
Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch worth booking?
Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch is a 6-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $45 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $45 per person
Discover two of Zanzibar's most iconic destinations in one unforgettable day. Start with a scenic boat ride to Prison Island, where you'll meet the famous Aldabra giant tortoises, explore the historic prison ruins, and learn about the island's fascinating past. Next, cruise to the beautiful Nakupenda Sandbank, a tropical paradise surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand. Relax, swim, sunbathe, or snorkel (weather permitting) while enjoying breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. A freshly prepared seafood lunch, tropical fruits, and soft drinks are served on the sandbank, making this the perfect combination of history, nature, and relaxation. Ideal for couples, families, friends, and solo travelers looking to experience the best of Zanzibar in one day.
What you get
About this experience
Discover two of Zanzibar's most iconic destinations in one unforgettable day. Start with a scenic boat ride to Prison Island, where you'll meet the famous Aldabra giant tortoises, explore the historic prison ruins, and learn about the island's fascinating past. Next, cruise to the beautiful Nakupenda Sandbank, a tropical paradise surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand. Relax, swim, sunbathe, or snorkel (weather permitting) while enjoying breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. A freshly prepared seafood lunch, tropical fruits, and soft drinks are served on the sandbank, making this the perfect combination of history, nature, and relaxation. Ideal for couples, families, friends, and solo travelers looking to experience the best of Zanzibar in one day.
What's included
Included
- Pick up and drop off ( if selected option)
- Fresh tropical fruits
- Bottled water
- Round-trip boat transfer
- Seafood BBQ lunch
- Prison Island visit
- Professional tour guide
- Nakupenda Sandbank visit
- Giant Aldabra tortoise sanctuary
Not included
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank
Discover two of Zanzibar's most iconic destinations in one unforgettable day. Begin with a scenic boat ride from Stone Town to Prison Island, home to the famous Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old. Learn about the island's fascinating history, explore the old prison ruins, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Continue to the spectacular Nakupenda Sandbank, a slice of paradise surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand. Relax under the tropical sun, swim in the warm ocean, snorkel among colorful marine life, or simply take in the stunning scenery. A freshly prepared seafood BBQ lunch is served on the sandbank, featuring grilled seafood, seasonal tropical fruits, and refreshing soft drinks. Vegetarian options are available upon request. This tour perfectly combines history, nature, adventure, and relaxation, making it an ideal experience for couples, families, and groups looking to enjoy the very best of Zanzibar.
360 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Zanzibar City
Please meet us at Cape Town Fish Market, Forodhani Park, Stone Town. The meeting point is located along the seafront, near the famous Forodhani Gardens. Our guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point and will be easy to identify
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Please meet us at Cape Town Fish Market, Forodhani Park, Stone Town. The meeting point is located along the seafront, near the famous Forodhani Gardens. Our guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point and will be easy to identify
Options you can book
Come to the meeting point
Duration: 6 hours Lunch BBQ
Pick up from anywhere
Duration: 6 hours Pickup included
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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Onestino di Zanzibar
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Prison island nakupenda sandbanks with lunch
We had an amazing day exploring Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank. The giant tortoises were incredible, and the sandbank was absolutely beautiful. The seafood lunch was fresh and delicious. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience enjoyable. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Anakupenda Island
Experience 5 stars, the guide Mr. Honestino is an excellent people. We still had the right to surrender. The island of Anakupenda is porous, very tourist, but the water is quite warm!!!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Great trip in Zanzibar
The trip was amazing going to sand bank and prison island. Our tour guide Omar was spectacular and made the experience special. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and great at making everyone comfortable. Omar speaks multiple languages he’s the best.
via Tripadvisor
Gracias Alejandro
Very good experience thanks to Alejandro and his crew, a visit to prison island explaining its history and ending in nakupenda with a wonderful meal.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $45 to $260
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.
How much does Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch cost?
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Prices start at $45 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 Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch take?
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Plan for about 6 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 Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 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 Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch?
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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 Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch?
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Around 1 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch 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 Zanzibar Adventure Quad with Sunset and Transfer Included, 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour, Stone Town Heritage Walk with local Guide. 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 Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch?
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Included: Pick up and drop off ( if selected option); Fresh tropical fruits; Bottled water; Round-trip boat transfer; and Seafood BBQ lunch. Not included: Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 789 listed pickup locations in and around Zanzibar City. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch 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 Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch?
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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 Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Zanzibar City. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Zanzibar : Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with BBQ lunch?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Come to the meeting point, Pick up from anywhere. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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