Take a scenic 30-minute motorized dhow ride from Stone Town to Changuu Island. Meet giant Aldabra tortoises, explore colonial prison ruins, and swim in crystal-clear waters.
Prison Island, officially known as Changuu Island, is situated just 5.6 km off the coast of Stone Town. Originally acquired in 1893 to build a prison complex for rebellious slaves, it was later repurposed as a yellow fever quarantine station. Today, the island is world-famous as a sanctuary for Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which are over 190 years old.