Tours & experiences

Private Stone Town Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank Tour

About this experience

This private tour offers an exclusive, personalized experience combining the best of Zanzibar’s culture, nature, and history. Begin with a guided walk through the historic streets of Stone Town, exploring hidden alleys and learning about the island’s rich heritage, spice trade, and diverse influences. Next, relax at Nakupenda Beach, a pristine, peaceful sandbank with crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, away from the crowds. Finally, take a short boat ride to Prison Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises and vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. This tour uniquely blends history, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, tailored just for your group, making it a memorable and authentic Zanzibar adventure.

At a glance

  • Duration: 7 hr
  • Private experience

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Private Stone Town Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank Tour
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour7 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), French (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 7 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Tour guide
  • Entrance fee
  • Private boat
  • This is marine conservation tax
  • This tour lunch is included and normally we are prepare see food with fries eg octopus ,praws , lobstar ,tuna fish and calamari(squid). But if you don't wan't the sea food other option is chicken.
  • Snorkeling equipment will be provided when you want to do snorkeling

Itinerary and highlights

Step back in time on this immersive Stone Town Walking Tour, a must-do experience for visitors to Zanzibar. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city with a local guide who brings the narrow alleyways, ancient architecture, and vibrant history to life. Discover the cultural crossroads where Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences meet, and learn about the people, politics, and trade that shaped Zanzibar's storied past.
Whether you're fascinated by history, culture, or photography, Stone Town offers a unique glimpse into a living museum of Swahili coastal life.

Leave the bustle of Stone Town behind and set sail across Zanzibar’s blue waters to Prison Island, a peaceful hideaway steeped in mystery and charm. Known locally as Changuu Island, this former detention site has evolved into one of the region’s most fascinating natural and historical attractions.
On this guided experience, you’ll uncover stories of the island’s colonial-era use as a quarantine zone and never-used prison, walk among century-old giant Aldabra tortoises, and enjoy free time to snorkel or relax along the island’s sun-soaked shoreline.

This isn’t just a beach trip — it’s a journey into the lesser-known chapters of Zanzibar’s past, blended with tropical beauty and rare wildlife encounters.

Nakupenda, which means "I love you" in Swahili, isn’t just a name—it’s a feeling. Just off the coast of Stone Town, this pristine sandbank rises from the sea like a mirage. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Nakupenda Beach is the ultimate escape for those seeking beauty, simplicity, and untouched nature.
This tour is more than just a beach visit — it's a full experience. Swim in warm turquoise waters, sunbathe on the soft white sand, snorkel among colorful fish, and enjoy a freshly prepared seafood picnic served right on the sandbank.

Whether you’re seeking romance, relaxation, or natural beauty, Nakupenda delivers a postcard-perfect slice of Zanzibar.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Mizingani Seafront Hotel is in Stone Town, Zanzibar, right on Mizingani Road by the ferry terminal, next to Forodhani Gardens and near the Old Dispensary.
  • I will pick up traveller from their hotel in stone town we will meet to the hotel reception.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • French — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Yasco guide zanzibar

Accessibility and practical details

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 7 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
I will pick up traveller from their hotel in stone town we will meet to the hotel reception.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), French (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Adult tickets: age 6+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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