Swimming with tirltes at The Lagoons Zanzibar in Nungwi

The best part of this Nungwi experience is the setting: a natural coral lagoon where clear ocean water flows through underground channels. Instead of visiting a glass tank, you enter a calm pool and swim beside rescued green and hawksbill turtles in their own water-filled refuge.

I like the combination of close wildlife contact and conservation. I also like the price, $20 per person, since it includes a guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees. The main thing to consider is that this is a small, simple experience rather than a full-day excursion, and the setting may not suit anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points

• Natural saltwater setting: Swim in a coral pool refreshed by ocean water through underground streams.
• Rescued green and hawksbill turtles: See turtles recovering from injuries or fishing-net entanglements.
• Seaweed feeding: Feed the turtles under the direction of the guide.
• Quiet Nungwi location: The lagoon offers a calmer alternative to busier aquarium-style attractions.
• Good-value package: The $20 price includes transport, a guide, and entrance fees.
• Simple preparation: Bring swimwear and a towel from your hotel.

A natural lagoon instead of a glass tank

This experience takes place in a quiet corner of Nungwi, where a natural coral pool creates an unusual meeting point between land and sea. Ocean water reaches the lagoon through underground streams, helping keep the water fresh and clear.

That matters because the setting feels more connected to Zanzibar’s marine environment than a standard enclosed aquarium. You are not simply standing in front of a tank watching turtles pass by. You can enter the water and see them moving through the pool around you.

The lagoon is described as a newly discovered place, so you should expect something modest and local rather than a large, polished attraction. That is part of its appeal. The visit is built around the turtles, the water, and the conservation work, not shops, shows, or a long list of extra activities.

I like this kind of stop for a quieter half-day. It gives you a break from Nungwi’s beach activity and puts the focus on one clear purpose: spending time with rescued sea turtles in a natural setting.

Meeting the rescued green and hawksbill turtles

The turtles at the lagoon include green turtles and hawksbill turtles. Both are sea turtles, but they are not identical in appearance or behavior. The important point for you is that these animals are being cared for after injuries or entanglement in fishing nets.

Some turtles may be recovering before release back into the wild. That gives the visit more meaning than a simple wildlife photo stop. Your entrance fee helps support a place connected to marine protection in Zanzibar, while the guide can explain how local conservation efforts help these animals.

The supplied information does not name the individual guide, but the activity is provided by Yazan Tours and operates in English. You can expect guidance during the visit rather than being left to find your own way around the pool.

The turtles are the main attraction, but the recovery work is just as important. If you are bringing children, this can be a useful chance to explain why discarded fishing gear and human activity can injure marine animals. The lesson comes naturally because you see animals that are being helped, not just animals displayed for entertainment.

Swimming and feeding with seaweed

The central activity is entering the clear water and swimming with the turtles. You also feed them seaweed, which gives you a more active role than simply watching from the edge.

Seaweed feeding can make the turtles easier to observe, since they may come close while they eat. You will want to follow the guide’s instructions and feed them as directed. The experience is intended to be calm and respectful, not a loud animal show.

Clear water is a major advantage here. It should help you see the turtles below the surface, though visibility can still vary with natural conditions. Bring a swimsuit and be ready to get wet. A towel is not supplied as part of the preparation advice, so bring one from your hotel.

You should also keep your expectations sensible. This is a natural pool, not a controlled swimming facility. The information provided does not promise a particular number of turtles, guaranteed animal activity, or a fixed amount of time in the water.

What the visit feels like in practice

The experience begins with hotel pickup and ends with hotel drop-off, which makes it easier to fit into a Nungwi stay. The exact pickup time and visit length are not specified, so confirm those details when booking.

After arriving at the lagoon, you can expect an introduction to the site and its conservation purpose. The guide can help you understand that the pool is fed by ocean water through underground channels and explain why some turtles are being cared for there.

You then have time to view, feed, and swim with the turtles. The order may vary, but the experience is built around these three activities rather than a packed schedule.

The calm setting is part of the attraction. This is not designed as a high-energy day out with several stops. If you have already spent time on Zanzibar’s beaches, the lagoon offers a different kind of water experience: enclosed by coral rather than stretched across the open coast.

The activity is especially appealing if you want a short nature visit without committing to a full-day boat trip. It also works well for anyone interested in animal care and local conservation, not only for people who want an unusual swimming photo.

Is $20 per person good value?

At $20 per person, this is a reasonably priced experience, especially because the fee includes several costs that can otherwise add up. You receive a guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and the turtle activity itself.

The value is strongest if you are staying in or near Nungwi and want transport arranged for you. You do not need to organize a separate taxi or sort out entrance payment on arrival.

