When you visit Zanzibar, one of the most special things you can do is meet the turtles. These animals live in clear blue waters and protected areas. If you want to know where to see turtles in Zanzibar, you will find many good places to swim, watch, and learn about them. Plus, renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace. Driving makes it easy to reach beaches, lagoons, and local turtle sites. This way, you can enjoy the island views while observing the turtles.
Zanzibar is in the Indian Ocean Coral Reef System, home to several species of sea turtles. Warm currents, shallow lagoons, and thriving reefs create an ideal environment for feeding and breeding. These make the island one of the best places in East Africa for safe and accessible turtle encounters.
Swimming with turtles in Zanzibar is one of the most memorable things you can do on the island. The crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, rich coral reefs, and calm lagoons make it the perfect place for close turtle encounters. Unlike many destinations, Zanzibar gives you the chance not just to see turtles but to feed them, snorkel with them, and support conservation at the same time.
Sea turtles have lived in the oceans for over 100 million years, yet nearly all species are now endangered. They face threats from poaching, habitat destruction, pollution, and accidental capture in fishing nets. Local communities and NGOs in Zanzibar run turtle conservation sites in Zanzibar to protect nesting areas, rescue injured turtles, and raise hatchlings before releasing them back into the sea.
Thanks to warm currents, rich seagrass beds, and protected lagoons, Zanzibar’s coastline and offshore reefs provide ideal habitats for sea turtles. They are commonly sighted here in managed conservation sites or the open ocean. American tourists can experience turtles in sanctuaries focusing on rehabilitation or natural reefs where they thrive in the wild.
The Baraka Natural Aquarium in Nungwi is one of the most popular turtle encounters in Zanzibar. Despite the name, it is not an artificial tank but a natural tidal lagoon carved into coral rock. Fishermen bring turtles here after rescuing them from fishing nets or when found injured. Staff members care for the turtles until they are strong enough to return to the ocean. Visitors can swim alongside these turtles in the lagoon, feed them seaweed, and even watch them dive gracefully under the surface. Because the turtles are accustomed to human presence, the experience is natural and safe.
Also located in Nungwi, the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond is a community-driven project dedicated to protecting sea turtles. Local villagers bring eggs found on beaches to the sanctuary, where they are protected until hatching. Injured or young turtles are cared for until they are released. A highlight is the annual release event each February, when hatchlings and recovered turtles are set free into the ocean. Tourists are welcome to participate in this experience, which shows the full cycle of turtle conservation. Beyond swimming with turtles in the lagoon, you can learn about the threats turtles face, including plastic pollution and coastal development.
About 1 hour and 30 minutes from Stone Town, Salaam Cave in the southern village of Kizimkazi is a rising turtle spot. This natural cave has become a sanctuary where visitors can swim with turtles in a dramatic setting of rock walls and clear water. You can feed the turtles as part of a guided visit, and the site connects well with other attractions nearby. After your turtle swim, you can visit the historic Kizimkazi Mosque, one of the oldest Islamic sites in East Africa, or relax on the quiet Mtende Beach just a short distance away.
In addition to Nungwi, the Jozani Sea Turtle Sanctuary offers another way to interact with turtles. Guides explain the sanctuary’s conservation programs and how turtles are rescued, rehabilitated, and released. Visitors can swim and feed turtles in carefully managed pools designed to balance visitor enjoyment with animal safety. Families especially enjoy this site because of its hands-on fun and conservation education.
Mnemba Atoll is the best place to meet turtles in the wild. Located off the northeast coast, this marine reserve has vibrant coral reefs where green and hawksbill turtles are often seen. Snorkeling here offers the chance to see turtles gliding through the reefs alongside colorful fish and dolphins. The waters are clear and have good visibility, especially from November to March. Unlike sanctuaries, encounters here are not guaranteed, but the thrill of spotting turtles in their natural environment makes it unforgettable.
Chumbe Island is another protected marine area where turtles appear during snorkeling trips. The reef is teeming with marine life and is part of a conservation zone. On the northwestern coast, Kendwa Beach offers occasional turtle sightings and is often included in snorkeling tours.
