1 July 2024
Among Tanzania’s islands, Zanzibar is one of the loveliest, with a wealth of marine life and one experience in particular that stays with you for good: swimming alongside turtles! So where exactly do you go to get into the water with these green charmers? Read on and we’ll show you.
Where in Zanzibar can you swim with turtles?
While turtles can be found in several parts of the island, there are actually only two places in Zanzibar where you can swim with them, feed them, and get closer to them than anywhere else: the Baraka Natural Aquarium and the Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond. They’re both located in Nungwi Beach, which is often considered one of the best beaches in Tanzania.
The Baraka Natural Aquarium
Don’t let the name fool you: this is not a real aquarium but a natural lagoon, carved out over time by erosion of the coral bedrock. The sanctuary and rehabilitation centre looks after turtles that were bought from fishermen, got hurt in fishing nets, struggle with buoyancy or were injured in some other way. They recover here and are eventually set free in the lagoon again. If you want to meet them in the water yourself, just put on your goggles, grab a snorkel and jump in.
Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond
This conservation pond also goes by the name Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium. It is a non-profit organisation whose main aim is to protect turtles and turn around the decline in their numbers. Local people bring in turtle eggs they find so that they can safely hatch. Every year in February, the newly hatched babies and the recovered injured adults are returned to the ocean… expect big smiles (and perhaps a happy tear or two).
Other Turtle Locations in Zanzibar
Besides these top places for swimming with turtles, there are a few other spots around Zanzibar where you may get close to them while snorkelling:
- Reefs of Mnemba Island
- Reefs of Chumbe Island
- Nungwi Beach
- Kendwa Beach
There is never a guarantee that you will actually see them, but your odds are better here. And if they don’t show up the first time, simply go back and try again. Sooner or later luck will be on your side.
What to know before you swim with turtles in Zanzibar
Getting in the water with Zanzibar’s turtles is certainly a thrill, but there are a few things to do and keep in mind beforehand so that it stays safe:
- Stick to the aquarium’s guidelines at all times. It may sound obvious, yet it is worth repeating. The rules exist for good reason: nobody knows better than the aquarium how to look after their turtles, which is exactly why they are in place.
- Never force an interaction with the turtles. By nature turtles are not aggressive, but they can (and do) bite when they feel threatened or uneasy, so don’t get too close. Let them approach you if they want to. Even better: keep a safe distance the whole time.
- Don’t attempt to dive unless you are sure of your skills. Your safety comes before anything else. If you are not fully confident in the water, put on a life jacket and stay on the safe side.
Tempted? We understand! Swimming with turtles is the kind of experience you will relive again and again. Take a look at our holiday options that include Zanzibar, and remember to reserve your turtle experience well ahead of time. Send us a message and we will gladly help you arrange it!
