Prison Island and Nakupenda – From Stone Town hotels

Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank Tour from Stone Town

Combine the history and giant tortoises of Prison Island with the clear waters and white sands of Nakupenda Sandbank on a privately guided Zanzibar boat excursion from Stone Town.

This experience brings together wildlife, island history, swimming and tropical coastal scenery in one memorable day on the Indian Ocean.

Tour highlights

• Private boat excursion from Stone Town
• Visit historic Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island
• Meet the island’s famous Aldabra giant tortoises
• Learn about Prison Island’s history from a local guide
• Visit the beautiful Nakupenda Sandbank
• Swim and relax in clear tropical waters
• Enjoy views of Zanzibar’s coastline and the Indian Ocean
• Pickup and drop-off from Stone Town hotels

Tour arrangements

Your excursion begins with pickup from your hotel in Stone Town followed by a transfer to the boat departure point. You will board a private local boat for the journey to Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank.

The order of the two visits will depend on tides, weather, sea conditions and operational arrangements. Your exact pickup time, meeting point and departure details will be confirmed after booking.

Prison Island experience

Visit Prison Island and learn about its complex history from your local guide. The island’s principal attraction today is its sanctuary for Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which have lived for more than a century.

You will have time to observe and photograph the tortoises while following the sanctuary’s visitor guidelines. You can also enjoy views of the island’s vegetation and surrounding coastline.

Nakupenda Sandbank experience

Continue by boat to Nakupenda Sandbank, a beautiful stretch of white sand surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Depending on the tide and sea conditions, you can relax on the sandbank, swim or enjoy the coastal scenery.

Nakupenda is a tidal sandbank, so its size, shape and accessibility vary throughout the day. The crew may adjust the timing of the visit to provide the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.

Included

• Pickup and drop-off from Stone Town hotels
• Private return boat transfers
• English-speaking local guide
• Experienced boat crew
• Guided visit to Prison Island
• Entrance to the giant tortoise sanctuary
• Visit to Nakupenda Sandbank when conditions permit
• Scheduled attraction entrance fees confirmed in the itinerary

Not included

• Lunch and other meals unless specifically confirmed
• Drinks and drinking water unless specifically confirmed
• Snorkeling equipment unless specifically confirmed
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Activities or services not listed under “Included”
• Transfers from hotels outside Stone Town unless arranged separately

What to bring

• Swimwear and a towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Hat and sunglasses
• Comfortable beach footwear
• A change of clothes
• Sufficient drinking water
• A waterproof bag for personal belongings
• A camera or mobile phone

Important information

This excursion is subject to availability and suitable weather, tide and sea conditions. A minimum booking of two adults applies, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

The route, order of activities and time spent at each site may be adjusted for safety or operational reasons. Access to Nakupenda Sandbank is controlled by the tides and cannot be guaranteed when conditions are unsuitable.

Guests should be comfortable boarding and leaving a local boat, sometimes in shallow water. Please advise us before booking about any mobility considerations, medical conditions or swimming limitations that may affect participation.

Responsible island tourism

Please follow your guide’s instructions, avoid feeding or touching wildlife unless permitted by sanctuary staff, do not remove shells or marine life and take all personal waste away from the sandbank.

Why book with Cruzeiro Safaris Kenya?

Cruzeiro Safaris Kenya coordinates your Stone Town hotel transfers, private boat arrangements and local guide for a well-organised Prison Island and Nakupenda experience. Your pickup time and final excursion details will be confirmed before departure.