Prison Island is pure Zanzibar oddball charm. I love the tortoises and the strange prison-and-quarantine story you can still see in the buildings. It’s not a generic zoo stop—it feels like stepping into a quirky chapter of Zanzibar’s past.

After you’ve met the animals, I love that the day doesn’t rush on: you finish with a seafood BBQ meal on a sandbank. Snorkeling off the island comes in right after, so you get a full mix of land, water, and food. One consideration: check that pickup and guide timing at the Old Fort meeting point go smoothly, since at least one guest reported confusion when the guide wasn’t where they were expected.

Key things I found most compelling

• Prison Island’s survivor story: a prison complex tied to Zanzibar’s quarantine era, not just a sightseeing set-up
• Tortoise time: up to 50+ tortoises, including individuals reportedly over 100 years old
• Island wildlife beyond tortoises: peacocks and small antelope share the grounds
• Snorkeling off the island: crystal-clear water time with gear provided
• Lunch on a sandbank: seafood BBQ plus Swahili-style sides and fruit

Prison Island from Stone Town: what the day feels like

This tour is built around a short boat ride from Stone Town, starting in front of the Old Fort on Mizingani Road. From the start, the vibe is simple: you’re on Zanzibar time—sun, salt air, and a steady pace that lets you enjoy the sights instead of sprinting between them.

You’ll have a local guide and you’ll get boat transfer and entrance fees handled for you. That matters because Prison Island isn’t hard, but it’s easy to lose time if you’re trying to figure out boats, fees, and the flow once you arrive.

The day ends back at the meeting point, so it’s a clean loop. That’s helpful if you’re planning other Stone Town stops later on (spice shops, waterfront wandering, or just cooling off in the shade).

Prison Island’s old buildings: the part you shouldn’t skip

Prison Island (also called Changuu Island in Zanzibar conversations) has a story that explains why the place feels so different from the usual “island day.” In 1893, it was purchased by Lloyd Mathews, the British First Minister of Zanzibar at the time. He constructed a prison complex that still shows in the island’s visible structures.

Here’s the key twist: no prisoners were ever housed there. Instead, the island became a quarantine station for people suffering from yellow fever. That change—from intended prison to isolation for disease—gives you a more grounded context for what you’re looking at. You’re not just taking photos of walls and paths; you’re walking through a site tied to public health history.

Your guide will show you what you’re seeing as you explore. If you like historical context, this is one of the tour’s biggest wins because it connects the physical structures to real decision-making from that era.

Tortoises, peacocks, and the island’s wildlife rhythm

The headline attraction here is the tortoises. Plan to spend real time on the island grounds, because the experience works best when you slow down. The island has over 50 tortoises, and some are reportedly more than 100 years old.

This isn’t just a “see them from a distance” setup. You’ll learn why the tortoises call the island home, and you’ll have time for photos. There’s also a chance to feed them, which is a big part of why people remember this stop—hands-on interactions (done responsibly) make the animals feel less like a display and more like residents.

And the tortoises aren’t the only wildlife. You may spot peacocks roaming the grounds, plus small antelope. That mix keeps the island from feeling repetitive even if you’re not a “tortoise person.”

Practical note: bring patience for the photo moments. If you rush, you’ll miss the subtle stuff—how the tortoises move, how close you can get, and how the island’s animal pace matches the slow heat of the day.

Snorkeling off the island: what to expect in the water

One of the easiest ways to cool down on this tour is the water time right after your island exploring. You’ll get snorkeling gear included, and you’ll have the chance to swim in the surrounding clear waters just off Prison Island.

Look for colorful tropical fish and coral reef in the area. The tour doesn’t promise a specific “best spot” or an exact dive route (because water conditions and visibility can change), but the overall expectation is that you’ll see reef life close enough to enjoy without needing advanced skills.

You’ll appreciate that snorkeling gear is part of the package. That saves time and hassle—especially if you don’t already have fins or a mask that fits well. The tour also includes drinking water and snacks, which helps you recover after swimming.

If you’re new to snorkeling, take it slow. Spend your first minutes getting comfortable, then start searching around for fish and reef structures. The best sightings often come when you’re calm and not chasing every shadow under the surface.

Lunch on the sandbank: seafood BBQ with Swahili sides

After you’ve warmed back up from snorkeling, the tour shifts to food—simple, satisfying, and very “Zanzibar day.” Lunch is served on the sandbank near the island, which changes the feel of the meal. You’re not eating at a table in a restaurant; you’re eating right where the water meets the sand.

