Prison Island & Stone Town Tour
A full day combining giant Aldabra tortoises and snorkelling on Prison Island with a guided walk through Stone Town's UNESCO World Heritage old city.
Tortoises, History & the Old City
This full-day tour pairs two of Zanzibar's most popular half-day experiences into one seamless itinerary: a boat trip to Prison Island (Changuu) to see its famous population of giant Aldabra tortoises and snorkel over a shallow coral reef, followed by an afternoon guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage streets of Stone Town.
It is one of the most efficient ways to see both Zanzibar's natural and historical highlights in a single day, ideal for travellers with limited time on the island or as a perfect first full day after arrival.
Changuu Island & Stone Town
Prison Island lies about 5.6 kilometres northwest of Stone Town in Zanzibar's harbour. Built as a prison for rebellious slaves in the 1860s and later used as a quarantine station for yellow fever, the island's most famous residents today are a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises gifted from Seychelles in 1919, some of which are believed to be well over 100 years old.
After the boat return, the tour shifts to Stone Town itself, walking through the old city's coral-stone lanes past the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the site of the former slave market and the busy stalls of Darajani Market, connecting the island's colonial and pre-colonial history in a single day.
Your Day-Trip Experience
The combined tour begins with collection from the guest's accommodation and transfer to the Stone Town jetty for a short boat crossing to Changuu, or Prison Island, with broad views back toward the city's coral-stone waterfront. A local guide leads the visit to the giant Aldabra tortoise sanctuary and explains the island's history, while any feeding is carried out only under sanctuary instructions. When sea conditions and the chosen package permit, guests may also snorkel over the shallow reef or spend time photographing the beach and historic structures before returning by boat. Lunch is taken according to the booked arrangement and remains at the guest's own expense where the page specifies this. Back in Stone Town, the experience continues on foot through the UNESCO-listed old city, linking the Old Fort, the House of Wonders exterior or currently accessible areas, the former slave-market site, Darajani Market and lanes known for carved Zanzibari doors. The guide adjusts the walking route to access and guest interest while explaining Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences. After the final stop, guests meet their vehicle for the return transfer to the hotel.
Included & Excluded
- Licensed local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Prison Island boat transfers
- Prison Island entrance and tortoise sanctuary fee
- Snorkelling equipment
- Stone Town guided walking tour
- 24/7 Haven Trails ground support
- Lunch (own account, typically $8-15)
- Gratuities for your guide and boat crew
- Bottled water beyond initial supply
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
Why Haven Trails Adventures
Based in Moshi, Tanzania, not a booking platform abroad. Our Zanzibar partners are deeply embedded in the island's hospitality and activity networks, with real-time knowledge of the best guides, boats and conditions throughout the year.
Every guide and boat operator working with Haven Trails is licensed by the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism and personally vetted for safety, professionalism and knowledge of the island's history, culture and marine environment.
Choose a small shared group departure or book the tour privately for your party alone. Either way, you get an unhurried, personal experience rather than being herded through a crowded, oversized tour bus itinerary.
A Haven Trails ground team is reachable throughout your Zanzibar stay for any change, question or unexpected situation. You are never navigating the island alone from pickup to drop-off.
Haven Trails prioritises locally-owned operators, community guides and marine conservation partners. A portion of every booking supports coral reef protection and community tourism initiatives on the island.
No hidden extras, no last-minute upsells at the dock. What you see at booking is what you pay, with clear notes on anything genuinely excluded, such as the Zanzibar marine park conservation fee.