Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank
Combine two of Zanzibar’s most iconic experiences in one unforgettable day. Start your morning on Prison Island, home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises that roam freely through the grounds of a 19th-century quarantine station. These gentle creatures, some well over a century old, are remarkably friendly and love a good shell scratch. After exploring the island and its turquoise swimming spots, your boat glides to Nakupenda — meaning “I love you” in Swahili. This disappearing sandbank, visible only at low tide, is one of the most photographed spots in Zanzibar. Your crew transforms this sliver of white sand into an open-air restaurant, serving freshly grilled seafood while the Indian Ocean stretches endlessly in every direction. It’s the kind of day that makes you understand why Zanzibar is called paradise.
Discover
Highlights
- Meet the giant Aldabra tortoises on historic Prison Island
- Learn the fascinating history of Changuu Island
- Relax on the stunning Nakupenda sandbank — a strip of white sand in the middle of the ocean
- Feast on a fresh seafood lunch prepared right on the sandbank
- Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear turquoise waters
- Enjoy tropical fruits served on the beach
Your Day
Itinerary
Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank
Your guide picks you up from your hotel and takes you to the Stone Town waterfront, where a boat awaits. The first stop is Prison Island (Changuu Island), famous for its colony of giant Aldabra tortoises — some over 100 years old. Spend time feeding and photographing these gentle giants while learning about the island’s history as a former quarantine station and slave holding point. After exploring the island’s ruins and swimming off its pristine beach, re-board the boat and head to Nakupenda — a breathtaking sandbank that appears at low tide in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Here, your crew sets up a fresh seafood BBQ lunch featuring grilled fish, octopus, prawns, coconut rice, and an array of tropical fruits. Spend the afternoon swimming, snorkelling, and soaking up the sun on this unforgettable strip of paradise before the boat returns you to Stone Town.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Boat transfers to Prison Island and Nakupenda
- Prison Island entrance and tortoise sanctuary fee
- Fresh seafood BBQ lunch on the sandbank
- Tropical fruits, water, and soft drinks
- Snorkelling equipment
- English-speaking guide
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal purchases
- Travel insurance
What to Bring
- Swimsuit and towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Cash for tips
Gallery
Gallery
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