Swimming with Sea Turtles in Zanzibar: A Magical Encounter at Baraka Aquarium
By Travel Content Creator Mr Plane Guy
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If you’re ever in Zanzibar and looking for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience, swimming with sea turtles should be at the top of your list! Located in the northern part of the island, Baraka Natural Aquarium offers the incredible opportunity to swim with these graceful creatures while also supporting vital conservation efforts. My visit here was nothing short of magical.
A Hidden Gem in Nungwi
We ventured to Nungwi, a small village on the northern tip of Zanzibar, known for its stunning white-sand beaches and rich marine life. The village itself has a charming and laid-back vibe, and it is here that you’ll find Baraka Natural Aquarium, nestled near the coast. For just $10, you can enter this natural lagoon and enjoy an up-close encounter with sea turtles.
An Experience of a Lifetime
Baraka Aquarium is home to about 15 sea turtles of varying sizes, all housed in a natural tidal lagoon. These turtles were rescued from fishermen's nets and are cared for until they are strong enough to be released back into the ocean. The highlight of our trip was, without a doubt, the chance to swim and interact with the turtles in the lagoon.
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These turtles are surprisingly sociable and seemed to enjoy the human interaction, swimming up close to us with curiosity. The moment I extended my hand to feed them, they slowly floated towards me, munching happily on the seaweed. It's truly heartwarming to witness their natural beauty in such an intimate setting.
Supporting Conservation Efforts
While the interaction with the turtles is a highlight, what makes this experience truly special is the conservation work behind it. Baraka Aquarium, like many other turtle conservation initiatives in Zanzibar, is playing a critical role in reversing the decline of sea turtle populations. Many of the turtles rescued here would have likely been caught in fishing nets or harmed in other ways if not for these programs.
The tidal pools in Nungwi serve as temporary homes for the turtles, where they are nurtured until they are strong enough to return to the ocean. Though some might argue that it’s unnatural to keep them in these pools, the aquarium staff assured us that the turtles are released when they’re ready. This means that the experience isn’t just about tourism, but also about ensuring the turtles' long-term survival in the wild.
Top Tip
I used https://zanzibardestination.co.tz for all my transfers around the island, they were so organised! They use whats app to communicate, each transfer was on time and great value!
What’s great is that by visiting and paying the entrance fee, you’re directly supporting these conservation efforts. The money helps fund turtle rescues, care, and the eventual release of these majestic creatures back into their natural habitat. Tourists play a vital role in keeping these programs running, and the more people visit, the better the chances are for the turtles’ survival.
Getting There and Practical Tips
For our visit, we paid $40 for two people, which included a pickup from our hotel in Nungwi, quite a bargain for such a memorable experience! Baraka Aquarium is open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.
I got myself some of these swimming shoes before I went from Amazon! It was a good move!
If you’re a nature lover or a snorkel enthusiast, don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera—you’ll want to capture every moment! Or get a pouch like this, they are perfect for swimming with turtles or boat trips in Zanzibar.
If you’re looking for a way to connect with nature, contribute to conservation, and leave Zanzibar with a heart full of awe, be sure to visit Baraka Aquarium. Trust me it’s an experience you won’t soon forget!
Hello I’m Paul a Travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!
I hope you found Swimming with Sea Turtles in Zanzibar: A Magical Encounter at Baraka Aquarium useful do let me know in the comments if you have any questions.
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