Prison Island Tours

Photo by Marcelo Lopes
Photo by Valerie Stern
Photo by Valerie Stern


If your idea of a great vacation means being near the water, make tracks to Prison Island. No matter what you choose to do here, you're unlikely to tire of those pretty views.

After visiting Prison Island, a water-surrounded land mass in Changuu Island, you might be after more things to do. Shangani Beach is nearby and is a favorite with many travelers.

Plan a trip to see Prison Island

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Upendo Beach Boutique Hotel
Ycona Luxury Resort
The Mora Zanzibar - Luxury All Inclusive

Browse tours and tickets to explore Prison Island

Tours & day trips

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Wildlife & nature

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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Reviews of Prison Island

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
53
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
39
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful place

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A twenty-minute boat ride from Shangani beach you can take a private boat for $20 or hire a guide and boat for $60--it's all negotiable. The giant tortoises are amazing! They are building a restaurant, the bar is finished but I', not certain that they are serving yet. You can swim on the beach if you want--nice 2-hour diversion.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

There are all levels of Prison Island tours available from private boat & guide ($60) to hiring a Capitan right on the beach ($20). The giant tortoises are amazing and you may be able to spot other wildlife--I was lucky enough to spot a dik-dik and an elephant shrew. They are working on a Restaurant in the former prison building--the bar is finished and open. Go early before the throngs arrive.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The turtles are the main attraction, the oldest being nearly 200 years old. The views on the boat ride are outstanding!

5/5 - Excellent

Simon

A highlight of my trip was going to Prison island. It's only a 5-10 min boatride but I got to feed a 196-year old tortoise and then to snorkel across an amazing reef.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very near from the stonetown, so plan both area together.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Prison Island

Tembo House Hotel

Tembo House Hotel

4 out of 5
Forodhani Street, Zanzibar Town
Tembo House Hotel
Maru Maru Hotel

Maru Maru Hotel

3 out of 5
Gizenga Street, Shangani, Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar
Maru Maru Hotel
Park Hyatt Zanzibar

Park Hyatt Zanzibar

5 out of 5
Shangani Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar Town
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort

Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort

3.5 out of 5
Beit Al Ras, Kibweni Street, Zanzibar Town
Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort
Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Zanzibar Serena Hotel

5 out of 5
Kelele Square, Stone Town, Zanzibar Town
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Golden Tulip Stonetown Boutique

Golden Tulip Stonetown Boutique

4 out of 5
Malindi Road, Stone Town, Zanzibar Town
Golden Tulip Stonetown Boutique
Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort & Spa

Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
Malawi Road, Zanzibar Town, Mjini Magharibi
Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort & Spa
Bawe Island Zanzibar

Bawe Island Zanzibar

5 out of 5
Bawe Island, Mjini District, Bawe Island, Mjini Magharibi Region
Bawe Island Zanzibar
Zanzi Resort

Zanzi Resort

5 out of 5
Kama, Zanzibar, Kama
Zanzi Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Prison Island

Explore the enchanting Prison Island, Zanzibar, with thrilling activities like boat tours and snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs. Don't miss the chance to meet the famous giant tortoises and experience a memorable stay with adventure escapes. Whether you opt for a guided Prison Island tour or a scenic boat ride, this picturesque destination promises an unforgettable experience filled with nature and culture.

Shopping

For shopping in Prison Island, check out Darajani Market and Zanzibar Night Market, both located 3 miles away. These vibrant public markets offer local crafts, souvenirs, and delicious street food, giving you a taste of Zanzibar's lively atmosphere.

Recreation

At Sea Cliff Golf Course, located 7 miles from Prison Island, you can enjoy a round of golf surrounded by breathtaking views. The course offers a vibrant outdoor atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of exploring the island.

Adventure

At Kite Centre Zanzibar, located 28 miles from Prison Island, immerse yourself in thrilling water sports with stunning ocean views. Whether you're kite surfing or paddleboarding, the vibrant outdoor atmosphere promises an exhilarating adventure for all skill levels.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife on Prison Island with a sunset stroll along the beach, followed by dinner at the charming Island Restaurant. For a lively atmosphere, visit the beach bar for refreshing cocktails and local music, creating an unforgettable evening under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Prison Island

If you're visiting Prison Island in Tanzania, you'll find a variety of attractions to suit your interests. Explore the beautiful beaches, immerse yourself in the history at the historic fort, and enjoy outdoor experiences. Don't miss nearby highlights like Changuu Island, Nakupenda Island, and the vibrant Stone Town. For relaxation, consider staying at one of the best resorts in the area, ensuring a memorable trip filled with culture and adventure.

  • Shangani Beach: Enjoy the sun and surf at Shangani Beach, a beautiful stretch just 3 miles from Prison Island. Experience the relaxed beach vibes, perfect for lounging or swimming in the clear waters.
  • Forodhani Gardens: Forodhani Gardens offers a vibrant urban park atmosphere, located 3 miles from Prison Island. It's an ideal spot for families, with lush greenery and a lively outdoor setting, perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.
  • Old Fort: Explore the cultural heritage at the Old Fort, a historic site just 3 miles away. This impressive fortification reflects the rich history of the region and is a great place to learn about local culture.

Best time to go to Prison Island

The best time to visit Prison Island is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. March is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February82.6°F (28.1°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
March82.9°F (28.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April81.0°F (27.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
May79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June78.1°F (25.6°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August77.0°F (25.0°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September77.9°F (25.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November80.8°F (27.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Prison Island

To save money on your visit to Prison Island, consider traveling during the off-peak months of April to May and November, when prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance typically offers the best rates, especially on Saturdays. Use platforms like Expedia for last-minute deals and package options that combine flights and accommodations. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and help you earn rewards for future stays. Lastly, be sure to utilize price filters to find the best deals within your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Prison Island are April to May and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Prison Island about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Prison Island is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Prison Island is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and offers, make sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Prison Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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