Prison Island & Bawe Island Snorkeling: An In-Depth Trip Review

Planning a visit to Zanzibar? The Prison Island, also sometimes named Changuu Island, and Bawe Island snorkeling day trip might be right up your alley! Yet, before you rush to book, let’s take a closer peek at what you should count on from this adventure. I went on this trip not too long ago, so it’s almost like having a conversation with you concerning the highs, the not-so-highs, plus all the underwater fun. Get comfy, plus I’ll tell you precisely how it all played out!

A Quick Look at Prison Island’s History

So, before it’s time to lather on the sunscreen, it is helpful to know just where Prison Island comes from. Despite its intimidating title, Prison Island’s never actually functioned as a real, honest-to-goodness prison! Back in the 1860s, the island actually caught the attention of one British fellow, First Minister of Zanzibar Lloyd Mathews. He had ideas about putting a prison to work there, and more recently, that idea morphed to housing sick individuals during Zanzibar’s yellow fever crisis. That said, those actual prison plans were eventually abandoned. That leaves the giant tortoises there as basically the most notable residents.

These captivating creatures came to the island as a gift from the British governor of the Seychelles way back when, which, you know, adds a completely unique twist to this spot. Right now, this is really more like a tortoise sanctuary. When you swing by, seeing those wrinkly giants munching on greens? That, in a way, that is fairly a memorable experience. Getting up close plus personal with such older animals really gave me a sense for the past. You kind of think about each tortoise possibly having their very own story to tell! Then again, their extremely calm nature sort of rubs off on you; just keep an eye out and so don’t touch them, in order to prevent transferring something possibly detrimental!

Setting Sail: What to Expect on the Boat Trip

The boat ride to Prison Island isn’t something dull at all; it is that part of the experience. Often, depending just where you’re staying in Zanzibar, the tour usually begins from Stone Town. As the dhow, which is really like the customary boat in Zanzibar, cuts via the clear water, keep your eyes wide open. If you pay a little extra attention, the shore of Zanzibar fading in the background definitely provides a fantastic photography moment. And that salty breeze plus the sound coming from the waves? Very, it’s very the definition of peaceful.

Just be prepared that the boats are actually often crowded! Personally, I find this actually adds to the vibrant atmosphere, however if you really like more quiet, then something like this isn’t the thing for you. On my adventure, I actually chatted with people hailing from Germany, France, plus even Brazil! The boat trip, for me, at least, became like this impromptu little international party that way before we had actually even gotten to the island.

Meeting the Giants: The Tortoises of Prison Island

I can safely say this is the high point for quite a lot of people — hanging out together with the tortoises. On getting to the island, you’ll find them. Some, basically, are so old; they almost look a little pre historic! It is kind of awesome how they’ve basically been in existence this long. You will notice most tourists around them are actually pretty calm, just like the chill animals.

Here’s a very important tip! Even if it’s that animal-lover part of you, very resist the desire to climb onto their backs to capture a photo! You may believe it’s simply playful, it is that extra weight can seriously hurt the tortoises. What would probably be better? Find that perfect position plus capture some photos, you know, on the side, in order to make sure their health. So, too it’s almost usually that the caretakers have insights pertaining to each tortoise. They’re usually loaded with information in regards to their backstories plus diet. Don’t hesitate in any way to ask any question! When I actually learned one old fella really loved a little scratch around his neck, I will say, it kind of made me very happy. That simple interaction became kind of memorable for me, as it probably will for you too.

Snorkeling at Bawe Island: An Underwater Paradise

Right after getting your fill with giant tortoises, very next up is usually the primary event to some degree, the snorkeling by Bawe Island. You jump back aboard, and so cruise to Bawe. If you happen to have snorkeling experience already, get prepared to get mesmerized by its underwater scenery! Bawe Island is known by divers almost for having transparent, calm waters, best for experiencing marine life. If it is that you’re experienced with such stuff, maybe bring your equipment, even.

I grabbed my stuff and also went deep, only to view vivid corals plus bunches of fish, different colors everywhere! I can clearly recall seeing a school that had yellow stripes, and you see many more as time passes by. That being said, something I must say is keep in mind that currents could get reasonably strong; for those not that secure floating around, putting on a vest isn’t necessarily a bad option. Just one additional tip! Rubbing on some reef-safe sunscreen really protects your skin, plus also protects this ecosystem. Therefore, it’s like helping all parties that are involved. Basically, the best option for appreciating such awesome sea critters may be by doing so responsibly!

Lunch on the Island: A Taste of Zanzibar

It’s pretty obvious; snorkeling does burn energy. When the moment hits to chill out for food, most tours usually include an actual lunch on Prison Island or close to it. Usually, what happens is it features popular tastes coming from Zanzibar. We’re looking at, perhaps, things such as grilled fish or biryani rice plus several other delights! This sort of casual feasting gives us people that chance, really, to eat, as you probably do, as well as possibly even discuss everything together with others from this boat excursion.

To provide you with a visual, envision this, basically! Seating on some woven mat close to the shoreline. Savoring perfectly grilled seafood, with rice that has some local seasoning… With water splashing from afar. Basically, this food itself felt as if, you know, this little slice coming straight out of Zanzibar. And what actually helped all of this was really conversing! Talking with others that are there can give extra value, or possibly tips about spots within Zanzibar you should think of. Sharing stories can transform a basic dinner into a real connecting kind of point.

What to Bring: Packing Smart for Your Trip

Alright, and that means preparing for any trip means knowing precisely the things that ought to be stuffed directly inside your tote. So that your trip happens almost like with minimal problems, you really ought to contemplate some crucial goods.

• Sunscreen: You would think it is implied, but actually the sun will probably beam, as well as applying decent SPF, and frequently, it’s extremely valuable.
• Swimwear: Clearly, so it’s basically crucial when you’re considering that you will wind up diving into the water; bring some appropriate apparel, too.
• Towel: Absolutely remember any reliable beach towel.
• Water Shoes: Getting on coral could definitely lead you to hurting some part of your feet, in such cases wearing a certain footwear for safety functions really would likely bring help.
• Camera: This spot definitely has those Kodak-worthy vistas, which, you know, makes recording experiences essentially must-have!

Making the Most of Your Day: Tips and Recommendations

Okay, in order to help guarantee the visit happens like as optimal of a one, here are some smart tips. See what could meet best just exactly for any adventure coming ahead.

• Schedule your tour in the early morning: So that means scheduling everything starting immediately can prevent you, just like what may usually exist, some potentially packed problems particularly during travel peaks.
• Make time for Stone Town: So when you actually leave that place and get time afterward, this may bring insight that might allow deeper views for the environment, too.
• Value ethical tour operators: Making specific evaluations prior allows somebody being really careful of how all tortoises actually thrive!
• Chat with neighborhood people: Asking some queries out towards locals would, clearly, make any activity have new points of perspective from someone in place.
• Continue enjoying! Seriously, and in such cases basically bask with any element here and then so make some special memories to begin!

Is the Prison Island & Bawe Island Trip Worth It? My Final Thoughts

And now this crucial inquiry here: so this trip, something special as described over, and with how everything gets priced– that can be a value? For my mind it gets said that completely depends in line with what is valued as greatest. To me having visited with tortoises directly and after snorkeling amongst Bawe became genuinely magnificent. Perhaps being mindful while doing responsible tourism guarantees any experience as more rewarding while ensuring its protection can usually stand strong far later.