
A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour
Traveler rating
3.8/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour worth booking?
A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour is a 2-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $106 per person. It scores 49 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 49 / 100
- Rating
- 3.8/5 (5)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $106 per person
This is a guided half day tour to Prison Island. the island is located 16km away from the old town of Zanzibar (Stone Town). The tour includes the visit of the sanctuary of Aldabra Giant Tortoise that were brought to Zanzibar by The Governor of Seychelles as a gift to Sultan of Zanzibar in 1915. The Tour also includes the visit of The prison ruins built by Sir William Lloyd Mathew in 18993 in order to inhouse Zanzibar Criminals. There are several other species found in the Island such as peacocks and antelopes which also part of the experience. You can also have chance to swim in the crystal clear water from the Beach on the Island.
What you get
About this experience
This is a guided half day tour to Prison Island. the island is located 16km away from the old town of Zanzibar (Stone Town). The tour includes the visit of the sanctuary of Aldabra Giant Tortoise that were brought to Zanzibar by The Governor of Seychelles as a gift to Sultan of Zanzibar in 1915. The Tour also includes the visit of The prison ruins built by Sir William Lloyd Mathew in 18993 in order to inhouse Zanzibar Criminals. There are several other species found in the Island such as peacocks and antelopes which also part of the experience. You can also have chance to swim in the crystal clear water from the Beach on the Island.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- Private Guide
Not included
- Expenses of a personal Nature
What you'll see and do
Prison Island also known as Changuu Island lies about 25 - 30 minutes by wooden motorized boat from Zanzibar Stone Town and this is where you will visit the Prison Ruins built by General Lloyd Mathews in 1893 and hence the name Prison Island. The Tour includes the visit to the Sanctuary of Aldabra's giant tortoises brought by British Governor of Seychelles in 1919 as a gift to Sultan of Zanzibar. During the Tour, you will also be able to observe the tortoises as well as taking pictures with them. The Tour will also provide you with the chance to spot other species found in the Island such as Peacocks and antelopes, swim in the clear crystal water from the Beach at Prison Island before you find your way back to Stone Town.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Zanzibar Crystal Tours & Safaris
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
What you see in the...
What you see in the picture is a little miss leading. It’s not really a beach to go enjoy the day or snorkel. It’s a destination to go look at the old prison which is really nothing. The tortoise were real cool to see that’s the highlight. There’s so many boat around the small beach area that it’s difficult to even to swim if you wanted to.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review. This is a tourist attraction and we normally expect many visitors from different parts of the country, number of boats means many tourists which is not our problem unfortunately. We normally give your guides so you seek advice from them on where to go for snorkelling or even swimming.
via Viator
Disappointed
Unfortunately, it wasn’t the best of weather, so the excursion was only 1.5 hours long. Considering the price of the excursion ($80 USD ) you certainly didn’t get value for money
Response from the operator: Dear Marion Thank you for your review. I would like to remind you that the weather is not something that We could control mind that when you left for the activity, the weather was still good and it changed while you were already at the spot and the guide gave you the option to stay at the beach or swim and you still chose to leave after the visit. we do not get why you would come here and leave this review.
via Viator
the best experience EVER.
I found Issa on Instagram, and I was planning my trip for months, but at the very last minute realized that I NEEDED a local to show me around. I contacted Issa and shared my fears about being solo and traveling to a country the language of which I don't speak and he was more than welcoming and comforting. I arrived in Zanzibar at 2 a.m. and he was there waiting for me, took me to my hotel, and made sure I checked in safely. I booked 3 tours in total with Issa, and it was the best experience of my entire life. He was always very understanding and shared the history of every single place in Zanzibar, he didn't mind me booking very last-minute trips either, and the tours were so fun with him around. We'd be dancing, and singing, with no care in the world the entire tour, and he is extremely helpful, whatever you need Issa is there. I 100% recommend him, especially for solo female travelers, you will be absolutely safe!
via Tripadvisor
Just go ahead and book him!
You won’t regret it, especially if you’re like us and wanted to maximize your experience of Zanzibar. Issa gave us a truly local’s experience & made us feel like family. He’s reliable & will create whatever experience you’re looking for. I recommend just being open & going with his recommendations. We gallivanted around Zanzibar for four days & it was the best 4 days of our lives. Upon departure, it felt a little bit like leaving home. Memorable first trip to Africa. ❤️ Your friends from the US.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Zanzibar Crystal Tours & Safaris, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.7.
See everything Zanzibar Crystal Tours & Safaris runsWhy this scores 49
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.
How much does A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour cost?
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Prices start at $106 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Zanzibar City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Zanzibar City is not rushed.
Is A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 49 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Zanzibar City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Zanzibar City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Zanzibar City and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Zanzibar City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Zanzibar City?
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On Outty we rank every Zanzibar City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour, Stone Town Heritage Walk with local Guide, Zanzibar Adventure Quad with Sunset and Transfer Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Zanzibar City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; All Fees and Taxes; and Private Guide. Not included: Expenses of a personal Nature. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 76 listed pickup locations in and around Zanzibar City. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, value for money, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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