Kenya Safaris & Nairobi Tours from UK, USA, Europe, UAE, Canada, Australia & New Zealand

Discover the history, culture and natural beauty of Zanzibar on a Full-Day Stone Town & Prison Island Tour. Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town, explore its historic streets, colourful markets and famous landmarks, then take a boat to Prison Island to meet the giant Aldabra tortoises and enjoy spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. With hotel pickup from Central Zanzibar Hotels and Fumba, professional local guides, comfortable transport and boat transfers included, this unforgettable excursion is perfect for couples, families and cruise or beach holiday visitors. Book directly with Cruzeiro Safaris Kenya for an authentic Zanzibar experience.

Full-Day Stone Town & Prison Island Tour – History, Culture & Tortoises

Location: Zanzibar, Tanzania |
Duration: ~8 hours |
Tour Type: Small Group or Private |
Transport: Hotel pick-up & drop-off included |
Departure Points: Central Zanzibar (Stone Town, Fumba, Pongwe, Uroa)

Two icons in one day: UNESCO-listed Stone Town + idyllic Prison Island
Giant Aldabra tortoises at the island sanctuary
Atmospheric alleys, spice-scented markets, and carved wooden doors
Scenic boat ride with time to relax, swim, or snorkel (optional)

Tour Overview

Trace centuries of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influence as you wander Stone Town’s maze of
coral-stone streets, then cruise across turquoise waters to Prison (Changuu) Island—home to
giant Aldabra tortoises, powdery beaches, and a layered colonial past.
The perfect blend of culture, history, and coastal nature—wrapped into one effortless day.

What to Expect

Morning — Stone Town Walking Tour

Hotel pick-up from Stone Town, Fumba, Pongwe, or Uroa.
Meet your professional guide and explore the UNESCO-listed old city on foot.
Wind through some of the world’s narrowest alleys, past ornate doors and lively bazaars.
Key sights (exteriors where applicable): Old Fort, House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib), Sultan’s Palace Museum, and Freddie Mercury’s House.
Hear stories of the slave trade, religious diversity, and Swahili heritage.

Midday — Optional Local Lunch

Break for lunch (own expense, ~$15–$30) at a local restaurant—choose from Swahili, seafood, and international dishes.

Afternoon — Prison Island Exploration

Board a motorboat from Stone Town and cruise to Prison (Changuu) Island.
Learn how the island moved from a detention site to a 19th-century quarantine station.
Visit the giant tortoise sanctuary (some residents are well over a century old). Please follow ranger guidance and do not touch or climb on the tortoises.
Unwind on the beach; swim or snorkel in clear waters (snorkel gear available to rent on-site).
Enjoy sweeping views of Stone Town on the boat ride back.

Return Transfer

Boat back to the mainland and hotel drop-off in the late afternoon/early evening.

✅ Inclusions

Hotel pick-up & drop-off (Stone Town, Fumba, Pongwe, Uroa)
Entrance fees to listed attractions
Guided Stone Town walking tour
Return boat transfer to/from Prison Island
Visit to the giant tortoise sanctuary
English-speaking professional guide

❌ Exclusions

Meals & drinks (lunch available ~$15–$30)
Snorkeling equipment rental (optional, on-site)
Personal expenses
Tips & gratuities (optional)

Hotel Pick-Up Zones

Central Hotels: Tamarind Hotel, Pongwe Beach Hotel, Pongwe Bay, Uroa Bay
Fumba & Mangapwani: Fumba Beach Lodge, Sea Cliff Resort & Spa, Hakuna Matata Beach Lodge
Staying elsewhere? Pick-up can be arranged; a small supplement may apply.

Good to Know

Dress code: Stone Town is culturally conservative—please wear modest clothing that covers shoulders/knees.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes; some uneven surfaces in the old town.
Sun & sea: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a light cover-up; seas can be choppy at times.
Swim/snorkel: Towel and swimwear recommended; snorkel gear available to rent or bring your own.
Accessibility: Walking portions and boat access may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.

Ready to explore Stone Town & Prison Island?

Secure your spot for an unforgettable day of history, culture, and coastal wildlife.

Full Day Stone Town and Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar (Stone Town Hotels)

Elephants, Giraffe, Lunch and Bomas of Kenya Tour in Nairobi

Zanzibar Heritage & Island Adventure

Explore Historic Stone Town & Visit the Giant Tortoises of Prison Island in One Incredible Day

Looking for the best Stone Town and Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar? Experience two of Zanzibar's most iconic attractions on a professionally guided full-day excursion. Walk through the fascinating streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences, before boarding a traditional boat to the beautiful Prison Island (Changuu Island), home to the famous giant Aldabra tortoises. Stone Town is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, historic architecture and vibrant markets, while Prison Island offers a unique combination of history, wildlife and stunning coastal scenery. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Explore famous landmarks including the Old Fort, House of Wonders, Sultan's Palace, Anglican Cathedral, Darajani Market and the historic waterfront before enjoying a scenic boat ride across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. On Prison Island, meet century-old giant tortoises, learn about the island's fascinating past and relax while taking in breathtaking ocean views. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

This tour is ideal for honeymooners, families, couples, cruise passengers and beach holiday visitors staying in Central Zanzibar or Fumba. Your experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, comfortable transport, boat transfers, knowledgeable English-speaking guides and a carefully planned itinerary that lets you discover the very best of Zanzibar's history and natural beauty in a single day.

Book directly with Cruzeiro Safaris Kenya and experience the perfect combination of culture, history, wildlife and coastal beauty on one of Zanzibar's most popular sightseeing tours. Create unforgettable memories while exploring the island's UNESCO-listed heritage and meeting its world-famous giant tortoises.