Price:$145.00
Private Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch
Description
This full-day tour is the ultimate blend of Zanzibar’s rich culture and breathtaking tropical coastline. Rather than a basic boat shuttle, you enjoy a premium, fully guided excursion designed to showcase the best of Stone Town with complete peace of mind.
Your journey features up-close encounters with the giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island followed by total relaxation on the stunning Nakupenda Sandbank. Beyond the iconic sights, our top-tier service makes this trip extraordinary. We handle every single detail—from secure boat transfers and comfortable beach setups to knowledgeable local guides who bring the island’s heritage to life.
On the sandbank, indulge in a freshly prepared lunch buffet featuring local seafood—including lobster, shrimp, and calamari—alongside delicious vegetarian choices, served directly on the soft white sand. Spend your afternoon swimming in warm turquoise waters, capturing incredible photographs, or simply unwinding under the sun while our team creates an unforgettable highlight for your Zanzibar holiday.
| Adult | Ages 6 years and above |
| Free | Children 5 years and under |
What’s Included
Private round-trip hotel transfer and boat transportation
Professional licensed tour guide
All-inclusive Prison Island admission fee ($12 included)
All-inclusive Nakupenda Sandbank conservation fee ($10 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
What To Bring
- Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat
- Water shoes or sandals for sandy walks
- Camera or smartphone for tropical 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: 30% 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 |
