Where can I swim with Turtles in Zanzibar?
Where can I swim with Turtles in Zanzibar? If you’re hoping to swim with turtles in Zanzibar, you basically have two main spots to check out. Swimming with turtles in Zanzibar is a magical experience that allows you to get up close and personal with these gentle creatures. Turtles are known for their curious and playful nature, and they often approach swimmers to say hello. Both the Baraka Natural Aquarium and the Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond give you the chance to get in the water with these amazing creatures, feed them, and really experience them up close. You’ll find both of these places in Nungwi Beach, a spot many people consider to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Tanzania.
Baraka Natural aquarium
Baraka Natural Aquarium, found in the village of Nungwi at Zanzibar’s northernmost point. The site is a special place where you can see marine life in their natural habitat. The aquarium is a small enclosure formed by natural coral rocks, where the sea meets the shore during high tide. It is home to various species of fish, turtles, and other marine creatures.
Visitors while on a swimming adventure here, can expect to witness a variety of marine life up-close, including sea turtles, colourful fish, and other marine creatures. You can also engage swimming with the turtles or snorkelling. While swimming with the Turtles, you can even have the option to feed the turtles sea weed or simply being the in the water with them. This activity in Baraka Natural aquarium las for about 1 to 2 hours depending on your time and can be conducted in the morning hours and afternoons.
Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond
Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond is also known as the Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium – a non-profit organization whose main mission is to protect the turtles and revert the decline in their population. The Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium is situated in the northern tip of Nungwei Beach. This sanctuary focuses on taking care of and rehabilitation of marine turtles while also showing the fragile underwater environment through its conservation pond and natural aquarium.
The turtle conservation pond is a natural lagoon that is just a short distance from the Indian Ocean, separated by some old coral rocks. You can see the ocean’s influence in the water levels that change with the tide. A wooden pier was built on one half of the lagoon, allowing a better access to the Sea Turtles. Swimming with the turtles is one of the most interesting activities to embark on a safari in Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond. Visitors while swimming at the conservation pond can have the chance to with, touch, and feed the turtles. This area also features an information center and a small space for interaction, enhancing the experience for everyone.
Other places where you can swim with Turtle in Zanzibar
Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island is a single small island located about 3 km off the northeast coast of Unguja, the largest island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania, opposite Muyuni Beach. Mnemba Island is also another exciting places to tourists who may wish to swim with the turtles. Though it is most a popular scuba diving site, due to its wide variety of corals and associated species, as well as occasional sightings of larger species such as dolphins. During you visit here, you will also have the chance to engage in several water activities beside swimming with the turtles such as Sunset Cruise, Dolphin watching, beach picnic, Snorkeling, Stargazing on Mnemba Island and Cultural tours among others.
Chumbe Island reefs
It is situated in the Zanzibar Channel. The island is known for its ecological innovation and exceptional coral reefs. The Chumbe Lighthouse is also located on the island. Chumbe Island is a designated nature reserve protecting the natural and cultural heritage of Zanzibar. Chumbe Island is also a wilderness retreat that has regenerative tourism principles. Visiting this stunning island offers you the best exciting moments of swimming with turtles. You’ll also engage in activities such as coconut crab walk, forest walk, snorkelling, intertidal walk, birding and other wildlife observations mong others
What to Know Before Swimming with Turtles in Zanzibar
Swimming with turtles in Zanzibar sounds like an amazing experience, but you need to be careful before heading out. Here are some things to remember to stay safe:
First, follow the rules set by the aquarium. They’re there for a reason and they know what’s best for the turtles. These rules help keep both you and the turtles safe.
Also, let the turtles come to you. They’re not aggressive, but if they feel scared or uncomfortable they might nip at you. So, it’s best to keep a safe distance and let them swim up to you on their own.
Lastly, don’t try any diving if you’re not a strong swimmer. Your safety is the most important thing. If you’re not confident in your swimming abilities, put on a life jacket and take it easy.
Best time to go swim with turtles in Zanzibar
The best time to swim with turtles in Zanzibar is during the dry season, typically from June to October, as the water visibility is best during this period, allowing for clear sightings while snorkeling. For those interested to see how adult sea turtles, you can opt to go during nesting season, which begins in May with nests often laid through mid-summer.
