These are two of the most popular short boat trips from Stone Town, put together into a two-day add-on.
Prison Island (Changuu) is a short boat ride from the Stone Town harbour. Its main attraction is a colony of Aldabra giant tortoises, which you can see up close, and there is snorkelling in the shallow water just offshore. Nakupenda is a sandbank that appears at low tide, so the trip is timed to the tide chart - you swim, walk on the sand and have lunch arranged by the boat operator.
This is a light, activity-based itinerary rather than a resort holiday. It works well before or after a beach stay elsewhere on the island and is a good choice for families with children.
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STONE TOWN
Giant tortoises and shallow-reef snorkelling at Prison Island
Swimming and lunch on the Nakupenda sandbank
Short, calm boat crossings that suit families
Easy to combine with a longer beach stay
A short boat crossing from Stone Town harbour to Prison Island to see the giant tortoises and snorkel just offshore (visibility depends on weather and tide). Back in Stone Town by early afternoon, with the rest of the day free.
A boat trip to the Nakupenda sandbank, timed to low tide, for swimming and a beach lunch provided by the operator. Departure times can shift by an hour or two depending on the tide. Afterwards you transfer on for your onward journey.
Planning tip: see our guide on Planning a Family Safari in Kenya or Tanzania.
Accommodation: One night at a mid-range hotel in or near Stone Town, bed and breakfast.
Vehicle: Small boat transfers via local operators
Year-round. The long rains, roughly March to May, bring heavy showers and humidity. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight is discouraged and some restaurants close until evening.
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Only at low tide, so trip times follow the tide chart. We confirm the exact schedule once you are on the island.
Generally yes. The boat crossings are short and the water around both sites is shallow. Life jackets are provided on the boats.
Send us your travel dates and group size and we'll confirm availability and pricing.
