Prison Island

Island entrance fees are approximately $25-30 USD per person. A typical half-day guided tour including boat transfer from Stone Town, guide services, and snorkeling equipment costs $50-80 USD per person. Private tours run $120-150 USD for 2-4 people. Lunch and refreshments add $10-20 per person. Most multi-day Zanzibar packages include Prison Island as a paid add-on excursion.

June through October offers the best conditions with dry weather, calm seas, and excellent snorkeling visibility. July-August is peak season with guaranteed sunshine but higher visitor numbers. December-March is warm and quieter with occasional rain and rougher seas. April-May should be avoided due to heavy rains and rough ocean conditions that often close boat access. Morning visits (6:00-10:00 AM) provide calmer water and better light.

The main attraction is the Aldabra giant tortoise colony, with 50+ individuals including some over 100 years old. You'll also see free-roaming peacocks with striking blue plumage, seabirds including fish eagles and herons, and sea turtles in the surrounding water. Snorkeling reveals tropical reef fish (parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish), coral formations, octopuses, and occasionally dolphins and reef sharks during boat transfers. The island lacks Big Five mammals — those require mainland Tanzania safaris.

Prison Island is accessible only by boat from Stone Town, Zanzibar, a 20-30 minute transfer depending on sea conditions. Daily ferry services and private dhows depart Stone Town harbor at 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM. To reach Zanzibar, fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ, 15 km from Stone Town) via connections from Dar es Salaam or international flights. Alternatively, fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO, 335 km away) and take a domestic flight to Zanzibar.