Visiting Prison Island in Zanzibar

A visit to Prison Island in Zanzibar combines fascinating history, beautiful Indian Ocean scenery and encounters with the island’s famous giant tortoises. Officially known as Changuu Island, Prison Island lies just offshore from Stone Town and is one of the most popular short excursions for travellers exploring Zanzibar.

Despite its name, the island’s history is more complex than simply being a conventional prison destination. Buildings were constructed for detention purposes during the colonial period, while the island was also associated with quarantine arrangements. Today, remnants of this history remain alongside tropical vegetation, coastal scenery and the celebrated population of Aldabra giant tortoises.

With Martial Eagle Adventures, a Prison Island tour provides an excellent complement to a Stone Town experience, allowing you to leave the historic streets behind and travel across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Highlights of visiting Prison Island include:

• Travelling by boat from the Stone Town area
• Meeting the famous Aldabra giant tortoises
• Learning about Changuu Island’s history
• Exploring historical buildings and structures
• Enjoying beautiful Indian Ocean views
• Relaxing around the island’s coastal environment
• Taking memorable wildlife and landscape photographs
• Combining Prison Island with a Stone Town sightseeing tour

2. Common Locations to Explore on Prison Island

Although Changuu is a relatively small island, a guided visit introduces travellers to several interesting areas that combine wildlife, history and coastal scenery.

Giant Tortoise Sanctuary

The giant tortoises of Prison Island are among its most famous attractions. Some individuals can live for well over a century, making an encounter with these remarkable reptiles particularly memorable. Visitors should follow the instructions provided by local guides and respect the animals’ space.

Historic Prison Buildings

The old structures associated with the island’s colonial history provide an opportunity to learn why Changuu became known as Prison Island and how its intended uses changed through different periods.

Quarantine History

The island also became associated with quarantine facilities during a period when Zanzibar was an important Indian Ocean port. Learning about this history provides additional context to Stone Town’s role in regional trade and maritime movement.

Coastal Areas

The shoreline offers attractive views towards the Indian Ocean and Zanzibar. Depending on tides, weather and the selected excursion, visitors may also have opportunities to enjoy the beach or participate in additional water based activities.

3. Duration and Accessibility

A Prison Island tour from Stone Town is relatively easy to include in a Zanzibar itinerary because the island is reached by a short boat journey from the Stone Town waterfront area.

The crossing commonly takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, although the exact journey time depends on the departure point, boat and sea conditions. Most travellers spend a few hours exploring the island before returning to Stone Town.

Typical Prison Island tour information includes:

• Boat Journey: Approximately 20 to 30 minutes each way depending on conditions
• Overall Excursion: Commonly around 2 to 4 hours
• Activity Level: Easy to moderate
• Accessibility: Reached by boat from the Stone Town area
• Recommended Clothing: Lightweight comfortable clothing suitable for tropical weather
• Recommended Items: Sunscreen, hat, drinking water, comfortable footwear and camera
• Best For: Families, couples, solo travellers, photographers and history enthusiasts

Boat travel is influenced by wind, tides and sea conditions, so departure arrangements may occasionally be adjusted for safety and comfort.

4. Daily Prison Island Activity Breakdown

Your Prison Island tour with Martial Eagle Adventures normally begins around Stone Town, where you meet your guide before travelling to the waterfront and boarding your boat.

Boat Journey to Changuu Island

Leave Stone Town behind and travel across the Indian Ocean towards Changuu. During the crossing, enjoy beautiful views of Zanzibar’s coastline and the historic waterfront from the sea.

Giant Tortoise Experience

After arriving on the island, visit the sanctuary where the Aldabra giant tortoises are protected. Observe these remarkable animals while learning about their characteristics, longevity and connection with the island.

Historical Island Exploration

Continue towards the historical buildings while your guide explains the origins of the name Prison Island, the intended detention facilities and the island’s later connection with quarantine activities.

Coastal Relaxation and Return

Spend additional time enjoying the island’s tropical surroundings and photographing the coastline. Where conditions and your chosen program allow, additional beach or water activities may be incorporated before boarding the boat for your return journey to Stone Town.

5. Discover Prison Island with Martial Eagle Adventures

A Prison Island Zanzibar tour brings together several different experiences within one convenient excursion. In just a few hours, you can travel across the Indian Ocean, encounter giant tortoises, discover an intriguing chapter of Zanzibar’s maritime history and enjoy beautiful coastal scenery.

The activity pairs particularly well with a Stone Town tour, creating a day that combines Zanzibar’s historic architecture and bustling streets with the quieter surroundings of Changuu Island.

Why include Prison Island in your Zanzibar itinerary?

• Encounter the famous Aldabra giant tortoises
• Discover the fascinating history of Changuu Island
• Enjoy a scenic boat trip from Stone Town
• Explore historical structures and coastal landscapes
• Capture beautiful wildlife and ocean photographs
• Combine the excursion with a Stone Town cultural tour
• Add history, nature and island exploration to your Zanzibar holiday
• Experience another side of Tanzania’s Indian Ocean heritage

With Martial Eagle Adventures, based in Arusha, Tanzania, your Zanzibar journey can extend beyond the beaches and streets of Stone Town. Sail across the turquoise water to Changuu Island, meet its remarkable giant tortoises and uncover the stories behind one of Zanzibar’s most fascinating island excursions.