About the destination
Changuu — better known as Prison Island — sits 5 km off Stone Town. Despite the name, the 19th-century prison was never used; today the island is famous for its colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, gifted by the Seychelles in 1919, some over 150 years old.
Why visit
A short dhow ride from Stone Town, the island combines history, giant tortoises, a small beach and snorkelling on a coral garden — the perfect afternoon while based in Stone Town.
Wildlife & landscape
- Giant Aldabra tortoises (150+ years old)
- Peacocks and tropical birds
- Reef fish on the offshore coral garden
Things to do here
Tortoise Sanctuary
Hand-feed century-old giant tortoises in their sanctuary.
Snorkelling the Coral Garden
Shallow reef just offshore — equipment available on the island.
Beach & Old Prison Ruins
Small white-sand beach and walk-through colonial-era prison ruins.
Top highlights
Giant Aldabra tortoises
Coral snorkelling
Historic prison ruins
Half-day from Stone Town
