Prison Island Half-Day Getaway From Stone Town: An Sincere Review
Dreaming of swaying palm trees and turquoise waters? Zanzibar, just a little ways off the coast of Tanzania, really offers that postcard-perfect escape. Stone Town, a UNESCO place with a lot of history, is kind of where most visits start. One well-liked day trip from there is Prison Island, known also as Changuu Island. But is that half-day adventure genuinely worth the time when you have such limited vacation hours? So, I spent some time there, and I would like to share my experience, so you can make an informed decision about your own travel plans.
The Boat Ride Over: First Taste of the Turquoise Sea
The excursion, in a way, sort of begins with a simple boat ride from Stone Town. Usually, so that will mean finding a local boat operator close to the port or booking in advance through your accommodation or a tour company. We opted to bargain directly with a boat owner, which felt a bit more like a little adventure from the start! The dhow, a normal Swahili coast sailing vessel, looked well-used, you know, adding some charm to our small voyage. The price for the ride there and back might be different depending on your negotiation abilities, yet it is usually fairly reasonable, something that will not empty your wallet at all. I’d argue.
As we floated away from Stone Town, I honestly found myself taking in the scene change. Stone Town’s buildings gradually got small as the waves greeted our little dhow. The color of the water changed fast, that is like turning from a harbor grey into different tones of clear blue. The air felt fresh and carried with it just a touch of salt, and I really noticed the heat building, and there were fewer things to shade you from it on the water. It is advisable to put on sunscreen ahead of time and bring a hat! This portion of the adventure by itself provides some lovely chances to take some great pictures.
Meeting the Giants: The Aldabra Tortoises
Without a doubt, and I am being totally serious here, the stars of Prison Island are the Aldabra giant tortoises. It seems they came from the Seychelles ages ago, and currently, and still, there is a huge sanctuary set up on the island just to take care of such animals. Seeing such dinosaurs walking around freely is just incredible. We are talking about creatures that might be more than 100 years old!
Getting close and getting the chance to have some interaction with them is truly something, like your chance to gently touch their strong shells or give them some greens, which the caretakers gladly offer. We found out that each tortoise seems to come with its own little character. Some were eager for consideration and to eat a snack, while others didn’t even notice our little group that came around them. The caretakers told fun stories and information, which contributed some educational context, and I always enjoy something like that. Spending some time getting friendly with such great animals makes the trip extremely special, truly.
A Look into the Past: Prison Island’s Story
Despite its present appeal as a traveler destination, Prison Island really comes with a somewhat sad history. Originally, they planned for the location to function as a prison, therefore the name. The story behind all of this is pretty layered. Back in the day, that location ended up becoming a quarantine station to help people sick with infectious illnesses, such as yellow fever. So, the structure that had been meant to hold prisoners now took on a task to separate the unhealthy until treatment was available. It looks a little spooky now and abandoned now, which gives it an odd air as one investigates it. Honestly, though, I found the past really moving to consider. To hear that is just incredible, you know?
Although that primary building, that prison structure, doesn’t have a lot of displays and there may be little signs that describe how it was employed. Actually, a local guide might truly improve this part of your excursion. Guides frequently have historical tales to tell and might draw you into the island’s varied background in a way, breathing new life into those structures. To walk around is somewhat sobering, yet it also provides some background and an additional layer to the otherwise happy outdoor adventure.
Snorkeling and Swimming: Submerging into Zanzibar’s Underwater Beauty
The clear, enticing waters near Prison Island are great, simply requesting an invitation for some snorkel enjoyment. So, numerous trips offer the opportunity for snorkeling nearby. Even though the underwater biodiversity will not match the likes of other best-known snorkeling locations on the planet, there is nonetheless much to enjoy.
The coral life seemed beautiful to my eye, and as I swam through, I saw a wide variety of bright fishes, playing around within the reefs. It felt incredible just to glide gently over all of those stunning scenes of underwater habitats. For snorkelers new to the activity, the typically moderate tides and fantastic clarity ensure an awesome chance to view marine habitats with no worries. Many excursion providers offer snorkeling devices, however you might choose to get your own just for personalized health reasons. Moreover, it is necessary, that is to say, to confirm your tour follows moral practices that honor the security of such marine settings.
Just basking on Prison Island, really allowing the cozy sunshine warm one’s skin is pretty cool, also. There can be seen soft, fine areas of white sands along some parts, suitable for lounging and maybe taking in those serene ocean sounds. I felt the sands to feel so incredibly smooth below my feet while walking there, that I was in my element, sort of speaking!