If you love animals, PLEASE DONT COME HERE!!! How the tortoises are kept in this place is the most disgusting, abominable way, in which I have ever seen animals being treated. Trash is lying around everywhere, sharp ends of old fences are not being removed and neither the staff nor the local guides provide any instructions. Hundreds of people are crammed into a place that's supposed to be a sanctuary and the worst of them are knocking on the tortoises shells or sitting on them like they're ponies at a circus (see photo). And the saddest thing is, those are some of the most majestic and special beings around. The oldest tortoise is 197 years old. Let that sink in for a second - she was born about 40 years before Abraham Lincoln became president and 2 years after Napoleon died. And now she's being treated like a bad sandwich thrown into the trashcan of a nasty old fastfood-restaurant.

There isn't really anything to Prison Island. Don't pay more than USD 25 for a boat there and back. Also, you don't really need a guide to take you around. The island is so small. You can Google and read up about it before you go so you know about it. The "guide" charges you USD 10 and then you also have to pay USD 7 to visit the island. The huge tortoises are nice to see. An hour max is more than enough on the island.

We regret going to the island, we left feeling sad. The name prison island is fitting as it feels like a prison for endangered tortoises. It was awful. They all pile on top of each other, some look sick and they are basically being trampled over by tourists to get photos. There is plastic everywhere too. The babies are in a tiny mud pit cage for 10 years. I could go on and on about this place but if Zanzibar is trying to build their conservation then this is an awful way to do it. Someone should do something about it. Also, the island gets horribly busy and the coral reef is literally dead around the island because of the tourist activity. We feel ashamed that as tourists we have contributed to part of the problem of this island.

This is also a great excursion to do while on Zanzibar, it used to be a hotel also there but not anymore , you can feed the 🐢 touch them , make pictures, we went here for a couple of hours , and if you love these animals you should definitely go here and you will have a great day.

It’s great to see such creatures especially with your family with your beautiful kids to learn more about the creation that can live up to 150 years it’s unbelievable

Crystal water , and there is hotel on island which you can spend night there.

Prison island is like a prison for the tortoise. If you are a person who likes animals you cannot support this. Too many tortoise are cramped in a way too small area. There is no natural habitat for these poor animals. The ground is dirty, covered with sharp edges. No natural food is provided, you can see that the tortoise receive every day only cabbage which is covering the whole ground. Small baby tortoise are kept in a tiny cage with the excuse it would be for their own safety. People are making their fun out of knocking or riding on the tortoise. These poor animals are getting really old and literally have no space and have to eat everyday the same food. Please do not visit the place unless Sansibar is changing the life quality of these poor animals.

Try a boat trip to this beautiful small island to have a short 30min tour and take some great pictures. Do not expect the turtle farm as a highlight, it is the island itself and the snorkeling spots to enjoy.

One of the most historical places to visit in Zanzibar, with a rich and sorrow history. It’s nearly a 30-40 mins sail to the island. The Island has a Tortoise sanctuary with some of them aging to over 100 years. Peacocks and occasional deers can also be spotted here. The place could be maintained better, currently the place looks a bit run down and more money and effort should be pumped in to the sanctuary to make it more appealing to the tourists. A small public beach spot is also available here for people looking to spend more time here. A restaurant / bar is also available here with beautiful sunset views. Overall a must visit place when in Zanzibar.

One of the most visited places , i love the culture and history of the place .. charming beach and really lovely place to visit eat with turtles

The place is ok.If you've seen big turtles before, dont waste your time going there.Suprisingly, there is two separate ticket persons, and you have to pay for two tickets (total $7).Quite funny thing.Like you were going to cinema and have to pay two ticket per person😂

Nothing to do on this island. Just to see turtles 🐢. Charge: 3$ +4$ Taxi bout 20$ Better to spend day in stone tawon

The story is not told good enough about the history of this prison. A guide is important to explain its history since there are no writings.

Amazing place. Renting boat to island was easy and cheap. Must visit place