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Overview
Swimming with turtles in Zanzibar is an unforgettable experience, offering a chance to get up close with these gentle creatures in crystal-clear waters.
The best spot for this activity is Baraka Natural Aquarium in Nungwi, where rescued sea turtles thrive in a natural lagoon.
You can swim, feed, and learn about turtle conservation efforts while enjoying the stunning coastal scenery.
Suitable for all ages, this eco-friendly adventure provides a unique way to connect with marine life while supporting local conservation projects.
Why You’ll Love It
Get Up Close with Turtles – No cages, no stress—just you and these incredible marine animals in their natural environment.
Learn & Connect – Our guides will tell you all about the turtles, their rescue stories, and the conservation efforts to protect them.
Booking and Transportation
Booking your swimming with turtles adventure with us is quick and easy!
You can reserve your spot through our booking form or contact us directly via call or WhatsApp for instant assistance.
We offer flexible payment options, including credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), bank transfers, and cash, making your booking hassle-free.
To make your experience even smoother, we provide comfortable transportation straight from your accommodation—just sit back, relax, and get ready for an unforgettable encounter with Zanzibar’s amazing sea turtles!
Zanzibar's Most Loved Marine Experience
Two endangered species. One natural lagoon. A conservation story worth being part of. Swimming with turtles at Baraka Aquarium is Zanzibar's most requested half-day tour — and it lives up to every word.
About Baraka Natural Aquarium, Nungwi
Baraka Natural Aquarium is a marine conservation sanctuary located in Nungwi, the vibrant fishing village at the northern tip of Zanzibar Island. The name baraka means “blessing” in Swahili — and for the sea turtles that arrive here injured or exhausted from fishing net entanglement, it truly is one.
The aquarium operates as a rescue and rehabilitation centre: local fishermen who accidentally catch turtles in their nets bring them to Baraka rather than keeping them as bycatch. Here, the turtles recover in a series of large natural saltwater pools, fed and monitored until they are strong enough to be released back into the Indian Ocean. Some turtles have been in residence for months before their release; others have lived at Baraka for years and are now a permanent, beloved part of the attraction.
Your visit directly funds this work. Entry fees cover feeding costs, veterinary care, and the salaries of the conservation staff who make the programme possible.
Sea Turtle Species You'll Meet
Swimming with Turtles Tour Itinerary
Location: Baraka Natural Aquarium, Nungwi
Duration: 3–4 hours (including travel time)
Pick-Up & Transfer (Flexible Timing)
- Our friendly driver will pick you up from your accommodation.
- Enjoy a comfortable ride along Zanzibar’s scenic coastal roads as we head to Nungwi.
Arrival at Baraka Natural Aquarium
- Warm welcome and a short briefing by our expert guides.
- Learn about the turtles, their rescue stories, and conservation efforts in Zanzibar.
Swimming & Feeding Session
- Jump into the natural lagoon and swim alongside these gentle sea turtles.
- Experience the thrill of feeding them by hand—a truly magical moment!
- Take plenty of photos and videos to capture this unforgettable experience.
Free Time and Relaxation:
- Enjoy the surrounding area and nearby beaches
Return Transfer
- Sit back and relax as we drop you off at your accommodation, filled with amazing memories of your turtle encounter.
What to Bring
Swimsuit
Essential — you'll be in the water
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects you and the marine ecosystem
Water shoes
Optional but great grip on lagoon rocks
Waterproof camera / GoPro
Underwater shots are spectacular here
Dry bag
Keep your phone and valuables safe
Towel & light cover-up
For after the swim and on the drive back
Cash or card
For lunch at Nungwi after the tour
Water bottle
Stay hydrated in Zanzibar's heat
Tour Gallery
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Is Swimming with Turtles in Zanzibar Ethical?
This is the question every thoughtful traveller should ask — and at Baraka Natural Aquarium, the answer is genuinely yes, with some important context.
