Prison Island, properly called Changuu, lies a short boat ride off the Stone Town waterfront and is the easiest island escape from the city. Its name comes from a prison built there in the 1890s that was never used for its purpose. The island later became a quarantine station for yellow fever cases, and the old buildings still stand among the trees. Its stars, though, are the giant Aldabra tortoises, descendants of four animals sent from the Seychelles in 1919, which now roam a protected enclosure where visitors can see and gently feed them. Some are said to be well over a century old. Around the island there is a small white beach and a reef for snorkelling, and the boat ride gives lovely views back to the Stone Town skyline. This page links to a private Prison Island boat trip on Viator, with more than sixty reviews, which includes a guide, the traditional boat and the island entrance fee, and picks you up free in Stone Town.
How it works: the trip is run by Zan Archipelago Tours and Safaris as a private tour for your group only. It meets at the Mizingani Seafront Hotel near the House of Wonders, opposite the Forodhani Gardens, or collects you from your Stone Town hotel at no extra charge. The crossing takes around half an hour by traditional boat, and the whole trip lasts about three hours. A guide, water, the boat fees and the island entrance fee are included, and free cancellation runs until 24 hours before.
On the island: the guide walks you through the old prison and quarantine buildings, then on to the tortoise sanctuary, where you can watch the tortoises up close and feed them leaves. Afterwards there is time on the beach and, if gear is available, a snorkel off the reef. Ask when booking whether masks are supplied, as one reviewer reported none.
Making the most of it: go in the morning, before the midday heat and the busiest boats. Bring swimwear, a towel and reef-safe sunscreen. Many people combine Prison Island with a Stone Town walk the same day, or with the Nakupenda sandbank on a longer trip.
What to expect
The experience
A half-hour boat ride to Changuu, a guided walk past the old prison to the tortoise sanctuary, then beach and snorkelling time.
Best time
Mornings, when the sea is usually calmer and the island quieter.
How long
About three hours from the Stone Town waterfront and back.
Tips
Bring swimwear, a towel and reef-safe sunscreen, and confirm whether snorkel masks are provided.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and anyone in Stone Town who wants a short, easy island trip.
- Families
- Children love meeting and feeding the giant tortoises, and the crossing is short.
- Couples
- A pleasant half-day out with views of Stone Town from the water, best before a long lunch in town.
- Pair with
- The Stone Town guided walk the same day, or the evening food-market walk.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Why is it called Prison Island?+
A prison was built on the island in the 1890s but was never used for prisoners. The island later served as a quarantine station.
How old are the Prison Island tortoises?+
The Aldabra giant tortoises descend from four animals sent from the Seychelles in 1919, and some are said to be well over a hundred years old. They live in a protected sanctuary.
How long is the boat ride to Prison Island?+
About thirty minutes from the Stone Town waterfront by traditional boat. The full trip takes around three hours.
Is the entrance fee included?+
Yes, the island entrance fee, the boat fees, a guide and water are included on this tour. Personal expenses and tips are extra.
Can you snorkel at Prison Island?+
Yes, there is a small reef off the beach. Confirm when booking whether masks and fins are supplied or bring your own.
