Prison Island and Giant Tortoises Tour – From Fumba and Mangapwani

Prison Island and Giant Tortoises Tour from Fumba and Mangapwani

Travel from Fumba or Mangapwani to historic Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. Enjoy a scenic boat journey, learn about the island’s complex history, meet its famous Aldabra giant tortoises and admire the surrounding Indian Ocean scenery.

Tour highlights

• Pickup and drop-off from Fumba or Mangapwani
• Scenic boat journey to Prison Island
• Meet and photograph the Aldabra giant tortoises
• Learn about Changuu Island’s history from a local guide
• Explore the giant tortoise sanctuary
• Enjoy the island’s beach and coastal scenery
• Opportunity to snorkel when sea and weather conditions permit

Tour arrangements

Your excursion begins with pickup from your confirmed accommodation or meeting point in Fumba or Mangapwani. You will travel by road to the appropriate boat departure point before continuing by local boat to Prison Island.

The exact pickup time, meeting point, road-transfer duration and boat departure arrangements will be confirmed after booking. Timings may vary according to your accommodation, traffic, tides, weather and sea conditions.

What to expect

After arriving at Prison Island, your guide will explain the history of Changuu Island and introduce you to its best-known residents—the Aldabra giant tortoises. Some of these remarkable animals 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 explore the permitted areas of the island and enjoy views of Zanzibar’s coastline.

When weather, tides and sea conditions are suitable, the excursion may include an opportunity to snorkel in the surrounding waters. Snorkeling locations and time spent in the water are determined by the guide and boat crew.

Included

• Pickup and drop-off from confirmed locations in Fumba or Mangapwani
• Return road transfers to the boat departure point
• Return boat transfers to Prison Island
• English-speaking local guide
• Experienced boat crew
• Entrance to the giant tortoise sanctuary
• Snorkeling equipment when snorkeling is possible
• Safety briefing before the boat journey and snorkeling activity

Not included

• Lunch and other meals
• Drinks and drinking water
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Activities or services not listed under “Included”
• Transfers from locations outside Fumba or Mangapwani unless arranged separately

What to bring

• Comfortable clothing and footwear
• Swimwear and a towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Hat and sunglasses
• Drinking water
• A change of clothes
• 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 boat departure time, snorkeling activity and time spent on the island may be adjusted for safety or operational reasons. Guests should be comfortable boarding and leaving a local boat, sometimes from the beach or in shallow water.

Please advise us before booking about any mobility considerations, medical conditions or swimming limitations that may affect participation. Marine-life sightings and underwater visibility cannot be guaranteed.

Responsible island tourism

Please follow the guide’s and sanctuary staff’s instructions. Do not feed or touch the tortoises unless expressly permitted, maintain a respectful distance from wildlife and avoid leaving litter or removing natural materials from the island.

Frequently asked questions

Where is pickup available for this Prison Island tour?

Pickup and drop-off are available from confirmed accommodation or meeting points in Fumba and Mangapwani. Transfers from other areas of Zanzibar must be arranged separately.

Are road and boat transfers included?

Yes. Return road transfers from the confirmed pickup point and return boat transfers to Prison Island are included.

Is entrance to the giant tortoise sanctuary included?

Yes. Entrance to the giant tortoise sanctuary is included in the confirmed tour.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and snorkeling may be possible when weather, tides, visibility and sea conditions are suitable. The activity may be adjusted or omitted for safety reasons.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch, other meals, drinks and drinking water are not included unless they are arranged and confirmed separately.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes. Children may join when accompanied by an adult. Parents should consider the road transfer, boat journey and the need to board the boat from the beach or shallow water.

How long is the transfer from Fumba or Mangapwani?

The transfer duration depends on your pickup location, traffic and the boat departure point used on the day. Estimated pickup and return times will be provided with the booking confirmation.

Can guests touch or feed the giant tortoises?

Visitors must follow the current instructions of the sanctuary staff. Feeding or touching the tortoises is only permitted when expressly authorised and supervised.

Why book with Cruzeiro Safaris Kenya?

Cruzeiro Safaris Kenya coordinates your pickup from Fumba or Mangapwani, road and boat transfers, local guide and sanctuary visit. Your collection time, meeting point and final excursion arrangements will be confirmed before departure.