Sea Turtles Sanctuary
A rehabilitation pool, not a zoo
- Location Nungwi, northern Unguja
- Duration Approximately 1 hour at the site, half day with transfers
- Tour type Private or shared
- Availability Daily
Price on request Send the form and we reply with a firm quote, usually within a few hours.
Overview
Behind the beach in Nungwi, a large natural tidal pool sits in the coral rock, connected to the sea and refreshed by every tide. It was set up to rehabilitate and study marine turtles, and it now works to protect the local population, taking in animals caught in nets or injured and returning healthy turtles to the sea.
Visitors are able to buy seaweed from the keepers and feed the turtles from the edge, or get into the pool and swim alongside them. The turtles are unbothered by people and come straight to the food.
The keepers explain the life cycle of green and hawksbill turtles, the threats they face, the nest protection programme along the coast and what happens at release. Their explanation is the part most visitors remember.
The site is small and the visit takes about an hour, so it combines well with a Nungwi village tour or a north coast beach day.
Highlights
- A natural tidal pool set in the coral rock
- Feed green and hawksbill turtles with seaweed
- Swim in the pool alongside the turtles
- Hear how the rehabilitation and release programme works
- Learn about the coastal nest protection project
- A short visit suitable for all ages
Itinerary
- Flexible
Hotel pickup
Collection from your hotel and the drive to Nungwi.
- On arrival
Introduction with a keeper
A keeper explains the project, the species in the pool and the rules for being in the water.
- Main visit
Feeding and swimming
Buy seaweed to feed the turtles, then get into the pool for a closer encounter if you wish.
- After
Return transfer
Drive back to your hotel.
What is included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Entrance fee
- English-speaking guide
- Swimming with the turtles
- Bottled water
Not included
- Lunch and drinks, where not listed as included
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Gratuities for your guide and driver
- Travel insurance
- Anything not named under what is included
- Seaweed for feeding, bought at the site
Pickup and meeting point
Pickup time: Flexible, arranged around your hotel.
Meeting point: Hotel reception.
We collect from these areas:
- Stone Town
- Zanzibar City
- Maungani
- Nungwi
- Kendwa
- Matemwe
- Kiwengwa
- Pwani Mchangani
- Uroa
- Pongwe
- Chwaka
- Michamvi
- Paje
- Jambiani
- Makunduchi
- Kizimkazi
- Fumba
- Mangapwani
What to bring
- Swimwear and towel
- Small notes for seaweed
- Sun cream, applied well before swimming
- Camera
Important information
- This is a conservation site. Handling or lifting the turtles is not allowed.
- Rinse off sun cream before entering the pool to protect the water quality.
- The pool floor is coral rock. Water shoes are more comfortable.
- The visit is short. Pair it with the Nungwi village tour to fill a half day.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is this an aquarium?
It is a natural tidal pool in the coral rock, connected to the sea, used for rehabilitating marine turtles rather than for display.
Are we able to swim with the turtles?
Yes, with a keeper present and under their instructions. Touching or lifting the animals is not allowed.
How long does it take?
About an hour at the site. Combine it with the Nungwi village tour or a north coast beach day.
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