Zanibar Prison Island Boat Trip

The Zanzibar Prison Island Boat Trip offers a unique opportunity to explore a fascinating piece of history. Visitors can discover the remnants of the former British prison, now a popular tourist destination, while seeing the island’s natural beauty. With knowledgeable guides, guests can learn about the site’s past and encounter the iconic giant Aldabra tortoises. This private experience also includes convenient round-trip transportation and the chance to relax on the island’s pristine sandy beaches. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply seeking a memorable day trip, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Good To Know

1. A private guided experience on Prison Island, Zanzibar, offering historical exploration, snorkeling, and encounters with giant tortoises.
2. Round-trip transportation from Stone Town and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
3. Inclusions such as a professional tour guide, entrance fees, mineral water, and traditional boat fees, with exclusions for personal expenses and guide tips.
4. Positive reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides, historical insights, and the captivating natural beauty of the island.
5. Booking and reservation details, including a straightforward process with an option to pay later and free pickups from various locations in Stone Town.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The tour to Prison Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania offers a private guided experience that allows visitors to explore the island’s historical prison, enjoy the sandy beach, go snorkeling, and see the resident giant tortoises.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Stone Town, boat fees, and bottled water. Prices start at $75.00 per person, varying by group size.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour is operated by Zan Archipelago Tours & Safaris, and pickup is available around Stone Town for free, with extra charges for pickups outside the area.

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the tour package, visitors can expect the inclusion of a professional tour guide, entrance fees, mineral water, and round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off within Stone Town. However, personal expenses and guide tips are not covered. The meeting point for the tour is at the Mizingani Seafront Hotel, near the House of Wonder and opposite Forodhani Park.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Professional tour guide	Personal expenses
Entrance fees	Guide tips
Mineral water
Hotel pickup/drop-off (within Stone Town)
Traditional boat fees

The tour experience includes a private guided visit to Prison Island, Zanzibar, where travelers can explore the old prison, sandy beach, and see giant tortoises.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Pickup is available around Stone Town for free, though extra charges may apply for pickups outside that area.

The tour ends back at the meeting point, which is the Mizingani Seafront Hotel near House of Wonder, across from Forodhani Park.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate.

Travelers are encouraged to check availability and select tour times that work best for their schedule.

Tour Experience and Reviews

Travelers generally rate this tour quite positively, with an overall score of 4.1 out of 5 based on 59 reviews. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, who provide interesting historical insights, and highlight the tour’s suitability for solo travelers.

Common highlights include:

• Encountering the island’s giant tortoises
• Enjoying snorkeling experiences, though some note discrepancies regarding equipment availability
• Taking in the beautiful coastal views

While the tour generally receives positive feedback, a few reviews note minor issues, such as the availability of snorkeling gear.

General Information

This tour is operated by Zan Archipelago Tours & Safaris.

Travelers can receive confirmation upon booking and have the option to reserve now and pay later. It’s recommended to check availability and select tour times that work best.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate.

Additional notes include that the tour ends back at the original meeting point near the House of Wonder in Stone Town, and tips for the guide aren’t included in the price.

About Zan Archipelago Tours & Safaris

Zan Archipelago Tours & Safaris is the tour operator behind the Prison Island boat trip in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

With years of experience, they offer a reliable and informative tour that showcases the island’s rich history and natural wonders. Their knowledgeable guides ensure a memorable experience for all visitors.

Some key highlights of their tour include:

• Insider knowledge about the island’s past as a former prison and its transformation into a conservation site
• Seamless transportation and boat arrangements for a stress-free adventure
• Opportunities to interact with the giant tortoises, a unique highlight of the tour

Zan Archipelago Tours & Safaris’ commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in the positive reviews and ratings they’ve received from travelers.

Booking and Reservation Details

Booking the Prison Island tour through Zan Archipelago Tours & Safaris is a straightforward process.

Travelers can simply reserve their spot online, receiving confirmation at the time of booking. Guests also have the option to pay later, making it convenient to plan their trip.

The tour operator picks up participants from various locations around Stone Town free of charge, though extra fees may apply for pickups outside the city center.

After the excursion, the tour ends back at the starting point, the Mizingani Seafront Hotel.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed.

Exploring Prison Island

After a scenic boat ride across the sparkling waters of Zanzibar, visitors arrive at the secluded Prison Island.

Once a former British prison, the island now offers a unique and captivating experience.

Guests can:

• Explore the remnants of the old prison, learning about its intriguing history from the knowledgeable tour guide.
• Bask in the sun on the island’s pristine, sandy beaches, perfect for relaxation and swimming.
• Encounter the island’s famous residents – the giant Aldabra tortoises – and observe these ancient creatures up close.

These highlights, combined with the stunning natural beauty of the surroundings, make the Prison Island tour a must-do activity for visitors to Zanzibar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour is open to all ages, but it’s not wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate in the activities, as long as they are physically able.

What Language(S) Does the Tour Guide Speak?

The tour guide speaks English. According to the tour overview, the guided tour to Prison Island, Zanzibar includes a professional tour guide, suggesting the guide is fluent in English to provide informative insights during the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

The tour does not mention whether travelers can bring their own snorkeling gear. It states that traditional boat fees are included, but does not specify if snorkeling equipment is provided. Travelers should check with the tour operator for more details.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has no strict dress code, but travelers are advised to dress comfortably and wear appropriate clothing for a beach and boat excursion. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended to stay cool and comfortable during the tour.

Can I Extend My Stay on Prison Island?

Unfortunately, the tour does not allow travelers to extend their stay on Prison Island. The tour itinerary is fixed, and visitors must return to the meeting point at the end of the experience.

The Sum Up

The Zanzibar Prison Island Boat Trip offers a captivating blend of history and nature. Visitors can explore the remnants of the former British prison, relax on pristine beaches, and encounter unique Aldabra tortoises. With knowledgeable guides and convenient transportation, this private experience ensures an unforgettable day on the island. Whether you’re interested in the island’s past or its natural beauty, this tour provides an engaging and informative way to discover Zanzibar’s rich heritage.