It is also good value for visitors who want a focused experience rather than a long excursion. The price does not cover a full day of sightseeing, meals, or several Zanzibar attractions. Think of it as a compact wildlife visit with swimming, not as an all-purpose tour of the island.

One important detail is that you need to select the correct entrance option when booking. Since the available information does not explain the different options, check what is included before paying. The base price is listed as $20 per person, but the exact booking choice may affect what you receive.

The activity has an overall rating of 4.3 from three published ratings. One person described it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and strongly recommended it. Another considered it very nice and acceptable for the price. That fits the nature of the activity: its appeal is high if you value a quiet wildlife encounter, but it may feel too limited if you expect a large attraction with many facilities.

Who will enjoy the turtle lagoon most?

I would recommend this visit to people who want a peaceful nature stop with a clear conservation connection. It is a good match for couples, families, and solo visitors who are comfortable getting into the water.

It should also suit anyone who prefers smaller local activities to crowded aquarium-style attractions. The lagoon is described as less busy and more relaxed than nearby aquariums, which can make it easier to focus on the animals.

Families may find the combination of swimming and learning useful. The turtles create an immediate point of interest, while the rescue and rehabilitation work gives the visit an educational side. Still, parents should prepare children to behave calmly around the animals and to listen to the guide.

The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. That warning may seem unusual for a lagoon visit, but it is part of the stated health guidance, so take it seriously if motion or water conditions often make you unwell.

It is also not suitable for people over 95 years old. No other age restrictions are provided, so ask Yazan Tours if you have a specific mobility or health concern that is not covered in the basic information.

What to bring and what not to expect

Bring swimwear and a towel. The instructions specifically say to bring a towel from your hotel, so do not assume one will be waiting at the lagoon.

You may also want to carry a dry change of clothes, though this is not listed as a required item. Since the activity includes swimming, it is a practical addition if your transport continues to another stop afterward.

The most important thing to leave behind is the expectation of a highly staged attraction. The available information does not promise changing rooms, food, lockers, photography services, or a long list of facilities. Those details are not provided, so confirm them if they matter to you.

You should also remember that the turtles are rescued animals, not performers. Feeding is included, but the purpose is connected to care and conservation. The best visit will be one where you give the animals room, listen to the guide, and enjoy watching their natural movements.

Booking, transport, and flexibility

Yazan Tours provides the activity in English. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which is useful if you do not have a rental car or do not want to negotiate local transport.

You can reserve the experience and pay later, helping you keep your holiday plans flexible. The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Those terms are helpful if your Zanzibar schedule may change. Still, check the pickup details and the selected entrance option before confirming. The exact timetable is not given, and the listing does not state how long the visit lasts.

Because the tour is priced per person, calculate the total if you are booking for a family or group. The low individual price makes it accessible, but transport and entrance arrangements are already part of the package, so you should not need to budget separately for those items.

How this compares with a busier aquarium visit

A standard aquarium visit usually gives you a controlled view of marine life from outside the water. The Nungwi lagoon offers something more personal because you can swim beside the turtles and feed them seaweed.

That closeness is the reason to choose this activity. You get a stronger sense of the turtles’ size, movement, and behavior than you would from a dry viewing area.

The trade-off is predictability. An aquarium can offer a more organized indoor setting, while a natural coral pool depends on the conditions of the site and the animals. You also may find fewer facilities and less structure at the lagoon.

For me, the choice is simple. Pick the lagoon if you value a quiet, direct wildlife encounter and want your money connected to turtle care. Pick a more formal attraction if you prefer extensive facilities, a fixed schedule, or a broader display of marine life.

Should you book swimming with turtles in Nungwi?

Book this experience if you want a short, affordable activity that combines clear water, rescued turtles, and local conservation. The $20 price is attractive because it includes the guide, transport, and entrance fees, while the natural lagoon gives the visit a sense of place.

I would be more cautious if you dislike swimming, are prone to seasickness, or expect a large, polished attraction with guaranteed animal activity. The visit is simple by design, and the exact duration and facilities are not specified.

For most people staying in Nungwi who have a free half-day, this is an easy activity to consider. Bring your hotel towel, listen to the English-speaking guide, and go for the calm setting and the chance to support rescued green and hawksbill turtles.

FAQ

How much does swimming with turtles at The Lagoons Zanzibar cost?

The experience costs $20 per person.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a tour guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees when you select the correct entrance option.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel from your hotel. The activity includes swimming in the lagoon.

Can I feed the turtles?

Yes. Seaweed feeding is included, along with swimming with the rescued turtles.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.