Prison Island Tour (Half Day Tour)

About 20 minutes by boat from Forodhani area lies Changuu, also known as Prison Island. That name is misleading; although the once impressive building, erected in 1893 by Lloyd Mathews under orders of the British administrators, was originally intended as a prison, it never housed criminals.

The island was, however, reportedly used by an Arab slave trader to contain the feistier and more troublesome slaves he had brought from the African mainland. Later it became a quarantine station - but mostly it was a conveniently located leisure spot for the wealthier townsfolk.

Prison Island Tour Activities

The old prison's crumbling cells can still be seen today; they provide shelter for the resident peacocks and the giant Aldabra tortoises that Sultan Seyyid Said brought from the Seychelles in the 1820's. Some of them are almost a hundred years old. The island is also an ideal place for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the white sandy beach.

Depending on the tides, start (best) at 8 am and the latest at 3 pm (tour duration approx 2 to 3 hours). Including private guide, wooden boat with sunscreen, entrance fees at Prison Island tortoise sanctuary, refreshments- such as fresh coconuts, drinking water & seasonal fruits

Prison Island Tour Preparation

Please take a beach towel, wear swimwear under your clothes (if wished) and apply a good amount of sun blocker with a high UV rating (reef-friendly sunscreen please) to avoid sunburn. If possible please bring suitable beach footwear for the boat transfers. It is water entry. Please wear clothing that can be pulled up above the knee, in case the water is a bit high.

Prison Island Journey (Half Day Tour)

About 20 minutes by boat from Forodhani area lies Changuu, also known as Prison Island. That name is misleading; although the once impressive building, erected in 1893 by Lloyd Mathews under orders of the British administrators, was originally intended as a prison, it never housed criminals. The island was, however, reportedly used by an Arab slave trader to contain the feistier and more troublesome slaves he had brought from the African mainland. Later it became a quarantine station - but mostly it was a conveniently located leisure spot for the wealthier townsfolk.

The old prison's crumbling cells can still be seen today; they provide shelter for the resident peacocks and the giant Aldabra tortoises that Sultan Seyyid Said brought from the Seychelles in the 1820's. Some of them are almost a hundred years old. The island is also an ideal place for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the white sandy beach.

Depending on the tides, start (best) at 8 am and the latest at 3 pm (tour duration approx 2 to 3 hours). Including private guide, wooden boat with sunscreen, entrance fees at Prison Island tortoise sanctuary, refreshments- such as fresh coconuts, drinking water & seasonal fruits.

Preparation to Visit Prison Island 

Please take a beach towel, wear swimwear under your clothes (if wished) and apply a good amount of sun blocker with a high UV rating (reef-friendly sunscreen please) to avoid sunburn. If possible please bring suitable beach footwear for the boat transfers. It is water entry. Please wear clothing that can be pulled up above the knee, in case the water is a bit high.

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