Zanzibar: Swim with Sea Turtles at Baraka or Salaam Aquarium

Planning a trip to Zanzibar and looking for a unique, hands-on experience? If encountering gentle sea turtles in their natural habitat sounds appealing, then this tour is worth considering. We’ve reviewed the option to visit either Nungwi’s Baraka Aquarium or Kizimkazi’s Salaam Aquarium, both offering similar opportunities, depending on your hotel location.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to touch and feed the turtles provides an intimate interaction with these fascinating creatures. Second, the guides are knowledgeable, adding context about marine life and turtle rehabilitation efforts. Lastly, the cost of $85 per person includes hotel transfers and entry fees, making it a convenient and relatively affordable way to connect with Zanzibar’s marine environment.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s activities are somewhat limited to the aquarium setting, so it’s not a full day of adventure. It’s best suited for travelers who love marine life and want a meaningful, close-up experience with turtles without diving deep into complex excursions like snorkeling or diving.

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Key Points

Accessible marine life experience with guided interaction with sea turtles.
Hotel transfers and entry fees included, offering good value for the price.
Location flexibility based on hotel placement—north/east hotels go to Nungwi, south hotels to Kizimkazi.
Informative guides enhance the experience, explaining turtle care and conservation efforts.
Limited activity scope—primarily swimming, touching, and feeding turtles—ideal for casual enthusiasts.
Highly rated with a 4.8/5 from 59 reviews, indicating strong guest satisfaction.

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The Experience in Detail

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How the Tour is Structured

The tour begins with a hotel pickup, usually arranged early in the morning—many reviewers recommend the 9 am schedule to avoid crowds and enjoy the aquarium in peace. From there, you’ll be transported to either Nungwi’s Baraka Aquarium or Kizimkazi’s Salaam Aquarium—whichever is closer to your hotel. Both venues are similar in purpose and provide a controlled environment where turtles are cared for and rehabilitated.

Once at the aquarium, you’ll meet a guide who provides a briefing about the turtles, their care, and conservation efforts. This educational element is a standout, with guides passionate about their work. For example, one reviewer mentions how the guide “tells you everything you need to know about the turtles and their care,” making the experience both fun and informative.

What You Can Expect During the Activity

Expect to spend about 40 minutes in the water swimming with the turtles. Many guests found the interaction to be surprisingly close and personal. As one reviewer put it, “the turtles are very friendly,” and some even enjoyed feeding them seaweed, which is provided at the site. Touching the turtles is a highlight, and you’ll be encouraged to take photos and videos—many guests mention capturing “amazing moments” that will last a lifetime.

The environment is generally calm, with different lagoons for swimming, ensuring a peaceful experience. Tour guides often help with the swimming, giving instructions and safety tips. If you’re lucky, you’ll see larger, more curious turtles, adding to the thrill.

The Importance of Guides and Marine Conservation

Several reviews praise the guides for their knowledgeable and friendly demeanor. One even mentions that the guide “stopped on the way back to buy us a red banana,” highlighting that staff go beyond just the basic tour to provide extra moments of enjoyment. Plus, guides explain the turtles’ rehabilitation stories, making the encounter more meaningful.

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Timing and Duration

The entire activity, including transport, typically lasts around 2-3 hours. Starting early helps avoid crowded lagoons and allows more time for photos and interaction. Many travelers appreciate the flexibility—reviewers note that they could leave when they chose, which is a nice touch.

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Benefits of the Tour Price

At $85 per person, the price covers:

Hotel pickup and drop-off: Eliminates stress and extra logistics.
Admission fees: Ensures access to the aquariums and lagoons.
Guided interaction: Enhances the educational value.

Given that similar experiences can cost more or require separate arrangements, this package offers solid value—especially considering the convenience and the quality of the encounters.

What to Keep in Mind Before Booking

Location considerations are key. If your hotel is in the north or northeast, Nungwi’s Baraka Aquarium is your destination. South-based accommodations will see you at Kizimkazi’s Salaam Aquarium. Both are equally good, but double-check your hotel’s proximity to avoid long drives.

Bring your own essentials, such as swimwear, towels, and waterproof cameras. Some reviewers mentioned that goggles are available for rent but at a steep $10, so bringing your own might be more budget-friendly.

Timing matters—early morning visits tend to be quieter, with calmer waters and more relaxed turtles.

Language: Tours are conducted in English, but guides are friendly and eager to share their knowledge.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many guests repeatedly mention how informative and passionate the guides are, making the experience more engaging. For instance, Alicia notes, “The guide who works there tells you everything you need to know about the turtles and their care.” Others appreciate the friendly staff and the opportunity to feed the turtles, which adds a personal touch.

Several guests, like Ebun and Monika, highlight the stunning nature of the environment—being in close proximity to the turtles feels like a privilege. One reviewer, Matthew, even talks about how the guide, Abdul, shared stories about Zanzibar’s history, adding a cultural layer to the trip.

Tips from Reviewers

Visit early to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
Use the provided seaweed to feed the turtles; it’s part of the fun.
Bring your own snorkel gear if possible, to avoid rental costs.
Take plenty of photos, as the turtles’ friendliness makes it easy to get great shots.
Be prepared for a gentle, relaxed swim—this trip isn’t about adrenaline but about connection.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers seeking a calm, educational, and memorable encounter with marine life, this swim with sea turtles at Zanzibar’s aquariums offers incredible value. It’s perfect for those who want an up-close experience without the need for diving or snorkeling. The friendly guides, the opportunity to touch and feed turtles, and the convenience of hotel transfers make this a straightforward adventure with high satisfaction levels.

While it’s not a full-day activity, it provides enough time for meaningful interaction, stunning photos, and a deeper appreciation of Zanzibar’s efforts in marine conservation. It’s especially suited for families, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to connect with nature in a safe, controlled environment.

Ultimately, this tour offers a blend of education, fun, and genuine connection—making it a worthwhile addition to your Zanzibar itinerary.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The $85 fee covers hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as entry/admission to the aquarium.

Can I choose which aquarium to visit?
Your location determines the aquarium—north or northeast hotels go to Nungwi’s Baraka Aquarium, while southern hotels are taken to Kizimkazi’s Salaam Aquarium. Both are similar in experience.

How long does the swimming activity last?
Expect approximately 40 minutes in the water interacting with the turtles.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that children enjoyed the experience, especially feeding and touching the turtles.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, towels, waterproof cameras, and possibly your own snorkel gear for comfort and savings. Goggles are available but at an extra cost.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers praise the guides’ passion and knowledge, with some sharing stories about Zanzibar’s conservation efforts.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Keep your plans flexible with the ‘reserve & pay later’ option.

In sum, if you’re after a gentle, engaging, and educational encounter with Zanzibar’s sea turtles, this tour offers an excellent mix of convenience, authenticity, and memorable moments. It’s a fantastic way to connect with marine life while learning about conservation efforts—an experience that’s both fun and meaningful.