Swimming with Turtles in Zanzibar – Nungwi Turtle Aquarium & Conservation Lagoon
Experience one of Zanzibar’s most magical marine encounters: swimming with gentle sea turtles in crystal-clear natural lagoons. Visit the renowned Baraka Natural Aquarium or Mnarani Turtle Pond in Nungwi, where rescued and wild turtles thrive in protected ocean pools. Swim, snorkel, and feed these ancient creatures in their natural habitat.
This unforgettable half-day adventure offers close encounters with sea turtles while supporting local conservation efforts. Perfect for all ages and a highlight for families, couples, and nature lovers.
Duration
Half Day
Tour Type
Marine / Wildlife
Difficulty
Easy
Age
All Ages
Meals
Not Included
Drinks
Bottle of Water
Swimming
Included
Pickup
Available
Overview
The Swimming with Turtles experience in Zanzibar takes you to the beautiful northern coast in Nungwi, home to natural lagoons where sea turtles are protected and cared for. At places like the Baraka Natural Aquarium — a stunning coral-rock lagoon filled with clear ocean water — you’ll have the chance to swim alongside green sea turtles, feed them seaweed, and observe their graceful movements up close.
Perfect for families, couples, and wildlife enthusiasts, this ethical and educational tour combines fun in the water with conservation awareness. Professional guides ensure a safe and memorable visit, with hotel transfers, snorkel gear, and refreshments often included.
If you’re looking for a unique, heartwarming marine adventure in Zanzibar, swimming with turtles is a must-do activity that creates lifelong memories.
Guiding travelers across Zanzibar with a passion for sharing the island’s beauty, culture, and hidden gems. Rama and his local team are committed to delivering authentic experiences, friendly service, and unforgettable adventures across Zanzibar.
Highlights
Swim with Turtles
Glide beside rescued green sea turtles
Natural Lagoon
Coral-rock tidal pool, not a tank
Hand-Feeding
Offer fresh seagrass to gentle turtles
Family-Friendly
Shallow, safe, all ages welcome
Photo Paradise
Crystal-clear water, close encounters
Conservation Education
Learn about turtle protection
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Begin your experience with a convenient pickup from your hotel at the scheduled departure time. Relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as you travel to the northern coast of Zanzibar.
Arrival at Baraka Natural Aquarium
Upon arrival at Baraka Natural Aquarium in Nungwi, you’ll receive a warm welcome from your guide. Learn about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and how rescued sea turtles are cared for before being released back into the ocean whenever possible.
Swim with the Turtles
Step into the natural lagoon and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim alongside rescued sea turtles in their crystal-clear habitat. Your guide will ensure the experience is both safe and respectful for the animals.
Turtle Feeding Experience
Hand-feed the turtles and observe their gentle nature up close. This interactive activity offers fantastic opportunities to capture memorable photos and videos.
Relax & Explore
Take time to unwind around the aquarium, admire the peaceful surroundings, or visit the nearby beach before preparing for your return journey.
Return Transfer
After your unforgettable visit to Baraka Natural Aquarium, relax during your comfortable drive back to your hotel, carrying home lasting memories of this unique Zanzibar wildlife experience.
Price
Includes
- Profesional Tour Guide
- Entrance fees
- All government fees
- Transfer from and return to your hotel is available only for the extra costs
Best Time for Swimming with Turtles in Zanzibar
The turtles at Nungwi are there every day of the year, so swimming with them is a year-round experience. The dry seasons — June to October and December to February — bring the calmest, clearest water and the best conditions. But the single biggest factor is the tide: at high tide the natural lagoon fills with fresh seawater and the turtles are at their most active, so your guide will help time the visit just right.
Insider tip: visit in February to witness the sanctuary's annual release, when recovered adults and newly hatched baby turtles are set free into the ocean — one of the most joyful days on the Zanzibar calendar. Whatever the month, ask Rama to book you around high tide for the clearest water and the most active turtles.
What Guests Say
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Swimming with Turtles tour in Zanzibar?
It’s a visit to the natural turtle aquariums in Nungwi, on Zanzibar’s northern tip, where you can swim with, feed, and see rescued green sea turtles up close in a natural tidal lagoon. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly wildlife experience combined with a community conservation project.
Are the turtles wild or in captivity?
The turtles live in a natural tidal lagoon formed by coral rock and fed by ocean water — not an artificial tank. They are rescued and rehabilitated animals (many caught in fishing nets or injured), cared for until they’re strong enough to be released back into the wild.
What kind of turtles will I see?
Mainly green sea turtles, ranging from young rescues to large adults. There are also smaller pools where baby and juvenile turtles are cared for.
Can I feed and touch the turtles?
Yes — you can hand-feed the turtles fresh seagrass, and they’ll often glide right up to you. Please always follow your guide’s instructions and interact gently and respectfully; these are wild animals, so no pushing or grabbing.
Is it ethical?
Yes. The sanctuary is a non-profit, community-run conservation project focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and endangered turtles, and protecting nesting sites. Your visit directly supports that work.
How long does the experience last?
The turtle encounter itself takes about 1 to 2 hours on site. With hotel transfers to and from Nungwi, allow a half-day depending on where you’re staying.
Can non-swimmers join?
Absolutely. The lagoon is shallow and calm, so you can wade in without swimming, and life jackets are available. Many guests simply stand at the edge, feed the turtles, and watch.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes — it’s one of the most family-friendly experiences in Zanzibar. The shallow water and gentle turtles make it a favourite with kids. Parents remain responsible for supervising young children.
Can I combine it with other tours?
Nungwi is a great base to pair the turtles with a day at Nungwi Beach, a Mnemba snorkeling trip, a Nakupenda sandbank visit, or a sunset dhow cruise. Just ask Rama to build a custom day.
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Book This Tour
Book this tour using the form or contact Rama Zanzibar directly through the contacts below