SEA TURTLES

About

Swimming with Sea Turtles

Nungwi (2 Hours) 5 Stars

Overview

Swimming with turtles is an adventure of a lifetime! and is one among unforgettable experiences that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Zanzibar is the one place East Africa where you can actual feed and swim with sea turtles on a large mass. Zanzibar is a home to a diverse range of marine life, including several species of sea turtles such as Hawksbill and Green turtles. There are several locations in Zanzibar where you can spot the turtles, but when it comes to swimming with them, there are few places and the most famous is called Baraka Natural Aquarium in Nungwi beach. One of the most popular spots for the turtles in Zanzibar. Here the sea turtles are protected from illegal fishing and are breed later to be sent back to the sea. The aquarium is actually a small natural pond a grotto, which serves as a sanctuary for the turtles. Hawksbill turtles have traditionally been hunted around Zanzibar for their attractive shells, green turtles for their meat, superstitious reasons and other selling and smuggling them. The conservancy receives turtles which have been accidentally caught in fishing nets, illegally fished or ill turtles and gives them a chance to recuperate and treats them before being released into the open ocean again. Here, visitors can feed and swim with the turtles in their sanctuary.

Another popular location is Mnarani Turtles Conservation Pond, which is close to Baraka aquarium. This is a non-profit organization which was established as a response to the declining numbers of the sea turtles. Here you won’t swim with the turtles, instead you will feed them and have a short tour to learn about the biology and behavior of sea turtles, as well as the conservation efforts being made to protect them. The Mnarani Aquarium was built near the white light house located in Nungwi, in the natural lagoon for scientific and nature protection purposes. When the local fishermen find an injured hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the ocean, they catch and take it to such an aquarium. They heal and then let them go back into the open water.

Other places you can rarely spot turtles while snorkeling are at Mnemba Island reefs, Chumbe Island reefs, Nungwi Beach, Kendwa and many other marine areas of Zanzibar Island. 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 play by.

Highlights

The excitement of swimming with sea turtles is unmatched. Experience feeding and swimming with sea turtles at Nungwi marine aquariums. Have a great time with these peaceful and playful creatures creating a lifetime memory. Start exploring Nungwi Village by visiting Baraka Natural Aquarium in which is a home of endangered sea turtles and a variety of fish. The aquarium itself is a natural formation carved out from the coral bedrock by the erosion of millions of waves crashing against the shore. The depth of the water rises and falls with the tides providing a natural environment for its inhabitants. Use the unique opportunity to swim with sea turtles. During the visit you can also feed turtles with sea weed or just spend your time in the water. Also, you can take snorkeling mask to dive and watch them in their natural environment.

Things To Do

Sea Turtle Experiences

Swim with Sea Turtles

Feed Sea Turtles

Snorkeling

Visit Dhow Workshop

The best time to go swimming with sea turtles is in the morning at 9am because there will be very few people and the water is clear for it hasn't been disturbed yet making it great for pictures and sharing unforgettable moments. The water can feel murky at certain points in the pond, but luckily, there is a shower on site.

Jhat Tours & Safaris Co. Ltd

Why Choose Us?

We wil povide you a stree free experience exploring Zanzibar and Tanzania. We provide tour packages that cover all required services for your trip and we will take care of you from your arrival to the day of departure at a price that won't jeopardise the quailty of services we provide.

We love and are to passionate of what we do, we will comfort you and take care of anything that bothers you to let you have a stress free experiences. Come as a guest and join our family cause we will make unforgettable memmories together.

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