Private Catamaran – Stone Town Islands & Sandbanks (5 hrs)

A private catamaran day can spoil you for land. I love the quality of the food and the remote sandbanks you can reach, plus the crew runs a smooth, professional trip from start to finish. One thing to think about up front, though: you need good weather, and you should bring your own towels.

This is a true private outing for up to 12 people, leaving from Stone Town and mixing classic stops with open-water freedom. You’ll snorkel more than once, enjoy lunch plus snacks and drinks on board, and then roll back into Stone Town with a sunset from the yacht. If you’re hoping for a low-effort day with maximum comfort, this is built for that, right down to two bathrooms and hot showers.

Key things I’d plan for before you board

• Stone Town to Prison Island to Nakupenda sandbank, with time to snorkel and relax
• Secret Island style remote beach time thanks to the catamaran’s ability to go farther than local boats
• Real comfort on board: dual bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, indoor or outdoor dining
• Food and drinks included: lunch plus snacks, fruit, beer and wine, and options for many diets
• Snorkeling gear included, but you should bring your own towels
• Prison Island sanctuary entry is extra, so budget for that separately

Your day starts in Stone Town, on a yacht built for comfort

The trip begins in Stone Town with pickup offered (when arranged) or with you meeting at Star Tours Zanzibar. It’s a short walk from the Cape Town Fish Market area, so you can build your day without long transfers across town. The schedule window runs daily from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, so you’re not trapped waiting all day.

The yacht setup is the kind of detail that changes how you feel during the day. You get space to eat indoors or outside, a Bluetooth sound system for your own playlist vibe, plus charging points for your phone and other essentials. For comfort, there are two bathrooms and shower access, along with changing areas for a quick reset after snorkeling.

Capacity matters here. With room for up to 12, it stays social without feeling crowded. That private feel also helps when you want a slower pace or you’re traveling with family and want fewer moving parts.

Prison Island stop: snorkeling, giant tortoises, and included meals

From Stone Town, the first major stop is Prison Island. The plan is simple: you have time to snorkel, enjoy the on-board hospitality, and take in the giant tortoises if you want to visit.

Snorkeling here is a good early start because you’re fresh, the water is often calmer earlier in the day, and you can gauge conditions before the later sandbank swim. If you choose the tortoises, plan on the sanctuary entry fee not being included. That’s the one cost that sits outside the package.

What I like about this stop is that it gives you options without turning the day into a tight checklist. You can do the water first, then go ashore, or keep it purely water and relax. Either way, you’re not forced to choose a single “tour mode” for hours.

Nakupenda sandbank: remote beach time and a second snorkeling round

After Prison Island, you head to Nakupenda sandbank. This is where the day shifts into beach mode. You’ll have time to explore and snorkel again, with space to just sit back and enjoy the afternoon sun.

This operator also specifically highlights the ability to go beyond what smaller local boats can reach. That matters because it can translate to quieter beach time and more interesting shoreline options than you’d get on a standard, crowded excursion. You may even hear people refer to Secret Island, which is part of that remote-beach concept.

The practical move is to treat Nakupenda like your “slow down” section of the day. Snorkel if you feel like it, then swap to shade, drinks, and a long look at the water. With the private setup, you’re not fighting for space or timing the way you would on a larger group boat.

Luxury that shows up at lunchtime, not just in photos

This is one of the biggest reasons people book a private catamaran instead of a standard speedboat. Lunch is cooked for you on board, and it’s not a sad add-on.

Expect a full lunch plus snacks and fruit during the cruise. Drinks are included too, including bottled mineral water, soda, beer, and wine. If you or your group has dietary preferences or allergies, the charter requests them beforehand so the food can match your needs, including meat and seafood lovers, plus vegetarians and vegans.

One of the themes I’d take seriously is that people consistently call out the food quality as a standout in Zanzibar. That’s not just about taste. It’s also about timing and ease. You’re not leaving the boat to find food, and you’re not stuck with a single simple meal option.

On top of that, there’s a real “change of pace” benefit to onboard dining. You can eat comfortably without dealing with salt, sand, and loud crowds. When snorkeling is done, it’s just rinse, relax, and return to your seat.

Getting pampered: two bathrooms, showers, and space to reset

A big difference between a luxury catamaran and a typical boat day is what happens after you get wet. Here you have two bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers. That turns snorkeling into something you actually want to repeat, not something you try to avoid because you’re worried about the mess after.

There’s also indoor or outdoor dining, so you can choose your vibe. If the sun gets strong, you can stay shaded. If the breeze is perfect, you can hang out outside and keep the day feeling like a long, easy holiday.

