Price:$130.00
Private Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch
Description
Experience a full-day Zanzibar trip combining historic culture and ocean relaxation. Visit Prison Island to see ancient giant tortoises, swim and relax at Nakupenda Sandbank, and enjoy a fresh seafood BBQ lunch prepared right on the white sand.
Discover Giant Tortoises on Prison Island
Take a short private boat ride across the water to Changuu Island (Prison Island). Feed and interact with famous Aldabra giant tortoises—some over 150 years old—and explore the historic 19th-century stone prison complex while taking in beautiful views of Stone Town across the bay.
Relax on Nakupenda Sandbank
Cruise to Nakupenda Sandbank, a beautiful stretch of soft white sand rising out of the ocean. Swim in shallow, clear turquoise waters, relax on the sand, and take unforgettable tropical photos with your family and friends.
Fresh Seafood BBQ Lunch on the Beach
Relax under comfortable shade setups on the sandbank while your crew prepares a delicious fresh seafood BBQ lunch. Enjoy freshly grilled lobster, jumbo shrimp, calamari, tuna fish, and octopus served with crispy fries, fresh salads, local tropical fruits, and cold drinks (vegetarian options available upon request).
Why Guests Love This Private Tour
- 100% Private Tour: Enjoy full privacy, comfort, and personal care from your dedicated captain and guide without waiting for large groups.
- All Entry Fees Covered: All tickets for Prison Island ($12) and Nakupenda Sandbank ($10) are fully included in your price.
- Fresh Seafood Feast: Enjoy a freshly cooked beachfront seafood BBQ lunch prepared right on the sandbank.
| Adult | Ages 6 years and above |
| Free | Children 5 years and under |
What’s Included
- Private round-trip hotel transfers (air-conditioned vehicle) & private boat transportation
- Experienced, English-speaking local tour guide & boat captain
- All-inclusive Prison Island admission fee ($12 per person included)
- All-inclusive Nakupenda Sandbank conservation fee ($10 per person included)
- Fresh seafood BBQ lunch on Nakupenda Sandbank (lobster, tuna, calamari, octopus, shrimp, fries, salad & vegetarian options)
- Fresh tropical fruit platter (watermelon, pineapple, bananas & fresh coconut)
- Chilled soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Novida) & bottled water throughout the trip
- All local government taxes, marine park fees, and service charges
What To Bring
- Swimwear, beach towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a sun hat
- Water shoes or sandals for walking on the sandbank
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Small amount of local cash for optional souvenirs or tipping
Tour Confirmation
A confirmation email will be sent automatically once your booking payment is successfully processed.
Pickup and Drop-off
- Stone Town: Free direct pickup and drop-off at all hotels located in Stone Town.
- Other Areas: Transfer options available for hotels across all other regions of Zanzibar (Nungwi, Kendwa, Kiwengwa, Paje, Jambiani, etc.).
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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