Swimming With Turtles in Zanzibar

Looking for the best place you can go swimming with turtles in Zanzibar? Do not fret, this article will help you discover amazing destinations for swimming alongside turtles on an African safari. Zanzibar is a coastal land in the East African region within the Indian Ocean. This beautiful island is part of Tanzania and it occupies part of the coastal land of the country.

Zanzibar is about 25 kilometers away from Dar el Salam city near the Indian Ocean. It is neighbored by other islands like Pembe and Mafia. Zanzibar has several aquatic species that travelers on their safaris can engage in. Swimming with turtles in Zanzibar is one of the exciting activities on the island. This is an unforgettable activity that travelers on their safaris can engage in in the northern part of the island. They are seen in the different lagoons within the island and they are located near the beaches. During the swimming, travelers usually get closer to the turtles, and feed them.

Where to swim with turtles in Zanzibar

If you are interested in swimming with turtles in Zanzibar, there are two places that travelers on their safaris can visit. They are located on Nungwi Beach which is considered to be the best in Tanzania.

Baraka natural aquarium

This is a lagoon formed by the erosion of the central bed rocks with the Nungwi beach. It is also a rehabilitation center for the turtles. Turtles were rescued from the fishermen and injured were brought to this place for rehabilitation. This area serves as a sanctuary for the turtles with a cave where the injured turtles are treated. In this area, the turtles are of a different size but the biggest and oldest is about 120 years. Travelers visiting the island feed the turtles with seaweed. In this area, there are several other wildlife that travelers on their safaris can encounter during safari like ostriches, and many others.

Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond

This pond was started by a local initiative aiming at conserving the turtles in the area. This was aimed at conserving the turtles since the number of turtles was reduced. Usually in this area, people in the local communities bring the eggs of the turtles to hatch. Annually, the hatched and injured turtles are usually released into the ocean.

What kind of turtles can travelers see in Zanzibar?

When you take a trip to swim with turtles in Zanzibar, you will come across different types of turtles. Some of these include;

Green turtle

Scientifically these species are called Chelonia mydas and it is the largest shelled sea turtle. They are herbivores which generally feed on the green algae. Green turtles face several challenges like they are hunt for their meat, fat, and eggs which makes them less in number. They are in about 80 countries around the world.

Hawksbill turtles

These are critically endangered turtle species in Zanzibar and they are scientifically known as Eretmochelys imbricata. They are found in the world’s tropical oceans. Their diet consists of the sponges that are on the coral reefs in the ocean. They have a narrow pointed beak which differs from other turtles.

Is it safe to swim with turtles in Zanzibar?

Yes, it is safe to swim with the turtles though you are not supposed not to get to them. There is no minimum distance recommended for travelers. Travelers are not supposed to force the turtles to extend towards them and they have to let the turtles freely approach you. Keeping too close to the turtles sometimes makes them uncomfortable. Travelers are supposed to follow the guidelines and regulations put by the authorities before swimming.

Is swimming with turtles in Zanzibar ethical?

It is ethical for travelers to swim with the turtles if you are to follow the guidelines and regulations put by the authorities. Travelers are supposed to know the following;

No swimming with injured turtles
If you are sick, you are not allowed to swim with turtles
Knowing the swimming height and depth
Travelers are recommended to use local guides

What to know before swimming with turtles in Zanzibar?

Travelers planning to swim with the turtles are supposed to know the following before swimming.

Don’t dive into the water if you are not skilled

This is a form of safety for travelers during the safaris where if travelers don’t know how to dive are supposed to acquire help from the local guides. So travelers are usually offered swimming equipment like life jackets to make it safe during the safari.

Don’t force the turtles to swim or interact with you

Turtles are one of the most peaceful reptiles in the sea but when they feel threatened, uncomfortable, and unsafe. Travelers are supposed not to interact or swim with them. They can bite you for them to ensure their safety. Travelers are recommended to wait for them until they swim towards him.

Follow the guidelines about swimming with turtles

While planning the swimming, travelers are supposed to first know the guidelines that travelers on their safaris can swim with the turtles. These guidelines put in place help in the sustainability of the area.

What is the best time of the day to swim with turtles in Zanzibar?

Swimming with the turtles can be done throughout the day. The best time is during the morning hours of the day since the waters are calm which offers the best visibility and more suitable conditions.

How much does it cost to swim with turtles in Zanzibar?

Swimming with the turtles in Zanzibar is about 10 dollars per person. The package of the safari can take about 130 dollars and above for travelers to swim with the turtles plus other activities added on the safari.

Ideal safaris for swimming with turtles in Zanzibar?

There are several ideal safari packages that travelers on their safaris can engage in to swim with the turtles and they include;

5 days Zanzibar safari
3 days swimming with turtles in Zanzibar
12 days Uganda gorilla trekking and Zanzibar safari
8 days of Tanzania safaris and Zanzibar tour

What to follow while swimming with turtles in Zanzibar?

Travelers during their safaris are supposed to follow several guidelines before swimming with the turtles and they include;

Avoid putting on colored clothing like green since the turtles may bite thinking that it is food.
Don’t swim while having a wounded body
Always check yourself while swimming because if the seaweed is stuck on your body, the turtles may bite