Zanzibar Aquarium and Caves
Natural coral caves and the turtle pool
- Location Paje, Jambiani, Kizimkazi and Nungwi, Zanzibar
- Duration Half day, 2 to 3 hours at the sites
- 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
Zanzibar sits on ancient coral rock, and where the rock has collapsed inward the island has opened up a set of natural freshwater caves. Three of them are open to visitors and each has its own character: Kuza Cave near Jambiani, tied to Swahili cultural heritage; Maalum Cave near Paje, a deep blue swimming pool under an open roof; and Salaam Cave at Kizimkazi, small, dark and lit by candlelight.
The water in the caves is fresh, cool and still, filtered through the coral rock. Swimming in them is a different experience from the ocean and a welcome break from the heat.
The tour pairs the caves with a visit to the natural turtle aquarium, a large tidal pool set in the coral rock behind the beach. It began as a rehabilitation and study site for marine turtles and now works to protect the local population. A keeper explains the work, and you are able to feed the turtles seaweed or get into the pool for a closer encounter.
The visit takes two to three hours and works well as a half-day for guests staying on the east or south coast.
Highlights
- Swim in a natural freshwater coral cave
- Choose from Maalum at Paje, Kuza at Jambiani or Salaam at Kizimkazi
- Visit the natural tidal turtle pool
- Feed the turtles seaweed with a keeper present
- Learn about the marine turtle rehabilitation work
- A cool break from the coastal heat
Itinerary
- 09:00
Hotel pickup
Collection from your hotel and the drive to the cave.
- 10:00
Cave visit and swim
A short guided introduction to the cave and its formation, then time to swim in the freshwater pool.
- 11:30
Turtle aquarium
A keeper explains the rehabilitation project. Buy seaweed to feed the turtles, or get into the pool and swim with them.
- 12:30
Return transfer
Drive back to your hotel.
What is included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- All entrance fees
- 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 the turtles, bought at the site
Pickup and meeting point
Pickup time: Flexible, arranged around your hotel and the sites you choose.
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
- Water shoes, the cave floor is coral rock
- Towel and a dry change of clothes
- Small notes for the turtle feed
- Camera
Important information
- Cave access is by steps cut into the rock and is uneven in places.
- Maalum Cave limits visitor numbers by time slot, so we book ahead where possible.
- Sun cream and insect repellent should be washed off before entering the caves to protect the water.
- The turtle pool is a conservation site. Handling the turtles is not permitted.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Which cave is best?
Maalum near Paje is the most photographed and has the deepest swimming pool. Kuza at Jambiani has the strongest cultural programme. Salaam at Kizimkazi is the smallest and quietest. Tell us where you are staying and we will suggest one.
Is the cave water safe to swim in?
Yes. It is fresh water filtered through coral rock, cool and clear. Sites limit numbers to keep it that way.
Are we able to swim with the turtles?
Yes, at the natural tidal pool, with a keeper present and under their instructions.
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