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Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank

Day trip Half day Private From US$55
Overview

A boat from Stone Town to Prison Island and its giant tortoises, then a swim and a seafood lunch on Nakupenda, a strip of white sand that appears with the tide.

Ten minutes by boat from the Stone Town beach is Changuu, better known as Prison Island, where giant Aldabra tortoises have lived for over a hundred years. You meet them, walk through the old buildings and swim in the clear water off the island.

Then the boat takes you to Nakupenda, a sandbank in the middle of the sea. Lunch is grilled fish and fruit under a shade, with snorkelling between meals.

Highlights

Giant tortoises on Prison IslandSwim and snorkelSeafood lunch on a sandbank

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. The dayPrison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank

    Boat from the Stone Town beach to Prison Island for the tortoises and a swim. Continue to the Nakupenda sandbank for snorkelling and a seafood lunch. Back in Stone Town by mid-afternoon.

    Stone Town / Prison Island / Nakupenda

Route map

Route map: Prison Island & Nakupenda SandbankStone Town → Prison Island → Nakupenda sandbank → Stone TownN10 km111Stone TownPrison IslandNakupenda sandbank
  1. Stone Town · start
  2. Prison Island
  3. Nakupenda sandbank
  • Flight or boat
  • 1Day numbers at each place
  • Start / finish
  • National park / conservation area

Illustrative map — routes and distances are approximate.

Price by group size

TravellersPer person
2US$63
3–5US$55
6+US$50

Prices per person in US dollars. Bigger groups pay less each.

When to go

Most sea days run all year. Calm, clear water from December to March is best for snorkelling; trips may move a day when the wind is strong.

  1. Hot and clear. Calm sea, great snorkelling.

  2. Hot and dry. One of the best months for the sea.

  3. Very hot and still. Rain starts at the end of the month.

  4. Long rains. Quiet island, lowest prices.

  5. Rain eases at the end. Green and fresh.

  6. Dry season begins. Breezy and sunny.

  7. Dry, sunny and busy. Great for safaris.

  8. Dry and windy. Peak kitesurfing.

  9. Dry and warm. Excellent for safari and sea.

  10. Warm and dry. A sweet spot before the short rains.

  11. Short rains, mostly afternoon showers.

  12. Hot again and busy over the holidays.

Included

  • Boat and crew
  • Prison Island entry fee
  • Seafood lunch and fruit
  • Snorkelling gear

Not included

  • Tips for guides and boat crew
  • Drinks other than water
  • Personal items

Good to know

One clear price

US$55 per person sharing. Send a request with your date and we confirm it with you.

Easy booking

A 30% deposit confirms your trip; the balance is due 30 days before you travel. Pay by bank transfer, card or cash on arrival. Booking terms

Make it yours

Add a day, swap a beach, upgrade a room or add a safari — just ask.

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