14 Aquarium Visits in Tanzania to Build a Week Around

1.Nungwi Turtle Aquarium Guided Half-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 197 reviews · 2.5 - 5 hours · from $22Our pick

Travel from your Zanzibar hotel to Nungwi for a guided visit to the Marine Turtle Conservation Lagoon. Feed green turtles with seaweed, swim beside them, and learn how the center helps turtles caught in fishing nets and protects hatchlings. Hotel transfers, an aquarium guide, and an optional Kendwa Beach stop are included.

“My husband and I had a wonderful time on this trip. Not only did we get an unforgettable experience with the turtles (which were all in very good condition), our guide also gave us an unexpected tour of a local village where we attempted weaving and coconut shaving with the elder and learnt about local culture. At no point were we pressured to buy anything and felt this whole morning was a genuine and welcome experience. Would highly recommend.”

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2.Swim with Sea Turtles at Baraka or Salaam Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 65 reviews · 3 hours · from $80

Choose Baraka Aquarium near Nungwi or Salaam Aquarium in Kizimkazi based on your hotel location. Your English-speaking driver, possibly Abdul or Mrisho, collects you at the lobby and returns you after a roughly three-hour outing. At the aquarium, a local guide explains turtle care, then you can feed, touch, swim with, and photograph the turtles.

“Abdul was an amazing and knowledgeable host. He picked us up early so we could avoid the crowds at the aquarium and told us all about the history of Zanzibar on our journey. 10/10 would recommend!”

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3.5-Hour Snorkeling, Swimming with Dolphins and Sea Turtles Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 48 reviews · from $60

Join Nungwi Aquarium Adventures for a five-hour trip from Mnarani Aquarium to Mnemba Atoll. With a maximum of seven people, you’ll snorkel among reef fish, look for dolphins, picnic on fruit and soft drinks at a sandbank, then swim with sea turtles in a natural lagoon. Snorkeling gear and park fees are included.

“The service was great. We managed to spot the dolphins . They gave us ample time to do snorkelling. They also provided us with delicious snacks”

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4.Massai village & Baraka turtules aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 42 reviews · 5 hours · from $57

This five-hour small-group trip combines a Maasai cultural visit in Kidoti with swimming and turtle feeding at Baraka Aquarium in Nungwi. An English-speaking guide handles the day, with hotel pickup, entry fees, and return transport included. Isaac is one guide praised for clear explanations and attentive family care.

“We would like to thank you for such a wonderful adventure! Our family was very pleased with the tour! Everything was of a very high standard. An intelligent guide, a kind and friendly driver, a comfortable car and interesting locations. We will be happy to recommend you to others! Thank you!”

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5.Baraka Aquarium Feed, Swim & Snorkel with Turtles

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 27 reviews · 2 hours · from $42

Meet rescued sea turtles at Baraka Natural Aquarium near Nungwi. You can feed them seaweed, swim in their natural tidal pool, and hear how the center protects local turtles. The visit is private, guided, and listed at two hours, though the actual time in the water may vary. Hotel pickup, entry, and equipment access are included.

“We would have liked to snorkel for longer but was super fun.”

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6.Swimming with Turtles at Salaam Cave Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 26 reviews · 4 hours · from $56

Meet your guide at your hotel, ride to Salaam Cave in Kizimkazi, and swim with sea turtles in a clear coastal cave pool. You will learn about turtle protection, watch them feed, and have time for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. The four-hour private outing includes transfers, admission, and a bottle of water.

“Ha sido divertira. Algo diferente y para recordar y repetir”

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7.Mnemba Island Half Day Live Aquarium With Transfer – Zanzibar

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 19 reviews · from $46

Start around 6:00 am for a short boat ride from Zanzibar to the Mnemba area. You’ll snorkel among coral and tropical fish, watch for dolphins, and enjoy fruit and snacks. Optional hotel transfers, equipment, a guide, and entrance fees are included, but the $3 national park fee is extra.

