Stone Town Tours
Full-day Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch buffet
5

Full-day Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch buffet

By The Sultan Tours
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 5–6 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More


  • Fries, Salads, Seafood (Lobsters, Tuna fish, Calamary, Octopus, Prawns, etc.). For Vegetarian (Fries, Salads, etc.). Fruit Snacks (Banana, Watermelon, Pineapple, Coconut, etc.) and more
  • Drinks: Bottles of water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Novida, etc.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Private transportation
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
What's not included
  • Prison Island entrance fee; $12pp
  • Towel and Sunscreens
  • Conservation fee; $3/6,000 TZSpp
  • Entry/Admission - Prison Island - Changuu Private Island


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • We pick up from any Hotel/ Accommodation located in Zanzibar.
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Not wheelchair accessible
        • Infant seats available
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 247178P3

        • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
        • Most travellers can participate
        • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 247178P3

        From
        ₹13,475.15
        per adult (price varies by group size)
        Select date and travellers

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        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • The Sultan Tours
          204
          Zanzibar City, Tanzania
          Joined in February 2020
        • rosall66
          0 contributions
          3.0 of 5 bubbles
          A nice and simple boat trip, but too expensive for the experience
          Overall the excursion was good and a lovely boat trip. However, it was very expensive and for the high cost, I was expecting a little bit more. I didn't get to view any islands (so my experience differed to the description stated on TripAdvisor), and I didn't really feel like I came away with a new experience of the island. The crew were wonderful, but I honestly feel I could have used one of the street touts for 60% cheaper and a similar experience. I'm happy to pay premium and contribute to a community, but a premium cost should be aligned with an outstanding experience.
          Written 6 January 2025
        • docheather55
          0 contributions
          2.0 of 5 bubbles
          Disappointing
          Arrived to a rough sea. Was surprised we had no safety brief or reassurance about the sea conditions. In fact we were told very little. Arriving at the reef about a dozen body’s were already anchored. Less than 10% of people were venturing into the water. It was too rough. Others were visibly unwell. We did snorkel, it was an amazing if brief experience. There were no dolphins. Obviously superior beings to avoid the weather conditions. Dolphins of course we have no control over but I feel that today’s trip was purely to income generate and not good value.
          Written 3 January 2025
        • OWNERSMARINAHOUSE
          0 contributions
          4.0 of 5 bubbles
          Nice but no cruising
          Ahmed our guide was very nice and knowledgeable. Sadly the boat was mostly stationary near the working harbour and we did not really do any cruising. We were disappointed as cruising/sailing on a Dhow was the on our bucket list.
          Written 18 December 2024
        • John T
          0 contributions
          3.0 of 5 bubbles
          Expensive, better alternatives available
          Hmm a bit pricey. I suspected they act as the middle men between the toutists and those who actually own the boat and gear at the location. I highly recommend tourists to take a cab straight to the location, then hire a boat. It will be soo much cheaper.
          Written 27 November 2024
        • dkali2019
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Don’t miss this tour
          For the first part Abdul was awesome. Knowledgeable, kind and listened well, answered all questions. For the second leg we had Ahmed who was also wonderful
          Written 14 September 2024
        • Stay55239873406
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A fantastic guide for unforgettable excursions in Zanzibar
          We stayed in Zanzibar 4 days and have chosen Ali for our excursions thanks to very good reviews on TripAdvisor. Ali was really kind and caring. He organized 2 private excursions for us: - excursion to the island of Mnemba, where we were able to see dolphins and swim with them. After swimming we went back in our private boat and got a big and delicious platter of local fruits. Then we had a fantastic lunch in a small restaurant on the beach with a great view. We ate fish, octopus, shrimps and lobsters (all included). - We also trusted Ali for a second combined excursion: Prison Island, Stone Town and spice farm. Everything was perfect. As for Mnemba Ali came to pick us up at our hotel. Everything was perfectly organized. We had a fantastic guide to visit every thing. We learned a lot (history, culture, economy, way of life, the various spices the country is growing and exporting… The service offered by Ali is truly professional. He is an honest and serious person. In addition, his prices are affordable and very reasonable. If you are looking for good value for money, do not hesitate to contact him. He will be able to meet your needs and advise you based on what you want to do. He offers many customized quality programs. He can search a guide speaking your language. We strongly recommend Ali. Below are his contact details, do not hesitate to call him or contact him by WhatsApp : Ali +255 778 943 116 Thanks a lot to Ali for everything.
          Written 13 August 2024
        • Traveler62168576545
          0 contributions
          4.0 of 5 bubbles
          Good to try it once
          Love this tour, it was simple and a music band was with us playing Swahili music. I’m glad we had experienced this. We too many sunset picture
          Written 1 August 2024
        • Journey13389695852
          0 contributions
