We took a half-day boat trip (🎟️15 USD + 23 USD conservation fee) to the famous Prison Island, or Changuu Island. It has a history rooted in controlling and isolating people. Initially, a holding ground for rebellious slaves by Arab traders, it became a quarantine station for infectious diseases like yellow fever in the late 19th and early 20th centuries under the British. A prison was built but never used for its intended purpose; instead, the island later became a sanctuary for giant Aldabra tortoises, which were imported from the Seychelles and are its main attraction today.
It is a popular half-day excursion from Stone Town, offering a mix of history and nature. We explored the island and its ancient giant tortoises, swam in the clear waters, and went snorkelling in the coral reefs. The island’s historical significance as a never-used prison and quarantine station added a fascinating dimension to the visit.
