Sea & Cultural Experience

Zanzibar Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour

Discover two of Zanzibar's most popular attractions in one unforgettable experience. Visit Prison Island, meet the famous giant Aldabra tortoises and enjoy a relaxing boat trip to Nakupenda Sandbank for swimming, snorkeling and beautiful tropical island scenery.

Full Day Prison Island & Nakupenda Boat Tour Private / Small Groups
About The Experience

Discover Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank

Enjoy a full-day Zanzibar adventure combining history, wildlife, crystal-clear water and a beautiful tropical sandbank.

Start your journey with a traditional boat ride from Stone Town towards Prison Island. Explore the island, learn about its history and meet the famous giant Aldabra tortoises that have become one of Zanzibar's most loved attractions.

Continue by boat to Nakupenda Sandbank, where you can relax on the white sandy beach, swim in the turquoise Indian Ocean and enjoy snorkeling when conditions are suitable. This experience is ideal for travelers looking for a combination of culture, nature, sea and relaxation.

Tour Highlights

Giant Tortoises

Meet the famous giant Aldabra tortoises and learn about their history on Prison Island.

Nakupenda Sandbank

Relax on beautiful white sand surrounded by the clear turquoise waters of Zanzibar.

Swimming & Snorkeling

Enjoy swimming and, when conditions allow, snorkeling in the clear Indian Ocean waters.

Tour Itinerary

Meeting Your Guide

Meet your friendly local guide at the agreed pickup or meeting point and prepare for your boat adventure.

Boat Trip to Prison Island

Enjoy a scenic boat ride from Stone Town towards Prison Island while taking in the beautiful views of the Indian Ocean.

Explore Prison Island

Discover the island's history and meet the famous giant Aldabra tortoises. Take time to explore and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Nakupenda Sandbank

Continue by boat to Nakupenda Sandbank and relax on the white sand, swim in the clear water and enjoy the tropical scenery.

Swimming, Snorkeling & Relaxation

Enjoy free time in the ocean and, when sea conditions are suitable, explore the shallow waters with snorkeling before returning.

End of Tour

Return by boat to Stone Town and continue to your accommodation or chosen drop-off location.

What's Included

Included

  • Professional local guide
  • Boat transfer to Prison Island
  • Nakupenda Sandbank boat trip
  • Prison Island visit
  • Giant tortoise experience
  • Swimming opportunity
  • Snorkeling opportunity
  • Transfer included
  • Entrance fees included
  • Children under 5 FREE

Not Included

  • Food and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Personal snorkeling equipment

Meeting Point

Choose Where You Are

Tell us where you are staying when you book. We can come to pick you up from your location. The exact pickup details and boat meeting point will be confirmed after your booking request.

Frequently Asked Questions

The experience normally takes a full day, depending on the boat schedule, sea conditions, time spent on the islands and the group pace.

You will discover the island's history and meet the famous giant Aldabra tortoises. You will also have time to explore the island and enjoy its natural surroundings.

Yes. Nakupenda is known for its clear, shallow tropical waters and is a great place to swim when sea conditions are suitable.

Snorkeling opportunities are available when sea and weather conditions are suitable. Equipment arrangements can be confirmed with your guide when booking.

Yes. Private and small-group arrangements are available, giving you a more relaxed and personal experience.

Yes. Choose where you are when making your booking request. We can come to pick you up, and the exact pickup details will be confirmed before the tour.

Yes. Transfer is included. Choose your area when booking so we can confirm the pickup arrangements for your location.

Yes. Entrance fees applicable to the tour are included in the booking.

Yes. Children under 5 years old are FREE.

Please confirm your booking first. Payment can be made on arrival.

Yes. Booking requests can be made 24/7. We will confirm your booking after receiving your request.

Guest Reviews

★★★★★

We had an amazing day visiting Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank. The giant tortoises were incredible to see and the sandbank was absolutely beautiful. Everything was well organized.

Sarah — United Kingdom
★★★★★

A fantastic combination of history, wildlife and beach time. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and the boat trip was a great part of the experience. Nakupenda was beautiful.

Michael — Germany
★★★★★

Prison Island was very interesting and seeing the giant tortoises was a highlight of our Zanzibar trip. We then enjoyed swimming and relaxing on Nakupenda Sandbank. Highly recommended.

Emma — Australia
★★★★★

Beautiful day on the water. The organization was excellent and our local guide explained everything clearly. The sandbank was stunning and we really enjoyed the swimming and relaxing.

Daniel — United States
★★★★★

One of our favorite experiences in Zanzibar. We loved meeting the giant tortoises and then spending time at Nakupenda. The water was clear, the beach was beautiful and our guide was very helpful.

Sophia — Italy
★★★★★

A perfect day trip for anyone visiting Zanzibar. The combination of Prison Island and Nakupenda gives you a little bit of everything — history, nature, boat adventure and a beautiful tropical beach.

James — Canada
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