Private Tour
Private Catamaran - Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank (8 hrs)
Overview
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Step aboard this private 65-foot power catamaran and explore the idyllic islands off Stone Town. This is the ultimate way to experience Zanzibar in comfort, style, and complete privacy.
Spacious catamaran with two bathrooms, expansive sun decks, shaded lounge areas, and freshwater showers
Your Experience Includes:
Visits to Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank — with options to go ashore, swim, or snorkel
Chef-prepared meals onboard, customized to your dietary preferences
Free-flowing drinks including wine, beer, soft drinks, and juices
Snorkeling gear and an attentive crew to ensure a smooth, memorable day
Return cruise timed to coincide with sunset over the Indian Ocean — the perfect way to end the day
Ideal for families, friends, or couples looking for an elevated, all-inclusive island-hopping experience.
This full-day charter follows the same itinerary as the half-day trip but allows more time to swim, explore, and enjoy the ocean at both Prison Island and Nakupenda.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Total tour duration includes sailing time
Alcoholic beverages is strictly for 18 years old and above only
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Prison Island - Changuu Private Island
Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is an intriguing and essential stop in our Zanzibar tour. Despite its name, which suggests a dark history of incarceration, the island never actually housed prisoners. Instead, it was originally used as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases. Today, it stands as a peaceful haven, renowned for its gentle giant tortoises, some of whom are over a hundred years old. These tortoises, originally from the Seychelles, are a majestic sight and a highlight of the island. During your visit to Prison Island, you'll have the chance, if you choose to interact with these amazing creatures, offering an up-close experience with one of nature's gentle giants. You can also see the remains of the old quarantine buildings, adding a touch of historical intrigue to your visit. This visit to Prison Island is not just a journey through history and nature but also a chance to unwind. Admission to the island is not included in the price.
Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve
Nakupenda Sandbank, the next jewel in our tour, is not only a haven of natural beauty but also the perfect spot for a delightful lunch and snorkeling adventure. This ephemeral sandbank, revealed at low tide off the coast of Zanzibar, is an idyllic location where 'Nakupenda' (meaning 'I love you' in Swahili) becomes a tangible experience. As you enjoy a sumptuous lunch on the pristine sands, surrounded by the Indian Ocean's azure waters, the tranquility of this paradise envelops you. Post-lunch, the sandbank transforms into an underwater wonderland for snorkeling enthusiasts. The clear waters offer a window to vibrant marine life and coral reefs, making it an unmissable experience. Whether basking in the sun, savoring a meal, or exploring the aquatic wonders, Nakupenda Sandbank promises unforgettable moments in your Zanzibar journey.
What‘s Included
Soda/Pop
Bottled water
Custom requests such as birthday cakes or similar
Full lunch catering for meat or seafood lovers, vegetarians and vegans. Dietary preferences will be requested before the charter.
Snacks
Bluetooth Sound System
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Beer and Wine
Private transportation
Prison Island Sanctuary Fees (payable if you decide to enter)
Options
Private Catamaran - Stone Town Islands & Sandbanks (8 hrs)
Food and Drinks
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommended
kathleen s,,Sep 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing trip. We were served with good food and an extremely good service due to the kind crew. We stopped by some beautiful islands, and we managed the time as we liked. On the way back, there was a lovely sunset with dolphins swimming nearby the boat. Highly recommend this trip. My instagram loved it.
Relaxing day in a very comfortable catamaran and a very friendly crew
CARMEN T,,Aug 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very pleasant and relaxing day in a huge catamaran (the largest in Zanzibar) and a super friendly crew. We saw Nakupenda Atoll, snorkeled and then went to Prison Island and ate there. The food was also excellent. Highly recommended. Thank you very much for the fabulous day we shared with you!!!
10/10
ilyasm682,,Jun 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The crew was spectacular and the views around the waters were absolutely incredible!!! Each and every one of us was thoroughly impressed by the service, the food and the professionalism of the entire crew! 10/10 would recommend.
Perfection
450henriettel,,Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing trip! The boat was fantastic, the crew so friendly with the best service. The food they made onboard was great! We enjoyed sitting in the front watching the beautiful sea and surroundings. We stopped for snorkeling and swimming. It was a memorable day!
Amazing cruise
piasverden,,Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing cruise! Cool staff, captain Lorne is professional and attentive. We enjoyed a delicious lunch and lots of drinks. Will book again!
Sunset Delight!
knutb378,,Dec 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First time for us in Zanzibar. On our last day we had the cruise booked. The time on the island was great. But the cruise was indeed: saving the best for last!. Amazing crew, great vibes, perfectly organized. Everyone who is after a chilled, relaxing, yet high quality time will be in good hands. Many thanks for this great experience!
Great trip
jan P668SB,,Nov 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain and stuff are very kind people and all services are at top level. Highly recommended for big group like us - 18 people.
Amazing catamaran Experience in Zanzibar - A must do !
828jackym,,Sep 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time on the catamaran tour in Zanzibar! The hospitality of Pete, Lorne, Bakari and the crew was top-notch—they were incredibly welcoming and made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our day to the fullest. From the moment we stepped on board, we felt like we were in great hands. The homemade food was absolutely delicious and exceeded our expectations(especially our favorite South Africa Potato Salad) It was clear that a lot of care and effort went into preparing the food, and it added such a personal touch to the experience. We enjoyed a variety of tasty seafood and local chapati. This perfectly complemented our time on the water. We had a great swim and snorkel during our trip. We stopped near Nakupenda island and then again near Prison Island. The crew kept the energy high with their fun and friendly vibe, and it was great just to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the stunning views with our friends. It was a day filled with laughter, good company, and unforgettable memories. This tour is perfect for anyone looking to spend a fun day out with friends, enjoying great hospitality and the beautiful surroundings of Zanzibar. Highly recommend
The most unforgettable experience
70cameronh,,Sep 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There are no words really to describe how appreciative and thankful I am to Lorne, Piet and his Team for giving my friends and I such a memorable an unforgetable experience on his yacht, the hospitality and service we recieved was outstanding and empicable. We started our afternoon with a slow and steady sale out to Nakupenda Sand Bank where got to experience the majestic wite bank with the crystal blue waters, I even dove off the front of the yacht and swam around in the water. We then set sail for Prison island and during this time the two guys [forgive me for forgetting their names] prepared the most tasteful and devi e lunch accompanied with beers and wine. Being South African we were taken back when he served us south african style potatoe salad as one of the side dishes along with many other options. This really was a special touch knowing how much we would appreciate a dish that took us back to our childhood and growing up in SA as a potatoes salad is a favorite back home. Once we reached prison island we all got geared up with our snorkeling gear which is provided by Lorne and we got the chance to experience the amazing aquatic life that surrounds the island. This was extremely special for me as it was my first time snorkeling and I also have a fear of water, but Lorne and his team made me feel comfortable and safe knowing that they were there. We ended our afternoon with a slow peacefully sunset sail back to Stone Town. I cant thank you guys again for giving me this experience. Thank you to the entire team, and to anyone wanting to experience any water activities in zanzibar I highly recommend Zanzibar Yacht Charter - South West. Cameron Henning
From Zanzibar with love ❤️
Clairebear Africa,,Jul 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lorne and Bakari are just the best! Delicious seafood platter, music that sent us all into Karaoke mode, snorkeling with the most incredible corals. The perfect day out with friends 🧡
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Operated by Zanzibar Yacht Charter - Southwest