Full-Day Stone Town & Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar – From Stone Town Hotels
Location: Zanzibar, Tanzania |
Duration: 7–8 hours |
Tour Type: Private or Small Group |
Pickup: Included from Stone Town hotels |
Languages: English (others on request) |
Availability: Daily departures
- Two icons in one day: UNESCO-listed Stone Town + idyllic Prison (Changuu) Island
- Meet the giants: Aldabra tortoises at the protected sanctuary
- Atmospheric alleys & spice-scented markets—a photographer’s dream
- Scenic boat ride with time to relax, swim, or snorkel (optional)
Tour Overview
Step into the story of Zanzibar on a full-day experience crafted for guests staying in Stone Town.
Trace centuries of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influence through UNESCO-listed Stone Town,
then cruise over turquoise waters to Prison Island (Changuu) to meet protected
giant Aldabra tortoises and unwind on white-sand shores.
️ What to Expect
️ Morning: Stone Town Walking Tour
- ~09:00 – Pick-up from your Stone Town hotel (see sample list below).
- Guided walking tour through labyrinthine streets lined with coral-stone facades and carved doors.
- Key sights (exteriors where applicable): Old Fort, House of Wonders, Sultan’s Palace Museum,
Freddie Mercury’s birthplace, plus historic mosques, churches & temples. - Stories of the spice trade, the slave trade era, and Zanzibar’s cosmopolitan heritage.
️ Midday: Local Lunch Break (Optional)
- Dine at a recommended restaurant (own expense; typical à la carte USD 15–30).
- Choose from Swahili, Indian, and seafood specialties.
️ Afternoon: Prison Island (Changuu) Adventure
- Stroll to the seafront and board a motorized boat to Prison Island.
- Uncover the island’s dramatic past—detention & quarantine—now a serene wildlife refuge.
- Visit the Giant Tortoise Sanctuary (some residents are over a century old!).
- Free time to relax on the beach, swim, or snorkel (gear available to rent).
Return Transfer
- Boat back to Stone Town and hotel drop-off by late afternoon/early evening.
Sample Timeline (flexible)
- 09:00 Pick-up • 09:15–12:00 Stone Town walk • 12:15–13:15 Lunch (own cost)
- 13:30 Boat to Prison Island • 14:00–15:30 Island & tortoises • 15:30–16:00 Swim/snorkel
- 16:15 Return boat • ~17:00 Hotel drop-off
✅ What’s Included
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off (Stone Town hotels only)
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to listed Stone Town sites & Prison Island
- Guided Stone Town walking tour
- Return boat transfers to/from Prison Island
- Visit to the giant tortoise sanctuary
❌ Not Included
- Lunch, drinks & snacks
- Snorkeling equipment (available to rent on-site)
- Personal expenses
- Tips & gratuities (optional)
Pick-Up From These Stone Town Hotels (Sample)
- Luxury & Boutique: Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Maru Maru, Mashariki Palace, Zanzibar Serena Inn, Kisiwa House, The Swahili House, Zanzibar Palace
- Standard: Tembo House, Dhow Palace, Zanzibar Grand Palace, Africa House, Tausi Palace, Al Johari, Asmini Palace, Khole House, Hiliki House
- International: DoubleTree by Hilton (Stone Town)
Staying outside Stone Town? See our Central/Fumba option or request a supplement for out-of-area pick-ups.
Good to Know
- Dress respectfully in Stone Town (shoulders/knees covered); bring a light cover-up.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes—streets can be uneven.
- Sun & sea: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, towel & swimwear recommended.
- Sea conditions vary; boat rides can be bumpy.
- Accessibility: Walking & boat access may not suit guests with limited mobility.
- Wildlife etiquette: Do not touch, sit on, or feed tortoises; follow ranger guidance at all times.
Ready to explore Stone Town & Prison Island?
Reserve your spot for a day of UNESCO heritage, island wildlife, and Indian Ocean panoramas.
Book – Stone Town Hotel Pick-Up
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Book – Central & Fumba Option
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Add a Spice Tour
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