Swim with Turtles at The Lagoons Zanzibar & Stone Town Tour

Travelers seeking a mix of cultural exploration and wildlife encounters will find this Zanzibar tour offers a compelling day out. Combining a guided walk through the historic streets of Stone Town with an unforgettable swim with rescued sea turtles in the serene lagoons of Nungwi, this experience promises a well-rounded look at Zanzibar’s vibrant heritage and natural beauty.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly it combines history, local culture, and marine life into one day. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience more engaging. You’ll also appreciate the chance to get up close and personal with sea turtles — an activity that’s both fun and educational. Plus, the scenic stops at four different lagoons allow for plenty of stunning photo opportunities.

The only potential snag is the overall length of the day, especially if you’re coming from the east coast. Long travel times in a private vehicle might be a consideration if you prefer more relaxed pacing or shorter days.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience Zanzibar’s cultural soul and its marine environment in a single, affordable package. If you’re curious about local history and love wildlife, you’ll likely find this trip just right.

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Key Points

Balanced itinerary blending history and marine wildlife.
Expert guides providing insightful commentary and personal touches.
Four lagoons with varied natural scenery and calm waters for swimming.
Rescued turtles offer a chance to learn about marine conservation.
Flexible experience allowing you to spend as much time as you wish with the turtles.
Affordable pricing at $67 per person, offering good value for a full day of activities.

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Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Looking for more options in Zanzibar City? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Cultural Walk Through Stone Town

Your day begins with a convenient hotel pickup, where your guide — for example, Ramadan, who was praised for his excellent tour — will meet you with a friendly welcome. Stone Town is a captivating place, with narrow winding streets, lively markets, and historic sites. The guide will take you to key landmarks like the Old Slave Market, the House of Wonders, and the Sultans Palace, sharing stories that highlight Zanzibar’s diverse influences from Africa, Arab, and European cultures.

Travelers have noted that guides like Ramadan are both knowledgeable and approachable, making the walk engaging and informative. Expect to see vibrant markets, smell spices in the air, and feel the lively buzz of the city. It’s a great chance to pick up souvenirs or simply absorb the unique atmosphere.

The Visit to the Lagoons Zanzibar Sanctuary

After a couple of hours exploring the streets, you’ll head to Nungwi — a peaceful village famous for its pristine beaches and clear waters. The Lagoons Zanzibar sanctuary is a dedicated space for rescued sea turtles, where staff are passionate about marine conservation. You’ll be welcomed with cool bottled water and an overview of the rescue work.

The lagoons are divided into four separate areas, each offering a different natural setting. One lagoon allows standing, ideal for those who want a relaxed, close-up view of the turtles. Another lagoon is perfect for swimming, while others provide more natural, undisturbed environments where you can observe the turtles in calmer waters.

Guests have shared that the opportunity to feed and touch the turtles — especially the baby ones — is a highlight, and the experience is gentle and educational. It’s a rare chance to see these creatures so close, and to learn about how they’re being cared for after rescue. The lagoons are quiet, offering a peaceful environment perfect for relaxing after the busy morning.

Why It Works

What makes this part of the tour stand out is the chance to interact with animals that have been rescued from fishing nets or other dangers. It’s clear that the staff are committed to conservation, and the experience offers an educational component that enhances your appreciation for marine life.

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The Flexible Nature of the Swim and Feed Experience

Unlike some wildlife encounters that are hurried or staged, here you’re given plenty of time. Reviewers have appreciated that they could spend as long as they wanted with the turtles, and that staff were attentive and friendly. This relaxed approach makes the experience more meaningful and less like just a photo op.

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End of the Day and Return

After your time at the lagoons, the tour seamlessly concludes with a hotel drop-off. The entire day typically takes around 8 hours, depending on your pickup location and pace.

Transport, Group Size, and Pricing

The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, which simplifies logistics and saves you from navigating unfamiliar streets. It’s conducted in small groups, ensuring a more personalized experience and better interaction with guides.

Priced at $67 per person, this experience offers a lot of value considering the combination of cultural insight and wildlife interaction. Entry fees to historical sites and activities at the sanctuary are included, so there are no hidden costs.

Authentic Insights from Real Travelers

One reviewer praised the organization and friendliness of the guides, mentioning that Ramadan provided an “excellent tour” of Stone Town. The same guest highlighted how they appreciated the time spent at the lagoon, describing it as relaxing and enjoyable.

Another shared that the guide, named Freddie Mercury House as a highlight, and loved that they could take photos in different lagoons depending on the tide. The ability to see baby turtles and even touch them was a genuine highlight for many.

The experience of swimming with turtles was described as “simply fantastic,” with no rush, allowing for a truly immersive moment. This suggests that the tour places a premium on quality and comfort over hurried encounters.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Wear comfortable shoes for the walking tour; the streets of Stone Town can be uneven.
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunglasses for the lagoon visit.
A camera is essential, especially to capture the scenic lagoons and turtles.
Bring cash for small personal expenses or souvenirs if you wish to explore local shops afterward.
The tour involves some walking and swimming, so be prepared for physical activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price? The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided walk through Stone Town, entry fees to the historical sites, and activities at The Lagoons Zanzibar sanctuary, including swimming and feeding turtles.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, making it a full day outing. It depends on your pickup location and pace.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, the calm lagoons and gentle turtles are suitable for most ages, but consider the walking and swimming involved.

Do I need to bring anything? Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, and some cash are recommended.

Can I spend more time with the turtles? Yes, the experience is designed to be flexible, and you can stay as long as you like in the lagoons.

What should I know about the guides? Guides like Ramadan are well-reviewed for their knowledge and friendliness, making the tour both informative and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

This Zanzibar tour strikes a lovely balance between cultural exploration and wildlife interaction. It’s especially appealing for those who want a meaningful experience that combines history and natural beauty without feeling rushed or superficial. The inclusion of stories from guides like Ramadan and the chance to see and touch rescued turtles adds a personal, heartfelt touch that elevates the day.

The price point makes it accessible, offering good value for a full day packed with memorable moments. The calm lagoons and dedicated conservation efforts ensure that your interactions with the turtles are both respectful and educational.

While the long travel times might be a consideration for those staying on the east coast, most travelers agree that the experience is worth the journey. It’s a great way to see a different side of Zanzibar — one where its history, culture, and caring approach to wildlife shine.

If you’re after a well-organized, authentic, and impactful day out, this tour is a solid choice. Perfect for curious travelers, wildlife lovers, and those eager to connect with Zanzibar’s vibrant culture and marine life in a relaxed setting.

Remember: Always check the latest details and confirm pickup points after booking. With a bit of planning, this tour can be one of your favorite days in Zanzibar, leaving you with stories and snapshots you’ll treasure.