Prison Island (Changuu)

Highlights

• Meet the giant Aldabra tortoises
• Explore the historic prison ruins
• Snorkelling and swimming off the island
• Short, easy boat trip from Stone Town

From our days out

How the day runs

Times are a guide. Tides, sea conditions and how far your hotel is from the departure point all move them, and we confirm your pick-up the day before.

1. 09:00

   Pick-up and down to the waterfront

   • Hotel pick-up, then to the Stone Town waterfront to meet your guide and the boat.

2. 09:30

   Across to Changuu

   • Twenty to thirty minutes by boat, with the old seafront receding behind you.

3. 10:00

   The island and the ruins

   • Walk the old quarantine buildings and prison ruins with your guide.
   • The island is small and flat, so it is an easy walk in the shade of the trees.

4. 10:45

   The giant tortoises

   • The Aldabra sanctuary, where the oldest residents are well over a hundred years old.
   • You can feed them the greens provided. Nobody sits on them or picks them up, and our guides will say so.

5. 11:45

   Snorkelling and swimming

   • Clear water off the island, with equipment on board. The spot depends on the day's conditions.

6. 13:00

   Back to Stone Town

   • Boat back and transfer to your hotel, or straight on to a Stone Town walk or the Nakupenda sandbank.

What to bring

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
• Comfortable sandals for the island paths
• A dry bag for your phone
• A little cash for anything extra

Questions we get asked

Was it really a prison?

A prison was built on Changuu in the 1890s but never used to hold prisoners. The island served as a quarantine station instead, and the buildings you walk through today come from that period.

How long does it take?

Around four hours door to door on its own. Combined with Stone Town or the Nakupenda sandbank it fills the day.

Can we touch the tortoises?

You can feed them and stroke the shell, and they are used to visitors. Climbing on them or lifting them is not on, and our guides will step in if anyone tries.

Is snorkelling included?

Yes, equipment is on the boat. Where you snorkel depends on the tide and visibility on the day, and the crew choose the spot.

Is it suitable for children and older visitors?

Yes. The boat ride is short, the island is flat, and the tortoises are the part children remember. Tell us in advance if walking is difficult and we will keep the pace slow.