In short
- The total entry fee is about $12 USD per person.
- This includes a $12 base ticket and $10 in government taxes.
- Boat transfers from Stone Town cost an extra $15 to $30 USD per boat.
In this article
Many visitors arrive at the Stone Town beachfront unaware of the recent price changes. The prison island entrance fee 2026 is approximately about $12 USD. This covers your access to the Tortoise Sanctuary and the historical quarantine ruins, but it does not cover the boat ride to get there.
What is the exact prison island entrance fee 2026?
You will pay about $12 USD per person to enter the island.
This fee is split into two parts. The base entry to the island and sanctuary is $12 USD. An additional $10 USD goes toward government and marine conservation taxes.
Are boat transfers included in the entry fee?
No, the island entry fee (about $12 USD) does not cover your boat ride.
You must hire a private wooden dhow or motorboat from Stone Town. This 20 to 30-minute ride costs between $15 and $30 USD per boat for a return trip. You can negotiate this price directly with boat captains near Forodhani Gardens.
Do tours include the entrance fee?
Some guided tours include the fee, while others require you to pay it on arrival.
Always read the fine print before booking a tour. For example, the local guide tour explicitly excludes the entrance fees. You will need to hand about $12 USD to your guide at the gate.
What does the about $12 USD ticket give you access to?
Your ticket covers entry to the Tortoise Sanctuary, the quarantine ruins, and the beach.
Once you pay the fee, you can spend time at the Giant Tortoise Enclosure. You also get access to the 19th-century coral stone structures of the former yellow fever quarantine station. You do not need to pay extra to swim at the white sand beach.
Can I pay the entrance fee in local currency?
Yes, you can pay using small US Dollars or Tanzanian Shillings.
Make sure to bring smaller bills. This makes it easier to pay the exact amount for your ticket. Having small cash is also useful for tipping your boat captain or buying approved leafy greens to feed the tortoises.
Why is there a $10 government tax?
The tax funds marine conservation and local government initiatives.
Prison Island is part of a protected coastal ecosystem. The conservation fee helps maintain the sanctuary for the endangered Aldabra giant tortoises. It also supports the upkeep of the surrounding coral reefs.
Questions travellers ask
How much is the boat ride to Prison Island?
A private boat costs $15 to $30 USD for a return trip. You can negotiate this price with captains on the Stone Town beachfront.
Do I need to pay extra to feed the tortoises?
Yes, if you want to feed them. You must buy approved leafy greens directly from the sanctuary keepers using small cash.
How long does the boat trip take?
The ride from Stone Town to the island takes about 20 to 30 minutes one way.
