and the Stone Town visit, the tour was very informative, especially as we were with a French guide! Out of time place that has been successful, with structures that are actually aging but that have been recycled in restaurants open in high season (which is not the case in April/May). The turtles are impressive and if you are an observer, you may be lucky enough to see one or two small "antelopes". Go around the whole island to take beautiful pictures and why not swim if your organizers give you time!

Operator response

Merci pour votre temps et vos commentaires sur la visite. Nous sommes heureux de savoir que notre équipe vous a fourni des informations détaillées et vous a fait vivre une expérience intéressante lors de la visite de l'île-prison. Nous avons eu le plaisir de vous servir et nous nous réjouissons de continuer à le faire.

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