About this experience
Your Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank tour begins with an optional hotel pickup (if selected) and transfer to Stone Town. At around 9:00 AM, board a traditional wooden dhow and cruise across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
After 20–30 minutes, arrive at Prison Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old. Walk among these gentle giants, take memorable photos, and learn about the island’s history as a former quarantine station.
Next, continue to the breathtaking Nakupenda Sandbank, a pristine stretch of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Enjoy approximately 2 hours to swim, relax, and soak up the scenery. Fresh seasonal fruits and a delicious Swahili-style seafood BBQ lunch are served on the sandbank.
Return to Stone Town around 2:00 PM, followed by hotel drop-off (if selected). This unforgettable half-day experience combines history, wildlife, tropical scenery, and local flavors.
At a glance
- Duration: 7 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 7 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Small-group tour (min 2, max 20 participants)
- Soft drinks throughout the tour
- Traditional handcrafted wooden dhow boat cruise
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (if transfer option selected)
- Swahili-style seafood BBQ lunch
- Fresh seasonal fruit
- Knowledgeable local guide on board
- Opportunity to meet the giant Aldabra tortoises
- 2 hours at Nakupenda Sandbank
- Entrance fee to Prison Island included
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Tips for crew and guides (optional)
Itinerary and highlights
Prison Island, one of Zanzibar’s most fascinating historical sites. Explore the island and meet its famous giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old. You'll have the opportunity to walk among these gentle giants, observe them up close, and take memorable photos.
While exploring the island, learn about its unique history, including its role as a former quarantine station. Surrounded by turquoise waters and beautiful coastal scenery, Prison Island offers a perfect combination of wildlife, history, and stunning views just a short boat ride from Stone Town.
Relax on Nakupenda Sandbank, a breathtaking stretch of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy free time to swim, sunbathe, walk along the sandbank, or simply take in the stunning scenery.
During your visit, fresh seasonal fruits and a traditional Swahili-style seafood BBQ lunch will be served, allowing you to experience local flavors in a truly unique setting. With shallow, calm waters and panoramic ocean views, Nakupenda offers the perfect tropical escape and one of Zanzibar’s most iconic natural attractions.
Meeting and pickup information
- Livingstone Restaurant, Stone Town, Zanzibar For easy navigation, you can use Google Maps Plus Code: R5QP+9X Zanzibar, Tanzania. Look out for our Ocean Blue team in blue T-shirts — you can’t miss them!
- Exact pickup time will be confirmed 24 hours before your safari, based on the hotel pickup schedule.
Languages and tickets
- German — Guide
- English — Guide
- pl — Guide
- French — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Ocean Blue Holidays
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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pickup schedule.
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