And for electronics, charging facilities are available. I always appreciate that because photos and navigation drain your battery fast, especially when you’re on a boat for hours. A Bluetooth sound system also adds that small “we’re on vacation” feeling, as long as your group keeps the volume sensible.

The crew and captain: professional service with a friendly tone

The service style here comes across as both professional and warm. The crew is set up to handle the flow of the day, from keeping everyone comfortable to guiding you through the snorkeling moments. If you want extra flexibility, this is also a strong match, and custom requests like a birthday cake can be arranged.

In the names that show up in the experience, Captain Lorne is specifically mentioned in connection with a smooth and enjoyable trip. That kind of captain experience matters more than people think, because it affects timing, how the boat handles waves, and how confident you feel out on the water.

One more practical detail from the provided info: service animals are allowed. If you travel with a support animal, you’ll want to confirm your exact needs, but it’s good to see this is supported.

How long is the day, and what to expect on timing

The title calls this a 5-hour experience, but the detailed duration is listed as about 8 hours. In real life, that usually means the trip time can flex with sea conditions, the time you spend at each stop, and weather checks.

So plan your day around “half to most of your day,” not a quick outing. If you’re coordinating with dinner plans back in Stone Town, aim for a later slot, or be ready to keep things flexible after you return.

Price and value: $1,300 per group up to 12

The price is $1,300 per group for up to 12 people. If you fill all 12 seats, that’s roughly $108 per person. If you have fewer people, your per-person cost goes up, but you still get a lot included: meals, drinks, snorkeling gear, fuel, crew, and private transportation.

What makes the value feel real is that the cost isn’t just “getting you on a boat.” You’re paying for onboard cooking, drinks service, and the comfort features like showers and dual bathrooms. You also get the time advantage of a private route that can reach remote spots beyond what smaller local boats do.

The only notable add-on is the Prison Island sanctuary entry fee. Everything else listed as included stays with you, including lunch, snacks, fruit, soft drinks, beer and wine, mineral water, and snorkeling equipment.

Practical tips: towels, snorkeling, and weather that matters

This experience runs only when weather cooperates. If the day can’t safely operate, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, so don’t panic if you see a weather-related change.

Bring your own towels. That’s specifically requested, and it’s a small thing you’ll be glad you handled in advance. Also, snorkeling equipment is provided, so you can pack lighter on gear.

Most travelers can participate, which suggests the day is designed to be accessible for a wide range of comfort levels on a boat. Still, this is a day on open water, so I’d think about your comfort with sun, spray, and the simple reality of being out there for hours.

Who should book this private catamaran?

This is a great fit if you want:

• A private group experience without the feel of a big-tour crowd
• A day centered on water time, snorkeling, and relaxing, not constant sightseeing transfers
• Comfort upgrades that matter, like showers and two bathrooms
• Food that works for mixed diets, including vegetarian and vegan groups

It also makes sense if you’re staying in Stone Town for a few days. You can plan this as your “special day” while still exploring markets and old streets on other days.

If you’re traveling as a couple and want to splurge for the entire boat, this can be a fun way to buy back time and comfort. Just know it’s priced for a group, so the best value typically comes when you can fill the capacity with friends or family.

Should you book this catamaran day from Stone Town?

If you’re the type of traveler who hates waiting, hates crowd chaos, and loves being fed well while you enjoy the ocean, I think this is an easy yes. The standout combination is comfort that stays consistent all day, plus meals and drinks that actually feel like part of the vacation, not an afterthought.

Book it if you can align with a day of good weather, and if you’re comfortable spending most of your day on the water with two beach and snorkeling moments. Skip it only if you’re looking for a super short, minimal-cost outing, because this is a private luxury experience and it’s priced like one.

If you want one decisive question, ask yourself this: do I want to go to the islands and sandbanks, but without sacrificing comfort? If the answer is yes, this is the kind of day you’ll remember long after you’re back on land.

FAQ

What’s the maximum group size for this private catamaran?

The yacht accommodates up to 12 guests, and the tour is private, meaning only your group participates.

What meals and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, along with snacks, fruit, bottled mineral water, soda, beer, and wine. You can request dietary preferences and allergies before the charter.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the snorkeling stops.

Do I need to pay for Prison Island entry?

Prison Island sanctuary entry fees are not included, so you should budget for that separately if you plan to visit the tortoises.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You start at Star Tours Zanzibar (listed as R5QP+8R7, Zanzibar, Tanzania), and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The details list the experience as approximately 8 hours, while the title references 5 hours. Plan around a half day to most of the day.