Prison Island sits a short ride northwest of Stone Town. Its coral walls and old prison building point to a past that mixes colonial plans, quarantine rules, and a surprising turn into a wildlife refuge.
The prison was built in the 1890s but never filled with prisoners; instead the island later served as a quarantine station. Today visitors come for history, shoreline views, and the slow company of very large tortoises.
The island measures only a few hundred meters across. You can walk most of it in an easy hour, which is useful because the best moments happen between steps: a tortoise chewing, a child throwing a pebble into shallow water, loud gulls arguing over a fish.
Prison Island Zanzibar, also called Changuu Island, welcomes you with a slow rhythm and a loud story. You step off a short boat, breathe sea air, and meet giant Aldabra tortoises roaming under shade trees. The place feels small and full, like a memory that keeps offering details when you look closer.
Prison Island is small and strategic site with impressive views making it a good half day escape from Stone Town, especially if you want a break from markets and rooftops.
Giant Aldabra tortoises.
The tortoises are the headline. Some were a gift nearly a century ago and a few are astonishingly old. You can observe them calmly grazing, and sometimes feed leaves under supervision.
The old prison building.
Walk through the cells and imagine the island’s earlier plans. The stonework frames rotten wooden beams and makes for strong photos.
Short snorkeling off the reef.
Clear, shallow water and coral patches make for simple snorkeling. It is not a remote dive site, but it is pleasant and accessible.
Swimming and sand patches.
Find a quiet stretch to swim or to lay a towel and watch the tide. The water feels warm and forgiving.
A fragile forest interior.
Shade trees keep the island cool. Look for birds, small crabs, and the slow paths the tortoises make through leaf litter.
Picnic spots and viewpoints.
Low cliffs and the veranda of the guesthouse create small stages for the sea and passing dhows.
Short boat trip from Stone Town.
The ride itself is part of the experience; the shoreline fades, the city narrows, and the island appears like a green bruise on the blue.
You can visit year round, but choose your window based on how you want to feel. The dry months from June through October give lower humidity and clearer water. December and January feel lively and are good for combining with beach days. March and April bring heavier rains, and the island is quieter then. Plan a morning arrival if you want fewer groups and better light for photos.
Prison Island Location
Prison Island lies off the west coast of Unguja, roughly 5 to 6 kilometers northwest of Stone Town. The short boats leave from the Stone Town waterfront and arrive in under 30 minutes when seas are calm. The island’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot.
How to get to Prison Island
From Stone Town you have two common options:
There are several shared boats from the waterfront. Find a dhow operator near the ferry area. The ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on tide and weather. Many operators offer round trips that include island entry.
Private charter or tour. If you prefer privacy or a specific pick-up time, hire a private boat from your hotel. This costs more but gives you control over arrival and return times.
Expect a small island entrance fee and modest charges for snorkeling gear or guided walks. Carry cash in small bills; many small operators and vendors prefer it.
Prison Island Accommodations
Prison Island has limited overnight options. Historically there were guest cottages and a small guesthouse. Most visitors stay in Stone Town and make Prison Island a half day trip. If you want to stay near the island atmosphere, choose a boutique hotel on the Stone Town shore with easy boat access and early departures.
Top 8 Prison Island tips
These tips will sharpen your visit and keep the island calm for wildlife.
Go early.
Boats fill up by midmorning. An early departure gives you quieter scenes and softer light.
Carry shade and water.
The island offers pockets of shade. Bring a refillable bottle and a hat. Heat moves fast in the sun.
Bring small local cash.
Entry fees, boat tips, and snacks often require cash. Keep small notes in a dry pocket.
Respect the tortoises.
They move slowly and do not like sudden grabs. Feed only what guides provide and step back if they approach.
Wear reef shoes.
Rocks and coral patches can be sharp. Shoes with grip keep you steady on slippery bit of shoreline.
Rent snorkeling gear from reliable operators. Inspect masks and fins before you go into the water. Return gear clean and intact.
Plan the timing with tides.
Low tide reveals more sandbanks and shallow snorkeling spots; high tide can mean a fuller swimming experience. Ask boat operators which tide fits your plan.
Leave no trace.
Carry out any trash. The island is small and its ecosystems are fragile.
How long does the boat ride take from Stone Town?
The typical ride runs between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the boat and sea state. Local dhows and motor launches move steadily when the water is calm, and the trip feels short because the city recedes fast. If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a stable motorboat and sit where you can see the horizon.
Are visitors allowed to touch or feed the tortoises?
Guides often let you feed tortoises small leafy greens under supervision. The tortoises are used to people, but they remain wildlife. Touch gently and avoid chasing them. Feeding should follow the rules locals set so the animals stay healthy.
Can I snorkel around the whole island?
You can snorkel in several spots, mostly shallow reefs and coral formations near the shore. The island is not a full day dive site for advanced scuba. If you want deeper reefs, plan a separate boat trip to Mnemba Atoll or other nearby dive sites.
Is Prison Island wheelchair friendly?
The island has coral paths and small steps that limit universal access. Some docks have ramps and volunteers may assist, but mobility on the island itself is uneven. Contact tour operators ahead of time to check their current facilities and to arrange help.
Do I need a guide to visit?
You do not need a guide to land and walk around. A guide adds history, points out wildlife behavior, and manages tortoise feeding. If you plan snorkeling, ask for a local guide who knows safe coves and current patterns.
How much time should I allow for a visit?
Two to four hours covers the typical rhythm: arrival, tortoise visit, a short walk among the ruins, and snorkeling or a beach stop. If you plan to linger for a slow swim and a picnic, allow half a day.
Is there a place to buy food or water on the island?
Vendors sell snacks and bottled water on most visits. Do not rely on them for full meals. Bring your own water and any medications you might need, because options are limited and vary by day.
How does visiting affect conservation?
A portion of entrance fees and guided-tour income supports island upkeep and tortoise care. You help when you follow rules, avoid littering, and choose operators who show respect for the animals. If you want to support longer term work, ask local guides about conservation groups and small donations that fund tortoise veterinary care.
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