“It was a wonderful experience. We like it and definitely we come back. And the tour guides we very good and very professional”

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8.Mnemba Snorkeling, Dolphin and Baraka Natural Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 10 reviews · from $75

Set out from Zanzibar’s northern beaches with Captain Barnaba Excursions for a five-hour motorboat trip to Mnemba’s dolphin point and coral reefs, followed by Baraka Natural Aquarium in Nungwi. You may swim near dolphins, spot colorful fish, and enter the natural pool with green sea turtles. Groups are limited to eight people.

“Was one of the best experiences I've ever had. The operator was very accommodating to my family and I after having to push our reservation back last minute due to extenuating circumstances. However, the actual experiences were amazing Read more”

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9.Horse Ride + Swimming with Turtles in Aquarium at Nungwi Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · from $150

Spend about four hours with private transport between Mangapwani and Nungwi. Ride a horse bareback into the sea using a natural halter, then visit Mnarani, also known as Baraka Natural Aquarium, to see, feed, and swim with rescued sea turtles. You must be able to swim.

“It was very interesting and they made very good pictures and gave us a very fun time, so I would definitely recommend someone this fantastic trip”

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10.Full Day Private Mnemba Island + Turtles Aquarium & Kendwa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 6 reviews · from $104

Spend six to seven hours combining Mnemba Island’s dolphins, snorkeling, low-tide sandbank, tropical fruit, Baraka Natural Aquarium, and Kendwa Beach. Private transport, snorkeling gear, water, and entry fees are included. Guide Issa is praised for making the day relaxed and personal, though Mnemba can be crowded with boats.

“Contact with the provider was slow upon requesting confirmation of the tour. The snorkelling was not enjoyable. Too many boats and was very crowed. We spent most of the time trying to avoid other swimmers and boats. We enjoyed seeing the turtles and going to the beach.”

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11.Nungwi Village Tour & Swim with Turtles at Mnarani Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 5 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $54

Spend 2.5 hours exploring Nungwi with a private guide. Visit the fish market, watch dhow building, meet local fishermen, and swim with sea turtles at Mnarani Natural Aquarium. Guides speak several languages, including English, German, French, and Spanish. Hotel pickup, water, and drop-off are included, but aquarium entry costs extra.

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12.Baraka Aquarium and Dolphin Sightseeing with Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $115Top rated

Spend a full day with guide Ali or the Kijo Viaggio team, visiting Baraka Natural Aquarium, searching for dolphins near Matemwe, and sailing a traditional dhow from Nungwi at sunset. The tour includes private transport, lunch, water, snorkeling gear, and all fees. Dolphin sightings and close swims depend on sea conditions and luck.

“I had an amazing experience with Ali as our guide in zanzibar. He is an excellent driver very and has great experience of the English language. Has showed us beautiful place around the island, making the trip even more memorable. I can highly recommend him to anyone looking for a fantastic guide in zanzibar”

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13.Horseback Riding and Turtle Aquarium Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 4 reviews · 1 day · from $150

Spend a day combining a beach horseback ride in Nungwi with a visit to Baraka Natural Aquarium. You’ll ride bareback with a natural halter, enter the sea with the horse, then see, feed, and possibly swim with rescued turtles. Hotel pickup, guides, and photos are included.

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14.Private Mnemba Island and Turtle Aquarium Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $190

Spend about seven hours with a private guide and boat, snorkeling off Mnemba Island before visiting Baraka Natural Aquarium near Nungwi. You’ll receive snorkeling gear and seasonal fruit, then swim with and feed sea turtles. Guides Mohamed and Abdul have been praised for personal help, including joining guests in the water.

“The tour was amazing and our tour guide Mohamed was the best. He catered to us and was very knowledgeable about the tours. The turtle aquarium was beautiful and he even went snorkeling with me since my Husband didn’t want to get in.”

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