Zanzibar: Swim with Turtles Sanctuary Tour

Imagine standing in warm, turquoise waters, gently feeding a peaceful sea turtle or sharing a swim with these graceful creatures in their natural environment. That’s exactly what the Zanzibar Swim with Turtles Sanctuary Tour offers—an accessible, engaging experience that combines wildlife observation with conservation awareness, all for just $13 per person. We’ve gathered insights from travelers who’ve enjoyed this tour to help you decide if it’s right for your Zanzibar adventure.

What we love about this experience is its affordable price point, making it a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers. The knowledgeable guides add a layer of authenticity and education, and the serene setting allows for a quiet, personal encounter with nature. A possible consideration is the lack of included transportation, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point if you’re not staying nearby. This tour is ideal for families, solo travelers, or anyone seeking a gentle introduction to marine conservation and turtle ecology.

Key Points

• Affordable pricing makes it accessible for most budgets.
• Educational component enhances understanding of sea turtle conservation.
• Small-group experience offers a more personal connection with the sanctuary.
• Guides are knowledgeable and helpful, often taking photos for visitors.
• Timing and tide influence the best times to visit for fewer crowds and better water clarity.
• No hotel pickup included, so plan your transportation in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Zanzibar Swim with Turtles Sanctuary Tour?

This tour provides a chance to meet, feed, and swim with sea turtles in a protected sanctuary on the southern coast of Zanzibar. It’s designed to be accessible, educational, and fun—perfect for families, nature lovers, or anyone curious about marine life. For just $13, you get a guided experience that emphasizes conservation alongside interaction.

The tour is run by ZanziTrip Tours and is based at the Baraka Aquarium Reception, where you’ll start your journey. The sanctuary is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, giving you flexibility in planning your visit.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

Travelers consistently mention the knowledgeable guides who not only lead the activity but also share fascinating insights into sea turtle conservation efforts. Marelize, for example, highlights that going at 5 PM when the tide was high resulted in less crowded waters and a stunning blue hue—making the experience more intimate and visually appealing.

Josefina simply states, “Very good,” capturing the straightforward satisfaction many feel after their visit. Siddonie describes it as “one of the best experiences in Zanzibar,” emphasizing the personal touch of guides who take photos and videos, especially helpful if you’re solo.

These reviews highlight that early visits tend to be quieter, with fewer visitors, and that the guides’ friendliness and knowledge significantly enhance the experience.

What Can You Expect During the Tour?

Meeting Point and Duration

Starting at the Baraka Aquarium Reception, the activity usually lasts around 1-2 hours. You’ll meet your guide, who will give a brief introduction before heading to the sanctuary. The pace is relaxed, with plenty of time to observe, feed, and swim with the turtles.

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The Sanctuary Environment

The sanctuary itself is tranquil and well-maintained, with clear waters that showcase the gentle giant creatures. You’ll learn about the importance of protecting these endangered species, with guides sharing stories about the turtles’ habits and threats they face.

Interaction with Sea Turtles

The highlight is definitely feeding and swimming with the turtles. Guides carefully manage interactions to ensure both visitor safety and turtle well-being. As Marelize noted, visiting during high tide meant less crowded waters and an enhanced viewing experience. Expect to see turtles of varying sizes, with some being quite large—the size of a small car, as one reviewer mentioned.

Educational Insights

Part of the tour’s charm is the informative talk on sea turtle conservation. Guides are often local experts who are passionate about marine preservation. This adds depth to your visit, transforming it from just a fun activity into an opportunity to learn and support conservation efforts.

The Practicalities: Price and What’s Included

At only $13, the tour offers excellent value. It includes the guided experience, the chance to feed and swim with the turtles, and the educational talk.

However, note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to plan your transport to the meeting point in advance. Bringing a towel is recommended, and you should avoid sunscreen and alcohol—both of which might disturb or harm the turtles.

Booking and Timing

The sanctuary is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, giving you flexibility to choose a time that suits your schedule. Yet, many travelers suggest getting there early—around 8 AM—to enjoy the quiet, especially if you want to avoid crowds and get the best photos.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. With the option to reserve and pay later, you can keep your plans flexible without losing the opportunity.

Authentic Encounters and What Travelers Say

The reviews highlight the personalized service by guides who often help with photos—something you’ll definitely want to take advantage of. Siddonie said, “The guide was amazing. He took all my pictures and videos for me since I was alone,” emphasizing how guides often go above and beyond.

Josefina’s simple praise, “Very good,” shows that the core experience consistently meets expectations. Marelize appreciated visiting during a time with fewer visitors and beautiful water color, making it a more peaceful and visually stunning trip.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for families with children because of its gentle nature and educational component. It’s also ideal for solo travelers or couples who want a meaningful, low-stress activity that supports marine conservation.

If you enjoy wildlife encounters that are more relaxed and educational rather than adrenaline-pumping, you’ll find this tour satisfying. Keep in mind, it’s not suitable for people with animal allergies, and it’s best suited to those comfortable in shallow water environments.

The Sum Up

The Zanzibar Swim with Turtles Sanctuary Tour offers a cost-effective, authentic opportunity to connect with one of nature’s most treasured creatures. Its affordability, combined with friendly guides and a tranquil setting, makes it an appealing choice for many travelers. You’ll appreciate the chance to learn about conservation while enjoying safe, close-up encounters.

While it doesn’t include transportation, its flexible timings and small-group format foster a personal experience that resonates with those keen to support marine preservation. It’s particularly well-suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a gentle but memorable activity in Zanzibar.

If you’re passing through Unguja South and love marine life or want a meaningful activity that combines fun and education, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to arrive early, bring your camera, and soak in the serenity of swimming alongside gentle sea turtles in their natural habitat.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You will need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point at Baraka Aquarium Reception.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel for drying off after swimming. Sunscreen and alcohol are not allowed, so consider enjoying the sun without chemical sunblock that could harm the turtles.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and pay later, which offers flexibility in planning your trip.

How long does the tour last?
Typically, the entire experience lasts around 1-2 hours, depending on tide and group size.

Is the sanctuary open all day?
Yes, it operates daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, so you can choose a time that fits your schedule.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, it’s great for families, especially those interested in wildlife and conservation.

Are guides helpful with photos?
Absolutely. Many visitors mention guides taking photos and videos, especially when traveling alone.

What is the best time to visit?
Going early, around 8 AM, often results in fewer crowds and better water clarity, enhancing your experience.

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $13 per person, making it an affordable way to enjoy Zanzibar’s marine life.

This sanctuary tour combines the thrill of close encounters with the gentle giants of the sea and the satisfaction of supporting conservation efforts—all wrapped up in a budget-friendly package. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful activity that educates and entertains, it’s a noteworthy addition to your Zanzibar itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: