Swim alongside rescued green sea turtles in crystal-clear natural lagoons and support local marine conservation efforts.
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Experience swimming with and feeding rescued turtles across four distinct lagoons in Nungwi with hotel pickup.
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All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
Zanzibar offers some of the most magical marine encounters in the Indian Ocean, particularly the chance to swim alongside magnificent green sea turtles. Whether you visit the renowned Baraka Natural Aquarium in Nungwi—a natural tidal pool that rehabilitates turtles accidentally caught in fishing nets—or explore the crystal-clear waters of the Salaam Cave Lagoon in Kizimkazi, these experiences allow you to get up close to these gentle creatures in their natural or semi-natural habitats. Many comprehensive tours also combine turtle encounters with world-class snorkeling at the vibrant Mnemba Island Atoll, dolphin watching, or exploring the lush Jozani Forest to see the rare red colobus monkeys. By booking your excursion through our trusted partner platform, you ensure your visit supports ethical sanctuaries that focus on marine rehabilitation, community education, and safe release programs.
We exclusively partner with trusted operators like Viator, ensuring every sanctuary and tour meets high safety and ethical standards
Browse authentic reviews from global travelers who have actually swam with the turtles and booked through our partner platforms
From quick lagoon visits in Nungwi to full-day Mnemba Atoll adventures, we bring you only the best-rated experiences
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Enjoy peace of mind with fully refundable options on most sea turtle tours up to 24 hours before the experience
Zanzibar is fantastic year-round, but the absolute best times for marine activities are during the dry seasons: June to October and December to February, when the water is calmest and visibility is highest.
Swimwear|Water shoes (essential for rocky pools)|Lightweight cover-ups|Reef-safe sunscreen|Sunglasses and hat for the boat ride
The Mnarani and Baraka aquariums in Nungwi were established by local community initiatives to counteract the rapidly declining turtle populations caused by accidental bycatch and historical poaching.
Most of our partner tours offer a full 100% refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Always review the specific cancellation terms on the booking page.
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Real experiences from real travelers
Booking this tour was so easy! The Baraka Natural Aquarium in Nungwi was incredible. Swimming with the rescued turtles was a highlight of our trip. The guide explained how they rehabilitate them before release. Highly recommend bringing a GoPro!
We booked the Mnemba Island snorkeling and turtle sanctuary combo. Everything went smoothly from the hotel pickup to the drop-off. The coral reefs were stunning, and seeing the sea turtles up close in the lagoon was magical.
The Salaam cave in Kizimkazi was beautiful and swimming with the turtles was a unique experience. I suggest booking an early morning slot as it gets quite busy later in the day. The platform made it super easy to compare times.
I loved that this wasn't just a tourist trap but a real conservation effort. The guides really care about the animals. Our driver was on time and the whole booking process was seamless.
Absolutely loved feeding the turtles seaweed. The water in the natural pool was so clear. We also paired this with the Jozani Forest tour to see the monkeys. Fantastic day out, well worth the price!
I was worried about the ethics, but the guides at Baraka ensure no one touches the turtles improperly. It's a true rehabilitation center. The booking through Viator was instant and our driver was fantastic.
We did the full day trip: dolphins, Mnemba snorkeling, and the turtle aquarium. It was a long day but incredibly worth it. The only downside was the bumpy boat ride, but the turtles made up for it!
Comparing the different turtle tours on the site saved me so much time. We opted for the private tour to Salaam Cave and it was breathtaking. We had the whole natural pool to ourselves for 20 minutes.
Everything you need to know for your journey
The most popular spots are the Baraka Natural Aquarium in Nungwi (a natural tidal lagoon) and the Salaam Cave Lagoon in Kizimkazi. You can also spot wild sea turtles while snorkeling around the Mnemba Island Atoll.
The ethical sanctuaries in Zanzibar, such as Baraka Aquarium, operate as rehabilitation centers. They rescue turtles that have been accidentally caught in fishing nets, care for them, and eventually release them back into the open ocean.
Yes, it is very safe. The turtles are generally peaceful. However, you must follow the guide's instructions: do not chase or touch them, and keep your fingers away from their mouths when feeding them seaweed.
Early morning is highly recommended. The water is calmer, the natural light is beautiful for photography, and you will avoid the larger midday tourist crowds.
Not necessarily. The natural lagoons like Baraka Aquarium and Salaam Cave have shallower areas where you can stand or sit by the edge. Life jackets are also provided for those who wish to venture into the deeper parts of the pool (which can reach up to 2 meters depending on the tide).
Yes, this is a very family-friendly activity. Children love seeing the turtles up close. However, parents must closely supervise young children and ensure they follow all rules regarding not touching the turtles.
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, and bring a towel and dry change of clothes. Water shoes (aqua shoes) are highly recommended because the floor of the natural rock pools can be sharp and uneven.
Many of the tours booked through our platform include convenient round-trip transfers from your hotel in Zanzibar (whether you are staying in Stone Town, Nungwi, or Paje). Always check the specific tour details before booking.
By paying the entrance fees or booking guided tours, you are funding the rehabilitation facilities. The funds go toward feeding the turtles, paying the local staff who monitor them, and supporting the eventual release programs back into the Indian Ocean.
The water in the Indian Ocean and the natural tidal pools is consistently warm year-round, typically ranging from 25°C to 29°C (77°F to 84°F), making it very comfortable for swimming.
You can use sunscreen, but it MUST be reef-safe. Standard sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone that are highly toxic to marine life and coral reefs.
No, when you book through our verified partners, all entrance fees to the aquariums and marine parks are typically included in the final price. Always read the 'What's Included' section of your specific tour.
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