Prison Island & Nakupenda Beach Experience

5 Hours
  • 1
  • 80
  • English, French, Spanish, Kiswahili
  • Dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October
  • 5 Days

Overview

This half-day experience pairs two places that show very different sides of Zanzibar, the layered history and conservation story of Prison Island, followed by the open, restorative simplicity of Nakupenda Beach.

Beginning on Prison Island, the pace is calm and grounded. History is shared clearly and without dramatization, allowing space to understand how the island has shifted roles over time.

Time with the giant Aldabra tortoises is unhurried and respectful, focused on observation, care, and context rather than spectacle.

From there, the experience softens further as you continue by boat to Nakupenda Beach. Here, structure gives way to openness. White sand, shallow turquoise water, and wide horizons create space to slow down completely. A simple beach-style lunch is served, allowing you to rest, swim, or simply enjoy being present before returning to Stone Town

The balance of learning, nature, and quiet coastal time makes this a natural extension of Zanzibar's rhythm rather than a packed itinerary.

Highlights

  • Boat journey from Stone Town across clear coastal waters
  • Story-led visit to Prison Island with historical context
  • Calm, supervised time with giant Aldabra tortoises
  • Relaxed time at Nakupenda Beach for swimming and unwinding
  • Simple beach-style lunch served in an open coastal setting

Itinerary

  • Morning

    Half Day

    Your experience begins in Stone Town, where you meet your guide and board a small boat for the short crossing to Prison Island. As the shoreline recedes, the shift from town to open water sets an easy, unhurried tone for the day.

    On Prison Island, your guide introduces the island’s history, from its original purpose to its later role as a quarantine station. This context is shared clearly and factually, offering understanding without overshadowing the island’s present-day atmosphere.

    You then spend time at the giant tortoise sanctuary. The focus here is on observation and learning. Your guide explains the tortoises’ origins, longevity, and care, while ensuring interactions remain calm and supervised, in line with animal welfare guidelines.

    Leaving Prison Island behind, you continue by boat to Nakupenda Beach. The contrast is immediate. Open sand and shallow, clear water invite you to slow down, swim, or simply rest. A simple beach-style lunch is served, using fresh, uncomplicated flavors suited to the setting.

    There is no pressure to fill the time. The value of Nakupenda lies in its openness, space to float, walk the sand, or sit quietly before the boat returns you to Stone Town.

Cost Includes

  • Boat transfer from Stone Town to Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach
  • Professional local guide
  • Guided historical context on Prison Island
  • Visit to the giant tortoise sanctuary
  • Simple beach-style lunch at Nakupenda Beach

Cost Excludes

  • International or local flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips (optional)
  • Personal expenses

FAQs

Is swimming allowed at Nakupenda Beach?

Yes. Time is set aside for relaxed swimming in shallow, clear water.

Can we touch the tortoises on Prison Island?

Touching is allowed only in designated areas and under supervision, following animal welfare guidelines.

Is this experience suitable for children?

Yes. The pace is relaxed and suitable for most ages, with supervision required near water.

How long are the boat rides?

Boat transfers are short and typically take around 15–20 minutes between locations, depending on sea conditions.