The turtles at Baraka are not wild animals captured for tourism. Every turtle in the lagoon was rescued from a fishing net, a beach, or the open water where it would otherwise have died. The aquarium’s explicit goal is rehabilitation and release: turtles stay only until they are healthy enough to return to the ocean. Your visit funds that process.
That said, there are guidelines that responsible visitors follow:
- Do not grab or hold a turtle. They will come to you — let that happen on their terms.
- Feed only with the seaweed provided by staff. Other food can harm them.
- Do not apply chemical sunscreen before entering the water. Use reef-safe, mineral sunscreen only.
- Move slowly and calmly. Sudden movement causes stress to the animals.
- Listen to your guide. Staff know each turtle individually and will direct your interaction appropriately.
When visited responsibly, Baraka Aquarium is one of the more ethically solid wildlife encounters in East Africa. The conservation mission is real, the turtles are well cared for, and the guides are genuinely knowledgeable. It is fundamentally different from captive wildlife attractions where animals have no pathway to freedom.
Best Time to Swim with Turtles in Zanzibar
Because Baraka Aquarium is a sheltered lagoon (not open ocean), it operates comfortably year-round. Even during the rainy season, the turtle experience is largely unaffected unless there is extreme weather.
Tour Price
Important Note: Transportation costs are not included in the listed prices, as they depend on the distance from your hotel. Please get in touch with us, and we’ll provide a tailored quote that includes transfer costs based on your hotel’s location.
Price Includes
- Proffesional Tour Guide
- Entrace fees
- All government fees
- Transfer from and return to your hotel is available only for the extra costs
Make a Full Day of It: Combine Your Turtle Tour
Nungwi is one of Zanzibar’s best destinations in its own right, and many visitors use the turtle tour as the anchor of a longer northern day. Here are the most popular combinations we offer:
Turtles + Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling — After Baraka Aquarium, continue to the waters around Mnemba Atoll for world-class reef snorkeling. This is Zanzibar’s best full marine day and can be booked as a combined tour. You may even spot wild turtles in the reef itself.
Turtles + Nungwi & Kendwa Beach — Spend the afternoon on Kendwa or Nungwi beach after your turtle session. Both are among Zanzibar’s most photogenic stretches of coastline with excellent lunch spots and beach bars.
Turtles + Sunset Dhow Cruise — Combine a morning turtle experience with an evening Sunset Dhow Cruise on the Indian Ocean. Two of Zanzibar’s most memorable experiences in one day.
Turtles + Swimming with Dolphins — Marine life lovers can pair the turtle aquarium with our Swimming with Dolphins tour at Mnemba for an extraordinary full-day ocean experience.
Conservation note
Both Green and Hawksbill sea turtles are listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List. By choosing a responsible tour operator and visiting conservation-led sanctuaries like Baraka Aquarium, you contribute directly to their survival in Zanzibar's waters.
FAQs About Swimming with Sea Turtles
Can anyone swim with the turtles?
Yes! This experience is suitable for all ages and swimming levels. Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, you can still wade in the shallow areas and interact with the turtles.
Is the tour ethical and eco-friendly?
Yes! The turtles are rescued from fishing nets and cared for in the natural lagoon before being released back into the ocean. Your visit helps support conservation and local community efforts.
Is swimming with turtles safe?
Absolutely! The turtles are used to human interaction and are gentle and friendly. Our guides will be there to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What happens if it rains?
The experience usually continues unless there’s extreme weather. If the conditions are unsafe, we’ll reschedule your tour or offer a refund.
What should I wear?
Wear a swimsuit and bring water shoes (optional but useful for grip). We also recommend a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera for the best experience.
Can I feed the turtles?
Yes! You’ll have the chance to feed them seaweed, which they love. Our guides will show you the proper way to interact with them.
What other activities can I do in Nungwi after the tour?
After your turtle swim, you can relax on Nungwi Beach, or explore the local village and markets.
Got more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’re here to make sure your swim with sea turtles experience is everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
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