About this experience
Discover the Unforgettable:
Experience Zanzibar's ultimate journey between two worlds, offering a rich tapestry of history, wildlife, and pristine paradise. Escape the crowds and noise of mainland beach. History of the Prison Island is compelling, its most famous residents are the Aldabra Giant Tortoises.
Sit back and relax at Nakupenda Sandbank. It has no permanent structures, no vendors, and no distractions. The landscape is reduced to its most beautiful essentials: an endless horizon, brilliant white sand, and a mesmerizing gradient of blue ocean.
It masterfully condenses the quintessential Zanzibar experience into one seamless journey, combining:
Culture & History: The layered story of Prison Island.
Wildlife: An intimate encounter with giant tortoises.
Ocean Adventure: Scenic boat trips across the Indian Ocean.
Snorkeling: Access to vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Beach Paradise: Unparalleled relaxation on a magical sandbank.
At a glance
- Duration: 7 hr–8 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 7 hr–8 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
- Transport includes both van pick up and drop off from your hotel and also boat trip to and from the island!
- Entry fee
- A sumptuous seafood lunch for a full-day Nakupenda Sandbank tour typically includes a beachside barbecue with grilled fish, prawns, lobsters, and squid. Expect tropical fruits, soft drinks and water.
Not included
- Tips
Itinerary and highlights
Discover two of Zanzibar’s most unforgettable experiences in one full-day adventure. Continue by boat to Nakupenda Sandbank, a spectacular stretch of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water. Depending on the tides, the sandbank may change in size or become partially covered by the sea, adding to its natural beauty.
Relax, swim, snorkel, and enjoy the tropical surroundings before sitting down to a delicious seafood BBQ lunch. Feast on freshly prepared local specialties such as grilled fish, prawns, octopus, calamari, and other seasonal seafood, accompanied by Zanzibar-style sides and fresh tropical fruit.
Discover two of Zanzibar’s most unforgettable experiences in one full-day adventure. Visit historic Prison Island, meet the island’s famous giant Aldabra tortoises. Your adventure begins with a boat ride to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. Explore the island’s fascinating history and see the giant tortoises, some of which are more than a century old. Enjoy time to walk around, take photos, and learn about the island from your local guide.
Meeting and pickup information
- Pickup is available from Kiwengwa region, including Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani, and nearby areas. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed after booking and depends on your hotel location, boat departure point, tides, and sea conditions. Please be ready at your hotel reception or designated pickup point 10 minutes before the confirmed pickup time. To confirm if your hotel is eligible, please check your booking confirmation or contact our support team. For accommodations outside our pick up areas, an additional transfer fee may apply.
Languages and tickets
- German — Guide
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- pl — Guide
- French — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Maryam Tours Zanzibar
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- 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?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Your exact pickup time will be confirmed after booking and depends on your hotel location, boat departure point, tides, and sea conditions.
Please be ready at your hotel reception or designated pickup point 10 minutes before the confirmed pickup time.
To confirm if your hotel is eligible, please check your booking confirmation or contact our support team.
For accommodations outside our pick up areas, an additional transfer fee may apply.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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