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Ever wondered what it is like to be surrounded by sea turtles, so close that you can feed them?
There is a couple of places where you can go swim with the turtles. Today, we will take you to Baraka Aquarium.
How did they start?
Sometimes when fishermen throw their fishing nets, sea turtles get caught too. The aquarium buys the turtles from Nungwi fishermen and takes good care of them, providing them food and a natural environment to live.
Where is Baraka Aquarium?
Baraka Aquarium is located in Nungwi, within walking distance of the Nungwi fish market. You can follow the signs to Aluna Beach, and enter the turtle sanctuary on your right.
Cool, now how to get to Baraka Aquarium?
By Public Transportation: You can take the Dala Dala 116 from Darajani (Stone Town) arriving at Nungwi Roundabout and then walk around 12 minutes to the Aquarium.
Don’t forget to check the full Dala Dala guide here and save the map for roaming the beautiful island!
By taxi: You can hire a taxi to pick you up and drive you to the Aquarium. Ride cost depends on where you are coming from. Get in touch with us via WhatsApp for fair taxi prices with careful drivers, and air-conditioned and insured cars.
When to go?
The Aquarium is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:45 pm.
Usually, I would prefer not to go too early or too late, but also avoid the busy time that is from 1 to 3 pm.
My personal recommendation would be to go between 10 am and 1 pm. This ensures the best quality of your turtle visit.
How much does it cost?
The entry fee is $10 to swim with the turtles.
Renting a snorkeling mask is for another $10. (optional)
Swimming with the turtles: The experience?
At first, I was a little scared. Especially when the turtles touch you, it feels ticklish.
But once you get over the fear, it is really an amazing experience to swim with the turtles, feed them, and if you like to explore more, even snorkel and take unforgettable photos.
If you are going with kids, they probably wouldn’t want to leave :).
The staff was very kind, they provided me with seaweed to feed the turtles free of charge, but you might be charged about 5000 Tanzanian Shillings. I would say it’s totally worth the experience!
What else is provided?
The aquarium also provides strong free Wi-Fi, which is a big pro, to go online and share your Instagram stories right away!
There are changing rooms/showers since you would need to rinse off the water after your swim.
Now that you decide to go, don’t forget to:
Take as many photos and videos as you would like to document this experience.
Even if you are going solo, the staff is so helpful, they would be happy to make great photos. It is appreciated to give a thankful tip afterward.
Bring your water shoes, as the pool ground is slippery and rocky.
If you are interested in snorkeling, bring your snorkeling mask. Otherwise, you can always rent it at the aquarium.
Bring a towel & extra clothes (if needed)
Bring an underwater camera or water-resistant cover for your mobile
If you are bringing your kids, they may need swimming rings (in case they can’t swim)
Bonus Tip: If you want your photos to really pop out, wear contrasting swimwear! Reds or other warm colors look awesome in photos.
Careful of turtle bites…
Avoid wearing green shorts or swimwear in the pool around the turtles, you don’t want them to think you are food.
Also, check once in a while if you have seaweed stuck on your body. The sea turtles might want to take a little bite.
Don’t worry, it isn’t too common. But if this happens, you need to use an antiseptic.
What to do afterward?
If you are not staying in Nungwi and you are flexible with the return time, your day doesn’t have to end with the aquarium visit. You can have a great lunch or drinks at Aluna Beach, right next door.
After that, you can take a stroll to Nungwi beach for a swim. Just make sure to check the tide forecast. Unless you enjoy high tides, I recommend swimming on med-low tides.
What are my other options?
Another option is Mnarani Aquarium, a few steps away from Baraka Aquarium.
Mnarani Aquarium isn’t as big as Baraka Aquarium, but you will learn a lot about the turtles and will be able to swim with them and feed them.
Not to be missed is their yearly turtle release on the 20th of February, where they will release the turtles back into the ocean after being taken care of. If you happen to be in Zanzibar around this time, it’s worth the trip (be aware it can be overcrowded so you should feel comfortable on a boat.)
That’s it!
Make sure to share with us your experience & recommendations too. And most importantly: enjoy!