          1.0 of 5 bubbles
          Pay attention
          We booked the Tour in Kiwengwa with Consiglio, i saw the Dolphins the very first time. Unfortunately, nothing remained of the initially positive impression. More than 15 boats were chasing them, jump in for a minute and go out hunting all over again. The snorkling was even worse i have never seen something similar! Destroyed the corales with the anchores! How you can earn such good money with such damage to nature in 2024 remains a mystery to me. The guides, agencies, hotels and even Tripadvisor should be fined for this.
          Written 28 July 2024
        • RamzyD
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Pungume and Uzi Island
          a full-day trip to Pungume and Uzi Island, and it was an incredible experience! The day was packed with exciting activities, including snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, exploring vibrant coral reefs, and discovering the rich marine life. The islands themselves are stunning, with pristine beaches and lush greenery providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed for a safe and enjoyable day. They provided interesting insights into the local ecosystem and the history of the islands. Lunch was a delightful spread of local cuisine, which we enjoyed on the beach, adding to the overall experience. Overall, this trip is a must-do for anyone visiting the area. Whether you're an avid snorkeler or just looking to explore some beautiful islands, Pungume and Uzi Island offer something for everyone. Highly recommended!
          Written 25 July 2024
        • FarAway275107
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Amazing
          Amazing , swimming with wild dolphins is surnatural . The water is warm , the corals are amazing , not to many paole, well organnize from A to Z
          Written 29 April 2024
        • 328pareshd
          0 contributions
          3.0 of 5 bubbles
          Historic
          The town has narrow streets alleyways where you can wind through little tiny shops on both sides selling anything from wares, trinkets, souvenirs, meat, fish, spices etc etc. At one point or another you come across some historical monument which has some significance to history buffs and of interest to others.
          Written 9 April 2024
        • Jolahna
          0 contributions
          3.0 of 5 bubbles
          Stone Town great, spice farm ok
          I visited the spice farm first. The guide was ok, but the visit felt a bit rushed. Also lots of people expected tips (guide, guide's "assistant", guy who climbed a coconut tree, guy who cut fruit for us) which was very awkward. I was happy to buy some spice to support the local community, but bear in mind that they are triple the cost of local market. Stone Town was a great visit! The guide was super knowledgeable and nice, I saw lots. I can't unfortunately remember his name but he was great. The transport (from hotel and back) was good!
          Written 24 February 2024
        • Explorer39101402799
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great Excursion
          What a great excursion. Prison Island, Nakaupenda and Stone Town. Hamed and his two colleagues gave us a great tour. Nothing was too much for them. The food was amazing and Hamed's knowledge of the area was first class. Would highly reccommend Sultan Tours.
          Written 4 February 2024
        • harriettei2022
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          An absolutely amazing experience
          This was one of the few places that do pick ups from further down the island which is such a bonus but the experience itself was absolutely amazing. The captain made sure we were ok the whole time jumping in with us when we swam with dolphins always checking in that we were ok and were able to see them. The snorkeling was also amazing the captain was showing us the different fish and telling us about them took photos close up further down of the reef and of us it was such an exceptional experience I would highly recommend to go with them especially seeing other boats with people jumping in without the captain it just made you feel safer with him there with you as he also held the hand of one of our friends so was slightly scared. The fruit was also amazing and freshly cut onboard.
          Written 21 January 2024
        • Pam L
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Well coordinated private day tours
          I arranged two days of private tours with Sultan Tours and had 5⭐️ experiences both days. We created two days of busy itineraries to explore the best of Zanzibar prior to arrival. They were responsive via WhatsApp to coordinating and able to do payment via credit card. Even with a last minute change (additional guest) on one day they were able to accommodate. Both days the guides and drivers were professional and hand offs between driver and guides was seamless. Day 1: Snorkeling and swimming with dolphins at Mnemba island, tour of Stone Town, lunch stop, Nakupenda sand bar, night market Day 2: snorkeling at Starfish and Blue Lagoon near Dongwe, lunch at The Rock, Kuza Cave. I recommend utilizing Sultan tours to coordinate private tours on Zanzibar
          Written 10 January 2024
        See all 204 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

        Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

        Popular mentions

        5.0
        5.0 of 5 bubbles21 reviews
        Excellent
        20
        Very good
        1
        Average
        0
        Poor
        0
        Terrible
        0

        beem4johns
        Seattle, WA56 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jul 2022
        There was a change in our tour guide at the last minute and Abuu arrived at our hotel for pickup at 9:30 AM. It was raining in Stone Town that morning and he asked if we wanted to wait. But we forged ahead to the docks and waited briefly for the food and fuel to be loaded on the boat.

        As soon as we left the harbor, the rain stopped and Abuu started telling us about all the islands in the area. Even though he was very young, Abu knew a lot about Prison Island and took us to see a lot of big tortoises!

