Aldabra giant tortoise on Prison IslandNature & Wildlife
Short crossing · easy day

Prison Island Boat Trip

A 30-minute boat ride to Changuu — the island built (then never used) as a prison, now home to a colony of Aldabra tortoises gifted from the Seychelles in 1919. Some are over 180 years old. A short walk through the prison ruins, a snorkel in the coral pools, and time on a quiet beach.

Duration
Half Day9am – 1pm
From
Stone TownForodhani jetty
Group
Up to 8Speedboat
Best for
FamiliesEasy & flexible

On the island

  • Aldabra giant-tortoise sanctuary
  • Prison ruins & quarantine history
  • Snorkel from the small beach
  • Optional café lunch on the island

Bring

  • Swimsuit & towel
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Cash for park fee if not pre-paid
  • Curiosity (kids will ask a lot)
$50per personBook this →All excursions
Hour by hour

A typical day

Minute by minute, what you can expect. Times are a guide — we adapt to weather, tides, and the mood of the day.

09:00
Hotel pickup

Drive to the Forodhani jetty in Stone Town.

09:30
Speedboat to Changuu

30-minute crossing across calm morning water.

10:00
Tortoise sanctuary

Walk among the Aldabra giants. The oldest are 180+ years.

10:45
Prison ruins tour

A short loop through the quarantine station and prison cells.

11:15
Snorkel & beach time

Coral pools off the small beach — calm and shallow.

12:30
Boat back

Return crossing to Stone Town.

13:00
Drop-off

Back at your hotel.

What's always included

  • Hotel pickup & drop-off
  • Licensed local guide
  • Bottled water all day
  • All park & entry fees
  • Equipment provided

Not included

  • Tips for guides & crew
  • Alcohol (where applicable)
  • Travel insurance
  • Spending money

Booking & payment

  • Book at least 48 hours ahead
  • 20% deposit, balance on the day
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • USD, EUR, GBP, TZS — all accepted

Ready to book Prison Island Boat Trip?

Tell us your dates and we'll come back within 24 hours with available pickup times and a final price — no commitment.

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