Swimming with Turtles in Zanzibar

Swimming with turtles in Zanzibar offers a unique opportunity to interact with sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Located in the northern part of the island, the Baraka Natural Aquarium in Nungwi allows visitors to swim, snorkel, and feed turtles in a pristine natural lagoon.

This experience combines the thrill of close encounters with the tranquility of Zanzibar’s fresh ocean waters, making it a must-do adventure for nature lovers and marine enthusiasts.

Tour Details:

  • Location: Baraka Natural Aquarium: Situated in Nungwi, a picturesque village in northern Zanzibar, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant marine life.
  • Duration: Approximately 4 hours
  • Availability: Daily, year-round 

Itinerary:

  1. Pick-Up and Transport:

    • Pick-Up: From your accommodation anywhere in Zanzibar
    • Transport: Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
    • Drive: Scenic route to Nungwi
  2. Arrival at Baraka Natural Aquarium:

    • Welcome: Friendly greeting and introduction by guides
    • Briefing: Overview of the aquarium and turtle conservation efforts
  3. Swimming and Feeding Turtles:

    • Lagoon Entry: Dive into the fresh ocean water of the natural lagoon
    • Interaction: Swim, feed, and observe turtles up close
    • Guidance: Staff assistance and information about turtle behavior
  4. Snorkeling Adventure:

    • Optional: Snorkeling in the lagoon
    • Equipment: Provided (mask, snorkel, fins)
    • Exploration: Observe the turtles and other marine life
  5. Educational Tour:

    • Sanctuary Tour: Learn about turtle conservation and the importance of protecting these creatures
    • Information: Detailed insights into the life cycle and habits of sea turtles
  6. Free Time and Relaxation:

    • Exploration: Enjoy the surrounding area and nearby beaches
    • Relaxation: Take in the beautiful scenery and unwind
  7. Return Trip:

    • Transport: Back to your accommodation

This excursion is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to add a unique experience to their Zanzibar itinerary.

The calm, shallow waters of the turtle aquarium make it accessible for swimmers of all levels, including children. Spend time exploring the lagoon, learning about turtle conservation, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

What to Bring:

  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Underwater camera (optional)
  • Personal snorkeling gear (optional)

Booking and Transportation Options

Booking this tour is simple and hassle-free. You can use our booking form, or you can call or WhatsApp us directly.

We accept various payment options to accommodate our guests’ preferences. Payment methods typically include credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), bank transfers, and cash. 

For your convenience, we provide comfortable transportation options directly from your accommodation to the Aquarium

Tour Gallery

Swimming with Turtles in Zanzibar Price

No. of People
Price per person
1-5 People
$33
6-10 People
$28
11-25 People
$25
25+ People
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Please Note: Transport costs are not included in these prices as they vary depending on the location of your hotel. Kindly contact us, and we will provide you with the price including the transfer based on your hotel’s location. Thank you!

Price Includes

Why Choose us for this tour ?

  • Experienced Guides: Knowledgeable and friendly staff dedicated to making your experience memorable.
  • Convenience: Easy booking and reliable transportation ensure a stress-free experience.
  • Small Groups: Ensuring personalized attention and a better experience.
  • Commitment to Conservation: Supporting local efforts to protect marine life.

Experience the wonder of swimming with turtles in Zanzibar with Gosmart Zanzibar Tours. Book your adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Mnemba Island: An Additional Adventure to Swimming with Turtles in Zanzibar

If you are looking to extend your aquatic adventure, consider a trip to Mnemba Island.

Known for its vibrant marine life and excellent snorkeling spots, Mnemba offers another fantastic opportunity to dive and watch turtles in their natural ocean environment.

Combine this with your Nungwi experience for a truly comprehensive exploration of Zanzibar’s marine wonders.

Snorkeling and Diving Paradise: Mnemba Island is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life. Snorkelers can explore shallow reefs abundant with colorful fish, rays, and, of course, sea turtles gracefully gliding through the water. Experienced divers have the opportunity to venture deeper, encountering larger marine species and intricate coral formations.

Encounters with Sea Turtles: Just as in Nungwi, Mnemba Island offers unique encounters with sea turtles in their natural ocean habitat. Swim alongside these gentle creatures as they navigate through the azure waters, providing an intimate glimpse into their daily lives and behaviors.

Yes, swimming with turtles in Zanzibar is safe. Our tours are conducted in controlled environments. At Baraka Natural Aquarium, turtles are accustomed to human interaction.

Basic swimming skills are recommended, but the lagoon’s waters are calm and shallow, making it accessible for all ages and skill levels.However, you can still enjoy watching and feeding turtles from the edge of the lagoon if you prefer not to swim.

The best time of year to swim with turtles in Zanzibar, is year-round. Since the aquarium provides a controlled environment with fresh ocean water, you can enjoy swimming and interacting with turtles regardless of the season. The weather in Zanzibar is generally warm and pleasant throughout the year, ensuring a comfortable experience during your visit to the aquarium.

In Zanzibar, you can encounter several species of sea turtles, primarily Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata).

While we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, last-minute bookings may be possible depending on availability. Contact us directly to inquire about immediate availability.

Yes, you can combine the Swimming with Turtles tour in Nungwi with other tours offered by Gosmart Zanzibar Tours.

For instance, you can extend your aquatic adventure by adding a trip to Mnemba Island, known for its vibrant marine life and excellent snorkeling spots.

This allows you to explore more of Zanzibar’s marine wonders and make the most out of your visit to the island.

Contact us to discuss how we can customize your itinerary to include multiple tours and activities during your stay in Zanzibar.

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