The BBQ includes seafood and you’ll also get Swahili cuisine, cheese, tropical fruit, and more. If you’re hoping for a break from snack-only tours, this is a real meal with multiple components, not just a quick plate.

A practical detail: alcohol isn’t included. So if you want beer, wine, or cocktails, plan to pay separately. For most people, that’s fine because the day is already sun-and-swim heavy, but it’s good to know ahead of time.

What I like most about this lunch setup is that it turns a “transfer day” into an actual experience. You get the island atmosphere plus a meal that feels connected to where you’re standing and swimming.

Price and value: is $99 fair for Zanzibar?

At $99 per person, this tour sits in the mid-range for Zanzibar day trips—especially considering what’s handled for you. The price covers lunch, boat transfer, entrance fees, a local guide, snorkeling gear, drinking water, and snacks.

That matters because the biggest hidden costs on island tours usually come from combining separate tickets: transport, entry fees, gear rentals, and guided access. Here, you’re getting those pieces packaged together. You also avoid the “pay for everything twice” feeling that can happen when you book parts individually.

If you only wanted one part—like snorkeling—you might find cheaper options. But the value comes from the combination: Prison Island exploration, wildlife time, snorkeling with provided gear, and a seafood BBQ lunch on the sandbank.

So the question for you is simple: do you want the full island experience in one go? If yes, $99 often feels reasonable because your day stays organized and you don’t need to juggle rentals or extra transfers.

Meeting point reality check: how to avoid the day getting weird

Tours are supposed to start at the same place every time, and this one is listed with a specific pickup: in front of the Old Fort on Mizingani Road in Stone Town. It ends back at the meeting point, which is convenient.

Still, one review reported a problem where the guide wasn’t at the meeting point at the scheduled time, and a different person seemed to take over. The good part: the tour itself was still fine once they got going. The lesson for you is to build in a little buffer.

When you arrive, confirm where the group will gather and keep your message channel ready in case you need to locate the operator quickly. That one small step can turn a stressful start into a smooth day.

What to bring (and what will save your trip)

This is a sun-and-water itinerary, so packing smart beats overpacking. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen—you’ll thank yourself during the island walk and while you’re waiting for lunch.

You’ll also be doing snorkeling, so wear swim-friendly clothing under anything you don’t mind getting damp. Since snorkeling gear is included, you don’t need to rent or carry a mask, but you should still think about comfort.

If you’re sensitive to heat, you’ll likely want a hat too, even though it’s not listed. The tour doesn’t mention it, but it’s the kind of practical extra that helps without changing the plan.

Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)

This tour makes sense for you if you want a Zanzibar day that’s not just shopping or a beach transfer. You’ll get wildlife on land, a water activity with gear provided, and a full lunch that includes seafood and Swahili-style options.

It’s a good fit if you’re traveling with time for one island outing and you like your tours guided and straightforward. A local guide helps you interpret what you’re seeing, especially on Prison Island where the buildings tie to the quarantine story.

There are limits. This activity is listed as not suitable for people with back problems and wheelchair users. That likely means walking on uneven island paths and getting on/off boats may be difficult. If mobility is a concern, skip this one and look for a more accessible format.

Should you book Prison Island with lunch on the sandbank?

I’d book it if your ideal Zanzibar day includes tortoises, a guided exploration of a site with a quarantine-era backstory, and a proper meal outdoors. The snorkel add-on and included gear make it feel complete, not like a “half-day snack-and-boat” trip.

I wouldn’t book it blindly if meeting timing and exact pickup location are your biggest stress triggers. The tour description is clear on where to meet, but at least one guest experienced confusion at the start. If you’re punctual and ready to double-check where your group is gathering, you can probably manage that easily.

If you want an island day that mixes animals, water, and food in a single organized flow, this one is a strong match for the way many people want to experience Zanzibar.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the Prison Island tour?

Yes. Lunch is included, and it features a seafood BBQ plus Swahili cuisine, cheese, and tropical fruit.

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

The start location is in front of the Old Fort on Mizingani Road in Stone Town.

Does the tour include snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Is alcohol included with lunch?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

How do I get to Prison Island?

The tour includes boat transfer.

What wildlife will I see on the island?

The island has over 50 tortoises, plus peacocks and small antelope.

Can I snorkel from the island area?

Yes. You’ll cool off with a swim and have time to snorkel in the clear waters just off the island.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunglasses and sunscreen.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with back problems?

No. It’s listed as not suitable for wheelchair users and people with back problems.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.