Prison Island Tour: Giant Tortoises and Snorkeling

Overview

Prison Island, also called Changuu, sits a short boat ride off Stone Town. It was built as a prison, later used as a quarantine station, and today it is best known for its giant Aldabra tortoises, some of them more than a century old.

You cross by local wooden boat with your guide, meet the tortoises, hear the island's history and then have time to swim or snorkel in the clear water around the island before heading back.

Highlights

• Boat ride from Stone Town to Prison Island
• Giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old
• The island's history as a prison and quarantine station
• Swimming and snorkeling off the island
• Peacocks roaming the island

Good to know

• Start time: 09:00 or 14:00.
• Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to snorkel.
• Morning or afternoon departure.