Zanzibar’s waters host several turtle species that play important roles in the marine ecosystem. These reptiles help maintain balance in coral reefs and seagrass beds, making them vital to ocean health. While sightings depend on location and season, here are the most common species:
The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is the most frequently seen turtle in Zanzibar. Large, calm, and mostly herbivorous, they graze on seagrass and algae. This feeding method prevents overgrowth and helps maintain productive seagrass ecosystems. Green turtles are commonly spotted at sanctuaries in Nungwi and in the wild around Mnemba Atoll.
The hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is smaller but striking, with a pointed beak and beautifully patterned shell. They are reef specialists, feeding on sponges and helping corals survive. Hawksbills are critically endangered due to the shell trade and habitat loss, so seeing one in Zanzibar is rare and rewarding. They are often sighted near Chumbe Island and Mnemba Atoll.
The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is less common but occasionally seen in Zanzibar waters, especially near Mnemba. Its large head and strong jaws allow it to crush hard prey like crabs and shellfish. Loggerhead turtles are powerful long-distance swimmers, and spotting one during a snorkeling trip is an exciting highlight.
The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest of all sea turtles, sometimes growing over two meters long. Unlike other species, leatherbacks feed mainly on jellyfish, which helps keep jellyfish populations under control. They are rare visitors to Zanzibar, usually during migratory seasons, but conservation records confirm they pass through Tanzanian waters.
The olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is the smallest of the sea turtles, but is known for mass nesting events called “arribadas” in some parts of the world. In Zanzibar, they are occasional visitors, usually spotted offshore. Their diet is varied, including crabs, shrimp, and jellyfish. While not as easy to encounter as green or hawksbill turtles, they are part of the region’s marine biodiversity.
The best months for swimming with turtles in Zanzibar are during the dry seasons, which fall between June and October and from December to March. These periods bring calm seas, clear skies, and excellent visibility, and you will have the best conditions for snorkeling and diving. Calm waters also make it comfortable in the ocean, sanctuaries, and shallow lagoons.
Another critical factor is the turtle nesting cycle. From February to July, female turtles come ashore on beaches such as Nungwi and Kendwa to lay their eggs in the sand. Hatchlings begin to appear from April through September. Witnessing baby turtles dash toward the ocean is a rare and unforgettable experience. The time of day also matters when planning your visit. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best hours to explore turtle sanctuaries like Baraka and Mnarani. At these times, turtles are more active in the water, and the sites are less crowded than midday.
Visiting turtle conservation sites in Zanzibar is affordable and directly supports local projects. Entrance fees for sanctuaries such as Baraka Natural Aquarium or the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond usually range between $10 and $20 per person. These fees fund turtle care, community education, and hatchling release programs.
Snorkeling tours at Mnemba Atoll are popular choices for travellers who prefer to see turtles in the wild. Depending on the package, prices generally range from $40 to $100 per person. Most tours include the boat ride, snorkeling equipment, and sometimes even lunch on a nearby beach. Luxury or private tours can cost more but often add hotel pickups, refreshments, and a longer time on the water. Booking tours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid sudden price changes and secure your spot.
When visiting turtle conservation sites in Zanzibar, it is essential to follow the guidance of local staff. Sanctuaries like Baraka and Mnarani have clear rules to protect visitors and turtles. Listening to guides and respecting these instructions, you help create a controlled environment where turtles can heal, grow, and eventually return to the ocean.
You should never chase, grab, or ride turtles, as this can stress them or cause injury. Instead, let the turtles swim freely and come closer only if they choose to. In sanctuaries, staff sometimes allow feeding with seaweed, but this should always be done under supervision.You should also make eco-friendly choices to protect the wider marine environment. Using reef-safe sunscreen, avoiding single-use plastics, and removing litter helps keep lagoons and reefs clean.
Swimming with turtles in Zanzibar is a chance to support conservation, enjoy nature, and learn about marine life. From sanctuaries in Nungwi to snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll, every encounter connects you with one of the ocean’s oldest creatures. For American travellers, the best way to make the most of the trip is to rent a car in Zanzibar with Final Rentals. With Final Rentals, you can book online in advance, choose from a wide range of vehicles, and pick up your car at convenient spots such as Abeid Amani Karume International Airport or downtown.
