Stone Town and Prison Island Tour – From Central and East Coast Hotels
Combine the historic streets of Stone Town with a boat journey to Prison Island on a privately guided Zanzibar day tour arranged by Cruzeiro Safaris. Discover Zanzibar’s multicultural heritage, explore the island’s history and see the famous giant tortoises.
This excursion includes private hotel transfers from selected Central and East Coast hotels, an English-speaking guide and scheduled attraction entrance fees.
Tour Highlights
- Explore historic Stone Town with a private guide
- See traditional architecture and carved Zanzibar doors
- Learn about Zanzibar’s multicultural and trading history
- Enjoy a boat journey to Prison Island
- Discover the island’s historical background
- See the famous giant tortoises
- Private transfers from selected Central and East Coast hotels
- Suitable for couples, families and small private groups
What to Expect
Your excursion begins with pickup from your selected Central or East Coast hotel. The final pickup time will be confirmed after booking.
Travel to Stone Town and meet your English-speaking guide for a privately guided walking tour through Zanzibar’s historic centre. Explore its narrow streets while learning about the African, Arab, Indian and European influences that shaped the island.
Your tour may include selected markets, historic buildings, public spaces, waterfront areas and examples of Stone Town’s distinctive carved doors. The precise route will depend on opening hours, local conditions and the itinerary confirmed for your travel date.
Continue to the waterfront and board a local boat for the journey to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. Explore the scheduled visitor areas, learn about the island’s history and visit the giant tortoise sanctuary.
After returning by boat to Stone Town, meet your driver for the return transfer to your hotel.
Explore Historic Stone Town
Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its winding streets, busy markets, carved wooden doors and distinctive buildings reflect centuries of cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean.
A private guide provides valuable context about the people, events, architecture and trade that influenced Zanzibar’s development. Visitors should be prepared to walk through narrow streets and over occasionally uneven surfaces.
Visit Prison Island
Prison Island lies offshore from Stone Town and is reached by boat. Although buildings were originally constructed for use as a prison, the island later served other purposes and is now one of Zanzibar’s most popular visitor attractions.
The island is especially famous for its giant tortoises. Guests should follow all instructions provided by the guide and attraction staff when approaching or interacting with the animals.
Responsible Animal Encounters
- Do not climb on, sit on or restrain the tortoises.
- Only feed the animals when permitted and using authorised food.
- Avoid loud noises and behaviour that may disturb the animals.
- Follow the instructions of your guide and the island staff.
- Children must remain under adult supervision.
Who Is This Tour For?
This excursion is suitable for couples, families, friends and small private groups staying at selected Central and East Coast hotels. It is particularly rewarding for travellers interested in history, architecture, island scenery, photography and wildlife encounters.
Guests should be comfortable walking through Stone Town, boarding a local boat and moving across potentially uneven surfaces.
Included
- Hotel transfers from selected Central and East Coast hotels
- Private transportation
- English-speaking guide
- Privately guided Stone Town walking tour
- Guided Prison Island visit
- Scheduled attraction entrance fees
- Return transfer to the original pickup hotel
Not Included
- Meals unless specifically confirmed as included
- Drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Optional souvenir or craft purchases
- Attractions not included in the confirmed programme
- Transfers from hotels outside the designated pickup area unless arranged in advance
- Any service not expressly listed under the inclusions
Important Information
- Rates are valid for travel from 1 January to 31 December 2027.
- All bookings are subject to availability.
- The minimum booking requirement is two adults.
- Children are charged at 75% of the applicable adult rate.
- The final pickup time will be confirmed after booking.
- Please provide your hotel name and location when making the reservation.
- Hotel eligibility should be confirmed before booking.
- The Prison Island boat journey is subject to suitable tides, weather and sea conditions.
- The captain may delay, alter or cancel the crossing when conditions are unsafe.
- Attraction access is subject to opening hours and local regulations.
- The tour order and walking route may change for operational reasons.
- Children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian.
- Please dress respectfully while exploring Stone Town.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight, respectful clothing
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Drinking water
- Camera or mobile phone
- Waterproof bag for the boat journey
- Small amount of money for optional purchases
- Personal medication, if required
Book Your Stone Town and Prison Island Tour
Discover historic Stone Town and cross the water to Prison Island on one privately guided excursion. Book with Cruzeiro Safaris for convenient pickup from selected Central and East Coast hotels.
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