Swimming With Turtle at Baraka aquarium

Spending time with sea turtles in their natural habitat sounds like a dream, and on Zanzibar’s Nungwi coast, that dream comes true at Baraka Aquarium. While we haven’t personally snorkeled with these gentle creatures, plenty of travelers have shared their experiences, and it’s clear this tour offers a rare chance to connect with marine wildlife in an authentic setting.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to swim beside friendly turtles, the educational insights about conservation, and the opportunity to feed them directly—a rare and memorable interaction. The only consideration might be the limited scope for those expecting a large-scale snorkel adventure, as it’s more of a sanctuary visit than a full-blown reef tour. Perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a meaningful encounter with Zanzibar’s sea life, this tour offers genuine value and authentic moments.

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Key Points

Unique experience of swimming with native sea turtles in a sanctuary setting
Educational focus on turtle conservation and protection efforts
Inclusive of pickup, dropoff, entrance fee, and tour guide for ease and convenience
Feeding turtles on-site adds a close, personal touch
Affordable price point at $40 per person
Limited to non-infants; suitable for older children and adults

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Swimming With Turtles at Baraka Aquarium?

The Baraka natural aquarium in Nungwi is a sanctuary dedicated to injured or caught-in-fishermen’s-net turtles that have been rehabilitated and are ready to be reintroduced into the wild. Unlike a typical aquarium, it’s not just a display tank but a live, thriving environment where visitors can observe and interact with native sea turtles in a semi-wild setting.

This experience is all about up-close interactions—you can hop into the water with these gentle creatures, observing their natural behaviors as they swim around you. For those who prefer to stay dry, there’s also the opportunity to feed the turtles from the side of the lagoon, making this accessible for a wide range of comfort levels.

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

How the Tour Is Structured and What to Expect

The tour begins with hotel pickup from Nungwi or Kendwa, ensuring a hassle-free start. For guests outside these areas, Zanzibarilife Tours offers pickup arrangements via WhatsApp, making it flexible for most travelers. The journey to the sanctuary usually takes about 10 minutes, so you’re soon immersed in the experience.

Once at Baraka Aquarium, your guide will provide a brief overview of the turtles’ background and the conservation efforts behind the sanctuary. This educational aspect is often highlighted as a key benefit, giving visitors a deeper understanding of why protecting these creatures matters.

The main highlight is the opportunity to swim with the turtles. They are described as quite friendly and curious, often swimming around visitors. Several reviews mention how special it is to be in the water with these gentle beings, watching them glide effortlessly through the water. The experience is relaxed, with guides encouraging safe interaction.

For those less inclined to get wet, feeding the turtles from the side of the lagoon is a popular alternative. You’ll be handed seaweed (their favorite snack), and many find that feeding them offers just as much joy as swimming alongside them.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic marine wildlife interaction is the core draw here. Unlike many tourist attractions that keep animals in confined tanks, Baraka Aquarium serves as a rehabilitation center, which adds an ethical dimension that many travelers appreciate. Being able to see injured or rescued turtles being cared for before release underscores the importance of conservation and makes the experience more meaningful.

Stunning natural views are an added bonus. Located in Nungwi, the setting offers beautiful coastal scenery, and the calm lagoon waters create an ideal environment for both turtles and visitors. The experience also includes local guides who are knowledgeable and passionate about marine conservation, often sharing interesting facts during the tour.

The price of $40 is quite reasonable considering it includes hotel pickup and dropoff, entrance fee, and a tour guide. This all-in-one package removes the hassle of organizing separate transport or entrance tickets, making it both practical and good value.

What to Bring and Other Practical Tips

To make the most of your visit, pack sunscreen and beachwear—the water can be warm, and sun protection is essential in Zanzibar’s tropical climate. A waterproof camera or phone case is handy if you want to capture the moments, although many guides recommend asking about their photo policies beforehand.

Since the experience is relatively short, typically lasting around an hour or so, you can easily combine it with other local activities or beach time. Remember, it’s not suitable for babies under 1 year, so plan accordingly if traveling with little ones.

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Authentic Insights From Visitors

Several reviews mention how friendly and approachable the turtles are, with one noting, “The turtles swim right around you, and feeding them is such a joy.” Others appreciate the educational value, with guides explaining conservation efforts and the importance of protecting these animals, adding depth to the experience.

A common theme is the stunning views—many visitors highlight how calm, clear the lagoon waters are, making the interaction not only meaningful but visually beautiful too. The overall tone is that this activity is a gentle, impactful encounter rather than an adrenaline-filled adventure, perfect for those wanting a meaningful wildlife experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Nungwi

The Sum Up

Swimming with sea turtles at Baraka Aquarium offers a genuinely rewarding encounter with Zanzibar’s marine life. It’s a well-organized, ethically minded tour that combines education, wildlife interaction, and stunning coastal scenery—all at a reasonable price. Whether you’re an animal lover, a conservation supporter, or just after a memorable photo opportunity, this experience provides a rare chance to get close to gentle sea creatures in their rehabilitative habitat.

The tour is especially suitable for travelers who value authenticity and meaningful experiences over commercialized attractions. It’s a gentle, educational activity that can be enjoyed by older children and adults alike, making it an excellent option for family outings or solo wildlife enthusiasts.

If you’re seeking a peaceful, enriching encounter with Zanzibar’s incredible sea turtles, this experience at Baraka Aquarium is likely to leave a lasting impression.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and dropoff from your hotel in Nungwi and Kendwa. For those outside these areas, arrangements can be made via WhatsApp.

What does the tour cost?
The experience costs $40 per person, covering entrance fees, a guide, and transport.

Can I stay dry during the activity?
Absolutely. You can choose to swim with the turtles or feed them from the lagoon’s edge if you prefer to stay dry.

How long does the tour last?
The experience generally lasts around an hour, including transportation, briefing, and interaction time.

Are children allowed?
It’s not suitable for babies under 1 year, but older children and adults will find it engaging and safe.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, beachwear, and optionally a waterproof phone case to capture photos.

Is the experience educational?
Yes, guides explain the conservation efforts and importance of protecting sea turtles, adding meaningful context.

Is it suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, the feeding experience from the side is perfect if you prefer not to swim but still want close contact.

What are the main highlights?
Swimming with friendly turtles, feeding them, and learning about conservation efforts.

What’s the best time to visit?
While not specified, Zanzibar generally offers warm weather year-round, ideal for water-based activities.

This tour offers a blend of education, wildlife interaction, and stunning scenery, making it a worthwhile addition to your Zanzibar itinerary. For a gentle yet impactful way to connect with marine life, swimming with turtles at Baraka Aquarium is a choice that won’t disappoint.