Highlights
- Visit the famous Prison Island and meet the giant Aldabra tortoises
- Experience the perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation.
- Learn about the island's fascinating history and heritage
- Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood and tropical fruit lunch
- Snorkel among colorful tropical fish and coral reefs
Description
Prison Island is a small, tree-covered island northwest of Unguja Island. It was built in 1893 by British colonial authorities. The original plan was to use it as a prison for violent offenders and as a quarantine station for people with infectious diseases. However, the prison was never actually used for inmates. Instead, it later served as a quarantine facility and today is owned by a hotel.The main attraction on Prison Island is its colony of *Aldabra giant tortoises*. These tortoises were brought from Seychelles in the late 1800s as a gift. Some are over 150 years old and can weigh up to 200 kg. Visitors can walk among them, feed them leaves, and take close-up photos. The tortoises are calm and are one of the longest-living animals in the world.
Next trip is Nakupenda Beach is the opposite of Prison Island in terms of purpose and atmosphere. Nakupenda is not a permanent island with buildings. It is a *sandbank* that appears during low tide. It is a strip of pure white sand surrounded entirely by shallow, clear, turquoise water.
The scenery is often compared to the Caribbean, but with a more natural and untouched feel. There are no shops, no buildings, and no wildlife. The whole point is to relax and enjoy the sea. The water is calm and shallow, which makes it safe for swimming and perfect for beginners who want to try snorkeling. The main activities at Nakupenda are swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling to see colorful reef fish and coral, and taking photos. Most tours include a *fresh seafood BBQ lunch* served right on the sand, with grilled fish, seasonal tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, and soft drinks.
Includes
Boat Transfer. Round-trip dhow boat ride from Stone Town to Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach
Professional Tour Guide. English-speaking guide and other languages providing history and assistance throughout the trip
Snorkeling Equipment. Mask, snorkel, and fins (in most packages)
BBQ Seafood Lunch. Fresh grilled seafood (fish, prawns, octopus, sometimes lobster) Served at Nakupenda sandbank
Tropical Fruits & Drinks. Seasonal fruits (mango, pineapple, watermelon)
Bottled water and soft drinks
Beach Setup. Sunshade/umbrella and seating area on the sandbank
Safety Equipment. Life jackets available during the boat trip
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Photo assistance
Cooler box with cold drinks
Excludes
Tips/gratuities
Personal expenses
Additional drinks (alcoholic)
Entry fees
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
