Swimming with Turtles in Zanzibar: Where to Find Them? One of the most beautiful islands in Tanzania is Zanzibar. It has a lot of sea life and a unique experience that you’ll never forget: swimming with turtles! But where can you really get deep with these cute green girls? We’ll tell you!

What is the best place in Zanzibar to swim with turtles?

Even though turtles live all over the island, the Baraka Natural Aquarium and the Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond are the only places you can swim with them, feed them, and get closer to them than anywhere else. People often say that Nungwi Beach is one of the best beaches in Tanzania, which is where both of them are.

The Baraka Aquarium for Nature

Even though it’s called an aquarium, it’s actually a natural pond that was made when coral bedrock was worn away. This sanctuary and rehabilitation center takes care of turtles that were bought from fishers, hurt when they got caught in fishing nets, don’t float properly, or were hurt in some other way. They will finally be let back into the lagoon after getting better. To meet them in the water, all you have to do is put on your swimming goggles, grab your mask, and jump in.

Conservation Pond for Mnarani Marine Turtles

The Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium is another name for this conservation pond. It is run by a non-profit group whose main goal is to protect turtles and stop their number from dropping. People in the area bring turtle eggs they find so that the babies can hatch. Every year in February, baby turtles that have just been born and hurt adults that have healed are put back into the ocean. This is sure to make everyone happy, and maybe even cry a little.

Other Places in Zanzibar to See Turtles

Besides these top spots to swim with turtles, you can also snorkel close to them in other places around Zanzibar:

Reefs on the island of Mnemba

Chumbe Island’s reefs

Beach at Nungwi

Beach in Kendwa

That being said, you might not always see them, but there is a better chance of that happening here. You should try again and again if you don’t find them the first time. You’ll have good luck one day.

Things You Should Know Before You Swim with Turtles in Zanzibar
It’s fun to swim with Zanzibar turtles, but there are some things you should know and do before you go to make sure it’s safe:

Always follow the rules at the zoo. This may seem like a given, but it needs to be said anyway. People follow the rules because the zoo knows best how to care for their turtles, that’s why those rules are in place.

Do not make the turtles talk to each other. In general, turtles are not mean, but they can and will bite if they feel threatened or uneasy, so stay away from them if you get too close. Let them come to you when it’s convenient for them. It’s better to stay away from them at all times.
If you’re not sure of your skills, don’t try to dive. Your safety is the most important thing. In other words, if you’re not sure you can swim, it’s best to wear a life jacket.

Are you hooked? We get it! Swimming with turtles is, after all, a memorable experience that you’ll want to live over and over again. Click on any of our Zanzibar vacation ideas to learn more, and don’t forget to book your turtle trip early. Send us a message, and we’ll be happy to help!