Prison Island + Nakupenda Sandbank & Stone Town Tour
- Visit historic Prison Island (Changuu Island)
- Meet the famous Aldabra giant tortoises
- Discover Prison Island’s fascinating history
- Sail across Zanzibar’s turquoise Indian Ocean waters
- Relax at beautiful Nakupenda Sandbank
- Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters
- Enjoy a freshly prepared Zanzibar seafood feast
- Explore historic Stone Town
- Discover traditional carved Zanzibar doors
- Experience Zanzibar’s rich multicultural heritage
- Perfect combination of history, beach, food, and culture
Discover Zanzibar’s history, tropical beauty, and vibrant culture in one day with Prison Island, the stunning Nakupenda Sandbank, a delicious seafood feast, and a guided Stone Town walking tour.
Full Description
Experience three of Zanzibar’s most unforgettable attractions on one exciting full-day adventure combining history, turquoise waters, tropical beaches, local food, and Stone Town culture.
Begin your journey in historic Stone Town, where you’ll meet your guide and learn about the city’s fascinating past, distinctive architecture, and multicultural heritage.
Continue by boat to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. Explore the island’s historic buildings and discover its fascinating past while meeting the famous Aldabra giant tortoises. Learn about their history and conservation before enjoying time around the island.
Next, sail toward the spectacular Nakupenda Sandbank, where white sand meets crystal-clear turquoise water. Relax, swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy the beautiful Indian Ocean surroundings.
While you relax on the sandbank, your local crew prepares a delicious Zanzibar-style seafood feast, featuring fresh seafood and local accompaniments. Enjoy your meal in a unique tropical setting surrounded by the ocean.
After the sandbank experience, return to Stone Town for a guided walking tour through its historic streets. Discover famous landmarks, colorful markets, traditional Zanzibar doors, and the unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences that shaped the city.
This is the perfect Zanzibar experience for travelers who want to combine island history, giant tortoises, snorkeling, a tropical sandbank, local seafood, and UNESCO-listed Stone Town in one memorable day.
Stone Town Meeting Point / Hotel Pickup
Meet your guide at the agreed pickup point or enjoy hotel pickup, depending on your selected option.
2. Boat to Prison Island
Board a boat and sail from the Stone Town area toward Prison Island.
Enjoy views of the Indian Ocean during the short boat journey.
3. Prison Island & Giant Tortoises
Explore Changuu Island and learn about its history.
Visit the area where the famous Aldabra giant tortoises are protected and learn about their conservation.
Enjoy time to explore and take photographs.
4. Boat to Nakupenda Sandbank
Continue by boat toward Nakupenda Sandbank.
Depending on tides, the sandbank's size and exact location may change.
5. Swimming & Snorkeling
Enjoy free time to swim, snorkel, relax, sunbathe, and take photographs in the beautiful turquoise waters.
6. Zanzibar Seafood Feast
Your local crew prepares a fresh seafood lunch, typically featuring grilled fish and other seafood accompanied by local side dishes and tropical fruits.
The exact menu depends on the day's local availability.
7. Return to Stone Town
After your sandbank experience, return by boat toward Stone Town.
8. Stone Town Walking Tour
Explore the historic heart of Zanzibar with your local guide.
Walk through the narrow streets and discover historic buildings, local markets, traditional doors, and important cultural landmarks.
Depending on opening hours and your selected itinerary, possible attractions may include the Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens, Darajani Market, the House of Wonders area, and the former slave-market area.
9. Return to Your Hotel
After the tour, your driver returns you to your hotel or agreed drop-off location.
Hotel pickup is available from major areas of Kiwengwa Region in Zanzibar, including Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani, Matemwe, Pongwe, Muyuni.
For Locations outside our pick up regions, additional transfer may apply.
Your exact pickup time will be confirmed after booking based on your accommodation location and the day's itinerary.
Please be ready at your hotel reception or designated pickup point 10 minutes before the confirmed pickup time.
After completing the Stone Town tour, your driver will return you to your hotel or agreed drop-off location where hotel transfer is included.
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Waterproof phone or camera
- Reusable water bottle
- Change of clothes
- Cash for personal expenses
- Hotel pickup and drop-off where selected
- Boat transfers
- Prison Island visit
- Giant tortoise experience
- Nakupenda Sandbank visit
- Snorkeling equipment
- Seafood lunch
- Tropical fruits
- Bottled drinking water
- Professional local guide
- Stone Town guided walking tour
- Applicable entrance and activity fees
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
- Professional photography or video
- Optional attractions not included in the selected package
- Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Please be ready at your hotel reception or designated meeting point 10 minutes before the confirmed pickup time.
Have your booking confirmation available when meeting your guide.
- Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
- Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
- Please advise us of food allergies before the tour.
- The seafood menu depends on fresh local availability.
- Sandbank access depends on tides.
- Snorkeling is subject to sea and weather conditions.
- Please respect marine life and avoid touching coral.
- Stone Town is a walking experience; comfortable shoes are recommended.
- The order of activities may change according to tides, weather, and operational conditions.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled activity for a full refund.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure or no-shows may be non-refundable.
If unsafe weather, tides, or sea conditions prevent the boat excursion from operating, Maryam Tours Zanzibar may reschedule the experience or offer an appropriate alternative.