Prison Island —
giant tortoises & island history
Prison Island is a brilliant half-day trip from Stone Town — and an absolute highlight of our Zanzibar honeymoon. A short boat ride takes you across the turquoise waters to this fascinating little island, where giant Aldabra tortoises roam freely and the island's intriguing history unfolds. It's one of those excursions that's genuinely worth including in your Zanzibar itinerary, and we'd highly recommend it to anyone visiting.
A memorable half-day on the island
The boat ride from Stone Town to Prison Island is lovely in itself. You're crossing the beautiful Indian Ocean, watching the old city recede, and feeling the sea breeze. The journey takes around 30 minutes depending on the boat and the conditions, and it's a peaceful way to transition from the hustle of Stone Town to something quieter and more contemplative.
When you arrive at the island, you're immediately struck by the giant Aldabra tortoises wandering around. These are extraordinary creatures — some of them weigh hundreds of kilograms and are genuinely ancient. Seeing them up close, you're reminded how different they are from any other animal you're likely to encounter. They move slowly and deliberately, and there's something almost peaceful about observing them going about their day.
Beyond the tortoises, Prison Island has an interesting history. It was originally built as a quarantine station in the 19th century — hence the name — and over the centuries it has served various purposes. Walking around the island, you see the remnants of these different periods, and it becomes a kind of open-air history lesson. Your guide (if you book a tour) will explain all this context, which transforms what you're seeing into a richer understanding of Zanzibar's past.
The whole experience — the journey, the tortoises, the history, the atmosphere of the island — comes together to make it one of the stand-out moments of our honeymoon. It's not a huge undertaking, but it's absolutely worth your time.
Aldabra tortoises are extraordinary — hundreds of kilograms in weight and genuinely ancient. Seeing them up close is an experience you won't forget.
The journey from Stone Town across the Indian Ocean is beautiful and peaceful. Part of the experience is the journey itself.
Originally a quarantine station, the island has layers of history. Exploring the remnants and learning the story adds depth to your visit.
Prison Island feels quiet and contemplative compared to Stone Town. It's a peaceful place where you can really pause and absorb the moment.
The tortoises, the seascape, the island itself — there are plenty of beautiful moments to capture here.
It's a half-day trip, which means you can do it without it dominating your entire schedule. Perfect to fit in alongside other Zanzibar activities.
Planning your Prison Island visit
Best time to visit
Prison Island can be visited year-round, but the conditions are best during the dry seasons (January–February and June–October). The sea is calmer and visibility is better during these periods.
Duration
A Prison Island excursion is typically a half-day activity — usually around 3–4 hours including the boat journey both ways and time on the island itself. This makes it easy to fit into your Zanzibar itinerary without it taking up a full day.
What to bring
Bring high SPF sunscreen (you'll be out on the water and on an island with little shade), a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water. Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders — just as you would in Stone Town. If you're sensitive to sun, bring long sleeves or a rash guard for protection while on the boat.
Getting there
Boats depart from Stone Town's waterfront area. You can arrange this through your accommodation, through a tour operator, or by booking ahead through GetYourGuide or a similar service. Most tours include hotel pickup from your accommodation in Stone Town, which takes the logistics stress away.
Cost
Prison Island excursions typically range from $30–$60 USD per person depending on the tour operator and what's included. Shop around and read recent reviews — guides can vary significantly in quality.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely yes. For the time investment (half a day) and the cost (very reasonable), Prison Island delivers an authentic, memorable experience. The tortoises alone are worth it, and the combination of natural wonder and history makes it a standout activity.
Our Prison Island experience
This short was filmed during our actual Prison Island visit on our 2023 Zanzibar honeymoon.
Across the water
GetYourGuide Prison Island & Zanzibar tours
From Prison Island half-day trips to full-day island tours combining multiple experiences — explore Zanzibar excursion options here:
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Other parts of our journey