        But the highlight of the trip was Nakupenda Sandbank. By that time, the sun came out, we took amazing photos, and swam in the clear blue water. After an hour, we were invited to a seafood feast. The lobster, prawns, and octopus were excellent; and so were the chips (fries)! We stuffed ourselves so full that we didn't even get to the fruit platter.

        Then the rains came back in at 3 PM and they took us back a little early to Stone Town.

        Sultan Tours really came through this time -- we highly suggest their services when booking this tour
        Written 5 August 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Elizabeth Elias
        Miami, FL3 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2020
        Me and my friends did book this tour directly on The Sultan Tours website, and it was so great. Prison Island was great; the giant tortoises, dik-diks and the learning the History. After Prison Island we went to the Paradise (Nakupenda Sand Bank), it was so lovely, we had best seafood buffet and it was a best place to feel relaxing. I was the best. Also our guide did take us around stone-town without additional charges. Ahmed did arrange everything perfectly and he got the best team.
        Written 22 April 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Your kind words really means alot to us and we really do appreciate it so much and also we are so happy to hear that you had wonderful time with best memories and that it our main priority to make your day better.
        Written 23 April 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Bruce J
        New York City, NY4 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2020
        It was an amazing experience, Me and my gf we had enjoyed and have alot of best moments together on this trip. The prison Island tour was great we learn alot about tortoise and the History of the Island, and we did see Dik-diks too. Nakupenda beach was so memorable, the food was more than perfect we eat alot and alot of food was still remain, there were alot of fruits, bottle of waters, Sodas, and sea food buffet (lot of fresh seafood with fries). Thanks to Ahmed and The Sultan tours team for the special and amazing day. I do highly recommend them for all your trips in Zanzibar.
        Written 28 February 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thank you Bruce for the recommendation, we do highly appreciate. Your satisfaction is our main priority.
        Written 2 March 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Isla Paul
        Dallas, TX1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Dec 2020
        The trip was nice and well organized from pickup to the end and everything was private (just me and my girl). We enjoyed spending time with Giant Tortoise at Prison Island and later had a great Seafood buffet at one of the beautiful Sandbanks that we ever see. We highly recommend this trip.
        Written 18 December 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thank you for recommending us, it really means alot to us. Also we are so happy to hear that you enjoyed the trip. Your kind words really means alot to us.
        Written 18 December 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Sadie
        Dubai, United Arab Emirates1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Oct 2020
        On time pickup from our Hotel in Stone Town by our guide Abdallah. He was so knowledgeable and informative, he explained to us all information about the Prison Island and then later we went to the Sandbank.

        The Sandbank was so beautiful, with the calmest and cleanest water that we ever seen. Also the food was perfect amazing, Lobster was our favorite and we had many of them.

        This was our favorite trip that we had in Zanzibar and Ahmed did spiced it up with great communication and arrangements.
        Written 12 October 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thank you so much, your feedback really means a lot to us and we are so happy to hear that Abdallah did guide you well during the whole trip. Again thank you, your kind words really mean a lot to us.
        Written 6 November 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Saidi
        Toronto, Canada6 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jun 2022
        We had an amazing day visiting Prison Island and Nakupenda. It was wonderful seeing the giant tortoises and the peacocks roaming around on the island and lunch on Nakupenda was delicious. Would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Zanzibar.
        Written 30 June 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Martin M
        London, UK1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Mar 2020
        Ahmed and the team was so nice and organized everything perfectly. I had great time learning the history at Prison Island and enjoy a great beach at Nakupenda with a great food and good perople arround you. I highly recommend the tour.
        Written 12 March 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thank you Martin, we highly do appreciate so much for you time to write a review and recommend us to other travelers.
        Written 13 March 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Hassan Harn
        Kampala, Uganda120 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Dec 2022 • Couples
        Its the memory The Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island which is located in the western part of Zanzibar Island, just off Stone Town. It takes around 25 minutes by local boat riding from the Stone Town beach.

        The island’s main attraction is the popular Giant Tortoises, who can live up to 200 years. In this tour, you will get a chance to explore and learn the history of these beautiful creatures and also about Prison Island itself.

        You will be with our expert local tour guide who will be explaining each area of interest.

        Apart from being a place where you can go to see the Giant Tortoises, it also is a perfect destination to do swimming, & Relaxing on the beach. Therefore after all information about the Island, then you will have time for swimming & relaxing on the beach. which lasts till now.
        Written 16 May 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Steven S
        2 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Apr 2023 • Couples
        The lunch was really good! They were flexible on times which made it easy. We highly recommend. Got us from hotel
        Written 27 April 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        José Stephen
        Ohio2 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jan 2023 • Couples
        A great experience of Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbar with Ahmed from Sultan Tours. His so knowledgeable and hospitable. Feel free to ask him anything.
        Written 15 March 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Showing results 1-10 of 19
        *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

        Full-day Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch buffet provided by The Sultan Tours

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