Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank Tour – From Central and East Coast Hotels
Combine the history and famous giant tortoises of Prison Island with the white sand and turquoise waters of Nakupenda Sandbank on a privately guided Zanzibar day tour arranged by Cruzeiro Safaris.
This marine excursion includes private transfers from selected Central and East Coast hotels, an English-speaking guide and scheduled attraction entrance fees. Meals and drinks are not included unless expressly stated in your booking confirmation.
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy a scenic boat journey from the Stone Town area
- Visit historic Prison Island
- See the island’s famous giant tortoises
- Learn about the history of Changuu Island
- Visit the beautiful Nakupenda Sandbank
- Enjoy time beside Zanzibar’s tropical waters
- Travel on a privately guided excursion
- Hotel transfers from selected Central and East Coast hotels
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 the boat departure point 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 its famous giant tortoises.
Continue by boat to Nakupenda Sandbank, a temporary stretch of white sand surrounded by clear tropical water. Depending on the tides, weather and sea conditions, enjoy time for relaxation, photography, swimming or appreciating the coastal scenery.
After the experience, return by boat and meet your driver for the transfer back to your hotel.
Visit Prison Island
Prison Island lies offshore from Stone Town. 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 particularly known for its giant tortoises. Visitors should follow the instructions of the guide and attraction staff when approaching or interacting with the animals.
Relax at Nakupenda Sandbank
Nakupenda Sandbank is known for its white sand and surrounding turquoise water. Its appearance, size and accessibility change with the tides, making each visit dependent on natural marine conditions.
The amount of time spent at the sandbank may vary according to tides, weather and the captain’s safety assessment. Swimming is optional and should only be undertaken when conditions are suitable.
Responsible Animal and Marine Encounters
- Do not climb on, sit on or restrain the tortoises.
- Only feed animals when permitted and using authorised food.
- Do not leave plastic or other waste on the island or sandbank.
- Avoid touching or removing coral, shells or marine life.
- Follow all safety and conservation instructions from the guide and boat crew.
- 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 ideal for travellers who want to combine Zanzibar’s history, wildlife and marine scenery in one day.
Guests should be comfortable boarding a local boat and walking across potentially uneven, wet or sandy surfaces.
Included
- Hotel transfers from selected Central and East Coast hotels
- Private transportation
- English-speaking guide
- Guided Prison Island visit
- Visit to Nakupenda Sandbank
- 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 purchases and souvenirs
- Snorkeling equipment unless expressly confirmed
- Activities not listed in the confirmed itinerary
- Transfers from hotels outside the designated pickup area unless arranged in advance
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 excursion is subject to suitable tides, weather and sea conditions.
- The captain may change the route, order or timing for safety or operational reasons.
- Nakupenda Sandbank’s size and visibility vary according to the tide.
- The tour may be rescheduled or cancelled when marine conditions are unsafe.
- Children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian.
- Please disclose relevant health or mobility concerns before booking.
What to Bring
- Swimwear
- Towel and change of clothes
- Comfortable sandals or water shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Waterproof bag or phone cover
- Drinking water
- Camera or mobile phone
- Small amount of money for personal purchases
- Personal medication, if required
Book Your Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank Tour
Experience Zanzibar’s history, famous giant tortoises and beautiful marine scenery in one privately guided excursion. Book with Cruzeiro Safaris for convenient pickup from selected Central and East Coast hotels.
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