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From Uroa/Kiwengwa: Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour

5.03 reviews
Duration
Varies
Location
Zanzibar - Tanzania
Host or Greeter
English
Pickup Optional
Not available for this tour.

About This Activity

Start your day with a visit to Prison Island, just a short boat ride from the mainland. Known for its captivating history, this island was originally a place for holding slaves and later used as a quarantine station. Today, it’s home to a large population of giant tortoises that are over 100 years old. As you wander around the island, you’ll get a glimpse into its intriguing past while enjoying the beauty of its serene beaches. You can also snorkel in the clear waters or simply relax under the shade of palm trees, making this stop an educational and relaxing experience.

After your visit to Prison Island, you’ll be whisked away by boat to Nakupenda Sandbank, one of the most picturesque spots in Zanzibar. This stunning sandbank is a small strip of land surrounded by turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and taking in the stunning views. It’s the ultimate spot for nature lovers and anyone looking to escape to paradise. Whether you're exploring the shallow waters with a snorkel or just soaking up the sun, Nakupenda promises a true slice of Zanzibar heaven.

One of the highlights of this tour is the chance to snorkel in Zanzibar’s vibrant waters. Both Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank are rich in marine life, so get ready to be amazed by the underwater world. The coral reefs teem with colorful fish, and you might even spot dolphins or sea turtles! The clear waters make it easy to explore, and you don’t need to be an experienced snorkeler to enjoy the beauty beneath the surface. It’s a fun and memorable activity that will make your tour even more special.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with family, this tour offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. You’ll explore historical sites, bask in the sun on pristine beaches, and dive into the crystal-clear waters of Zanzibar. The pace of the tour is laid-back, giving you time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

"An amazing tour. The guide was so knowledgeable. Definitely a highlight of our trip!"
- Sarah K.
"An brilliant experience from start to finish. Definitely a highlight of our trip!"
- Mary P.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1, Child x 0, Infant x 0

Zanzibar

Your tour begins with hotel pickup, followed by a ride on a small motorized dhow boat to Prison Island.
1 Hour

Prison Island

Prison Island in Zanzibar is famous for its giant tortoises and beautiful beaches. Continue your adventure with snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters off the island's coast.
3 Hours Photo stop Visit Sightseeing Walk Snorkeling

Nakupenda Sandbank

Reboard the boat and head to Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve, where you can relax on white sandy beaches and enjoy the turquoise waters of one of Zanzibar's most stunning spots.
3 Hours Photo stop Visit Free time Sightseeing Swimming

Lunch

Enjoy Zanzibar's flavors with local seafood, including the catch of the day, fresh seasonal fruits, and a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage to complete your meal.
Lunch

End your day with a return journey to Zanzibar's main island, concluding your tour at your hotel in Uroa.
1 Hour

Zanzibar

Savor Zanzibar's rich flavors with a delicious seafood lunch.
Explore 2 top attractions off Zanzibar’s coast on an unforgettable day trip.
Visit Prison Island and meet the giant tortoises living there.
Snorkel in crystal-clear waters and discover Zanzibar’s vibrant marine life.
Relax at Nakupenda Sandbank, a tropical paradise perfect for unwinding.

Start your day with a visit to Prison Island, just a short boat ride from the mainland. Known for its captivating history, this island was originally a place for holding slaves and later used as a quarantine station. Today, it’s home to a large population of giant tortoises that are over 100 years old. As you wander around the island, you’ll get a glimpse into its intriguing past while enjoying the beauty of its serene beaches. You can also snorkel in the clear waters or simply relax under the shade of palm trees, making this stop an educational and relaxing experience.

After your visit to Prison Island, you’ll be whisked away by boat to Nakupenda Sandbank, one of the most picturesque spots in Zanzibar. This stunning sandbank is a small strip of land surrounded by turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and taking in the stunning views. It’s the ultimate spot for nature lovers and anyone looking to escape to paradise. Whether you're exploring the shallow waters with a snorkel or just soaking up the sun, Nakupenda promises a true slice of Zanzibar heaven.

One of the highlights of this tour is the chance to snorkel in Zanzibar’s vibrant waters. Both Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank are rich in marine life, so get ready to be amazed by the underwater world. The coral reefs teem with colorful fish, and you might even spot dolphins or sea turtles! The clear waters make it easy to explore, and you don’t need to be an experienced snorkeler to enjoy the beauty beneath the surface. It’s a fun and memorable activity that will make your tour even more special.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with family, this tour offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. You’ll explore historical sites, bask in the sun on pristine beaches, and dive into the crystal-clear waters of Zanzibar. The pace of the tour is laid-back, giving you time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Meeting Point Options

Meeting Address:
Central Turkey (Exact pickup time & location provided after booking)
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Nungwi
Round-trip transfer by boat
Free Wi-Fi
Visit to Prison Island
Snorkeling equipment
Visit to the Nakupenda Sandbank
Seafood barbecue lunch (vegetarian options available)
Fresh fruit (mango, pineapple, bananas, coconut, and watermelon)
Bottle of water
Soft drinks
Prison Island entry fee ($15 per person)
Babies under 1 year
People with heart problems
People with mobility impairments
Pregnant women
Wheelchair users
Alcohol and drugs
Pets
This tour involves boat transfers and a moderate amount of walking, so it’s best suited for travelers in good physical condition.
If you’re an avid snorkeler or someone looking to enjoy the beauty of Zanzibar’s marine life, you’ll love the experience.
Likely to Sell Out
From137.76114.80per person
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.9/5
Based on 2178 Reviews
Guide
4.9/5
Transportation
4.9/5
Value for Money
4.9/5

What travelers are saying

AI summary based on 2178 reviews
Guide quality: Tour guides are consistently praised for being knowledgeable, attentive, friendly, and engaging.
Organization: The tour is well organized with a clear itinerary, timely visits, and smooth logistics.
Scenery and activities: Travelers highlight the stunning landscapes, cultural stops, and memorable activities.
Transportation: Drivers are described as safe, skilled, and accommodating, making long drives comfortable.
Value: Many reviews mention the experience as excellent value for the price.
Accommodations: Comfortable hotels and nice facilities are appreciated for enhancing the overall experience.

By Traveler Types

By Star Rating

H
Harry Anderson - Ireland
12 June
Review 0
Review 1

This was easily the best tour we experienced in Zanzibar!

L
Lukas Reinhardt - United Kingdom
12 June
Review 0

The trip was very enjoyable, and both Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach were definitely worth visiting. Nakupenda offered a generous barbecue buffet, including options for vegetarians. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go snorkeling because of the weather and sea conditions.

E
Emma Hill - Ireland
12 June

Having an hour to ourselves on the sandbank was enjoyable. The lunch wasn’t very impressive, and the seafood could have been better.