Price:$145.00
Private Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch
Description
Experience the ultimate full-day Zanzibar adventure combining rich historical heritage with pristine tropical relaxation. This premium private excursion takes you from the iconic giant tortoises of Prison Island to the paradise waters of Nakupenda Sandbank, complete with an all-inclusive fresh seafood lunch served directly on the white sand.
Discover the Giant Tortoises of Prison Island
Step back in time as you land on Changuu Island (Prison Island). Feed and interact with the ancient Aldabra giant tortoises—some over 150 years old—and explore the 19th-century historic stone prison complex while taking in stunning views of Stone Town’s waterfront across the bay.
Unwind on Nakupenda Sandbank
Cruise to Nakupenda (“I Love You”) Sandbank, a brilliant ribbon of soft white sand rising out of the warm Indian Ocean. Immerse yourself in calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming, floating, and capturing unforgettable tropical photographs.
Indulge in a Fresh Beachfront Seafood Buffet
Relax under comfortable shade setups while our dedicated team prepares a lavish live-charcoal seafood buffet right on the beach. Enjoy freshly grilled lobster, jumbo shrimp, calamari, tuna, and octopus paired with crispy fries, fresh salads, local fruit platters, and vegetarian choices—all accompanied by chilled soft drinks and bottled water.
Why Guests Love This Private Tour
- 100% Private Experience: Enjoy dedicated guide attention, personal boat charters, and a flexible itinerary tailored entirely to your pace.
- All-Inclusive Dining: Feast on unlimited fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and beverages without worrying about hidden meal expenses.
- All-Inclusive Convenience: Travel with total confidence knowing your hotel transfers, entry permits ($22/person total fees included), boat crew, and beach shade setups are fully covered.
| Adult | Ages 6 years and above |
| Free | Children 5 years and under |
What’s Included
- Private round-trip hotel transfer and private boat transportation
- Professional licensed tour guide & experienced boat captain
- All-inclusive Prison Island admission fee ($12pp included)
- All-inclusive Nakupenda Sandbank conservation fee ($10pp included)
- Fresh seafood buffet lunch (lobster, tuna, calamari, octopus, shrimp, fries & salad) — Vegetarian options available
- Tropical fruit platter (pineapple, watermelon, bananas & fresh coconut)
- Unlimited soft drinks & chilled bottled water (Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Novida)
- All local government taxes, marine park fees, and service charges — No hidden cash requests!
What To Bring
- Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat
- Water shoes or sandals for sandy walks
- Camera or smartphone for photography
- Small amount of local cash for optional souvenirs or tipping
Tour Confirmation
A confirmation email will be sent automatically once your payment is successfully processed.
Pickup and Drop-off
- Stone Town: Free pickup and drop-off at all hotels and accommodations located within Stone Town.
- Other Areas: Transfer options are available for hotels and accommodations across all other regions of Zanzibar.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
- If you paid in full, you may cancel up to 24 hours before your scheduled pickup time to receive a full refund minus the non-refundable 5% DPO payment processing fee.
- Please note: 20% booking deposits are strictly non-refundable.
- Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to pickup time are non-refundable.
- To request a cancellation, please contact us via WhatsApp at +255 776 120205 or email [email protected].
Itinerary
1
Cruise to Prison Island
Duration: Approx. 30 minutes
Begin your excursion aboard a traditional boat while taking in panoramic views of Stone Town’s coastline. As you sail past neighboring spots like Snake Island, enjoy clear views of historic landmarks from the water, including the Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens, the House of Wonders, the Sultan’s Palace, the Old Customs House, the Old Dispensary, and Zanzibar Port.
2
Prison Island (Changuu) & Tortoise Sanctuary
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Arrive at Prison Island to explore the 1893 prison ruins, originally built as a jail before serving as a quarantine station. Walk past carved Zanzibar doors, snap photos by the historic stone dock, and visit the local museum, boutique, and bar. As you walk the island pathways, look out for free-roaming peacocks, native dik-dik antelopes, and the historic European Bungalows. Inside the sanctuary, feed and interact with the famous Aldabra Giant Tortoises—gifted from the Seychelles—before passing Sir Lloyd Mathews’ former residence on your way back to the boat.
3
Nakupenda Sandbank & Fresh Seafood Buffet
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Take a short boat ride across the turquoise waters to Nakupenda Sandbank (“Nakupenda” meaning “I Love You” in Swahili). Relax on soft white sand, swim in clear waters, and take tropical photos. While you unwind under beach shade, our crew prepares a fresh lunch buffet directly on the sandbank. Enjoy your choice of grilled local seafood (lobster, calamari, tuna, octopus, shrimp) or vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a tropical fruit platter of pineapple, watermelon, and coconut, along with unlimited soft drinks and bottled water.
4
Return Cruise & Drop-off
Duration: Approx. 30 minutes
Conclude your excursion with a relaxing cruise back toward Stone Town. Along the way, take in coastal views of the State House, Mnazi Mmoja Referral Hospital, sports grounds, and local fishing beaches where traditional wooden boats anchor along the sand. Upon arriving at the harbor, your driver will transfer you safely back to your hotel.
Additional information
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Group Size | This is a private experience, only your group will participate |
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