Tortoises and sandbanks, on your own yacht. This private catamaran trip links Stone Town with Changuu (Prison Island) and Nakupenda sandbank, with Captain Lorne and the crew making the day feel easy and first-class aboard a private catamaran.

I love the way the charter works like a floating restaurant: full lunch plus snacks, and beer and wine included for adults (18+). One possible drawback to plan for: Prison Island sanctuary fees aren’t included, so you’ll pay extra if you decide to go ashore.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Private charter for up to 12 people, so the day stays calm and your schedule stays yours
• Prison Island + Nakupenda in one outing, mixing wildlife time with sandbank relaxation
• Snorkeling equipment included for the Nakupenda stretch after lunch
• All the food and drinks are onboard (lunch, snacks, soda/pop, bottled water, plus beer and wine for 18+)
• Comfort features matter: dual bathrooms, indoor/outdoor dining, Bluetooth music, and charging facilities
• Prison Island entry may cost extra since sanctuary fees are payable if you enter

Price and What You Get for It

This is $1,800 per group (up to 12). In real money terms, that means the cost per person drops a lot if you fill the whole boat, and it rises if you only book a small group. So I’d treat it like a “group splurge” day rather than a budget solo choice.

Why the price can make sense: you’re not just paying for transportation. You’re paying for a staffed yacht experience where lunch, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear are handled, plus you get the comfort upgrades like dual bathrooms and indoor/outdoor dining.

Meeting at Stone Town and Getting Set Up

You’ll meet at R5QP+8R7 in Zanzibar. The good news is it ends right back at the same meeting point, so you’re not juggling extra logistics after a long, salty day.

The not-so-glamorous part: private transportation isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan your ride to the meeting spot. Once you’re aboard, you can shift into vacation mode fast—this charter is designed for daylong comfort, not quick in-and-out sightseeing.

The Yacht Experience: Comfort That Actually Helps

This catamaran is set up like a proper day charter. Expect dual bathrooms, plus both indoor and outdoor dining areas, so you can escape sun when you want—and still enjoy it when you don’t.

The Bluetooth sound system is a big deal in practice. If your group likes music, the vibe can swing from chill to full-on singalong without you needing extra gear. And there are charging facilities for electronics, which is handy when you’re trying to keep phones ready for photos and maps.

Small comfort detail, big payoff: the boat’s layout gives space to move between shaded areas and open water watching. One moment you’re relaxing; the next you’re up front taking in the sea.

Prison Island (Changuu): Tortoises, Not Prisoners

Prison Island is also called Changuu Private Island—and the name is misleading. The island wasn’t a prison in the way you’d expect. It started as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases, and today it’s known for its giant tortoises.

Here’s the choice that makes this stop work for different personalities: you can explore the island (and you may pay sanctuary fees if you enter), or you can stay on the yacht and enjoy the water and onboard food while others do the island portion.

If you do go ashore, focus on the tortoises. These giant tortoises are famous for being extremely old—some are over a hundred years—and they were originally from the Seychelles. You’ll likely have a close-up experience if you’re interested in interacting, but you should also be ready for a slower, observational pace rather than a fast walking tour.

Practical tip: bring sunscreen and plan for shade where you can find it. You’re on an island in the sun, even if the day feels relaxed.

Nakupenda Sandbank: Lunch on the Sands, Snorkeling After

After Prison Island, the day shifts to Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve and the sandbank experience. Nakupenda is special because it’s an ephemeral sandbank—meaning it appears at low tide off the coast of Zanzibar. So the timing matters, and that’s one reason a boat charter is valuable here: you’re experiencing the sandbank as it’s meant to be.

You’ll have lunch on the sand. It’s included, and it’s full catering: meat, seafood, and vegetarian or vegan options. Dietary preferences are requested before the charter, which makes a difference if your group has anyone who eats a specific way.

After lunch, the sandbank turns into your snorkeling window. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the clear water is the point—this is the part where you get to see coral and marine life up close in a controlled, easy way.

Practical tip: rinse gear if water conditions allow, and keep your mask and snorkel handy. On a schedule like this, waiting around because you packed things awkwardly is the fastest way to make the day feel shorter.

Food, Drinks, and Custom Requests That Make It Feel Personal

One of the best parts of this charter is how consistently you’re fed. Lunch is the main event, but you also get snacks throughout, plus soda/pop and bottled water. Alcoholic beverages—beer and wine—are included for adults 18+ only.

This isn’t just about having food onboard. It’s about not turning the trip into a hunger-and-rush problem. When your day includes a tortoise island and then a sandbank, you want meals that don’t require a separate plan.

And if you’re celebrating something, this charter can handle custom requests like a birthday cake or similar. That’s the kind of detail that turns a nice day into a memorable one, especially for groups.

Time on the Water: A Full Half-Day Feeling (and Then Some)

The trip is listed as a half-day experience in timing, but it’s a sailing-inclusive outing in practice. The stops are about 1 hour at Prison Island and about 1 hour 30 minutes at Nakupenda, and then you have the travel time between them.

What that means for you: you should expect a full outing where the “main events” are concentrated, but the overall day still feels long enough to be a real break from Zanzibar city life.

If you’re sensitive to sun and heat, plan your energy accordingly. You can do this at a relaxed pace, but you’ll still be outdoors.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This tour shines for groups who want a private, comfortable day with minimal stress. It’s especially strong if your group includes:

• people who want wildlife time but don’t want an all-day walking excursion
• swimmers and snorkeling fans who prefer gear and lunch handled onboard
• birthdays and friend groups that want a relaxed, social atmosphere with music and good service

It’s also a solid option for first-timers in Zanzibar who want two big highlights without spending your day figuring out transport.

If your group mainly wants budget sightseeing and lots of independent wandering, this may feel pricey. But if you want comfort, food, and a set schedule with a professional crew, it’s built for that.

Tips to Make the Day Smoother

A few things that help most people enjoy the experience more:

• Pack swim stuff and a light layer for shade. You’ll bounce between open sun and covered areas.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen if you have it.
• If you’re going to Prison Island, plan for that short stretch to be the most “walking” part of the day.
• If you have dietary needs, make sure you communicate them ahead of time so the catering can match your group.

Final Call: Should You Book This Catamaran Day?

I think you should book it if you want a private yacht day that combines famous Zanzibar spots with real comfort. The included lunch, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear reduce the usual annoyances of island hopping, and the dual bathrooms and indoor/outdoor dining make it feel genuinely easy.

I’d hesitate if you’re not likely to use the onboard comfort and you’re not paying for a full group. In that case, the per-person value can fade fast. Also, because Prison Island sanctuary fees are extra if you enter, double-check that you’re comfortable adding that cost.

If you want a calm, high-quality day on the water—tortoises, sandbank time, and snorkeling wrapped into one charter—this is the kind of plan that leaves you with the right kind of tired. The good kind.

FAQ

How many people can go on this private catamaran?

The charter is private, and it accommodates up to 12 people per group.

How long is the experience?

The duration is listed as about 5 hours, and the total tour duration includes sailing time. The experience title also references an 8-hour outing, so plan for a longer half-day than just the stops.

What’s included in the price?

Included are lunch (with meat, seafood, and vegetarian/vegan options), snacks, bottled water, soda/pop, beer and wine for adults 18+, Bluetooth sound system use, snorkeling equipment, and the option for custom requests like a birthday cake.

Are Prison Island entry fees included?

No. Prison Island sanctuary fees aren’t included. You pay those fees if you decide to enter the island.

Is alcohol included, and is there an age limit?

Beer and wine are included, and alcoholic beverages are strictly for guests age 18 and above only.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.