
Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 40 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar worth booking?
Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar is a 1-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $100 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 40 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (40)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $100 per person
You are welcome to visit one of Zanzibar's best kept secrets – (Turtles Sanctuary) – a unique swimming pool in Unguja Zanzibar. A special place to reconnect with nature, explore the underground life, relax and enjoy the peace while swimming and taking photos with the turtles and beautiful birds from the above. You won't want to leave swimming with the Turtles and making unforgettable memories . Enjoy the peaceful cave.
What you get
About this experience
You are welcome to visit one of Zanzibar's best kept secrets – (Turtles Sanctuary) – a unique swimming pool in Unguja Zanzibar. A special place to reconnect with nature, explore the underground life, relax and enjoy the peace while swimming and taking photos with the turtles and beautiful birds from the above. You won't want to leave swimming with the Turtles and making unforgettable memories . Enjoy the peaceful cave.
What's included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off
- All Fees and Taxes
- Transfer waiting charge
Not included
- Lunch
- All costs of personal nature
- Extra Route
What you'll see and do
Zanzibar Island
Itinerary. This is typically itinerary. Pick-up from your hotel at 9:00am or 12:00pm depending on your option, then transfer to nearby turtles Sanctuary from your pickup point in Unguja Zanzibar. You are welcome to visit one of Zanzibar's best kept secrets - Turtles Sanctuary – unique natural swimming pool. A special place to reconnect with nature, explore the underground life, relax and enjoy the peace while swimming and taking photos with the turtles. You won't want to leave without swimming, taking photos and making unforgettable memories . Enjoy the peaceful cave. After finishing, your driver will be ready to give you a ride back to your beautiful hotel.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Mo Tours & Safaris
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 40 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
40 verified traveler reviews for Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience
Worth the money for the hour but beware the bites 🤣 Seamless pick up and drop off The turtles are so graceful just watch for them giving you a litttle love bite
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! 😊 We’re happy to hear that your pick-up and drop-off went smoothly and that you enjoyed spending time with the turtles. They are truly beautiful and graceful creatures — although, as you discovered, they can sometimes get a little too friendly! 😂🐢 Thank you for choosing Mo Tours & Safaris. We hope to welcome you again for another great Zanzibar experience! Warm regards, Mo Tours & Safaris
via Viator
Please do not pay to see turtles in these prisons.
I have just completed 25 scuba diving trips in the north and south of Zanzibar and I only saw one turtle. I found out this is because they have all been stollen from the sea and put in various aquariums around the island and used for profit. Some of these aquariums say they are all about conservation and charge a lot of money to see them. They even charge people to help release they. The turtles will be caught again and put back in the aquariums. I asked at the door of the Nungwi aquarium if I can go in and swim with them, they said you can do what you like with them. I was so shocked by this, I never went in. I met Chinese tourists on the beach collecting seaweed to feed the turtles. These people paid a lot of money to be with the turtles and to release some on a certain date. If you love turtles please do not go in these so called turtle sanctuarys. Go see them in the sea where they belong. Your money is paying for them to be imprisoned.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding turtle welfare in Zanzibar. We understand that animal welfare is an important issue and we respect your decision based on what you personally observed and experienced. However, from the details in your review, your visit and arrangements at the aquarium were not booked or organized through Mo Tours & Safaris. Therefore, the experience described does not reflect a service provided by our team. We always aim to provide our guests with clear information and properly arranged experiences through the services booked with us. If you did have a confirmed booking directly with Mo Tours & Safaris, please feel free to contact us with your booking details so we can review it accordingly. Kind regards, Mo Tours & Safaris
via Tripadvisor
Did not enjoy but turtles are beautiful
The experience appears like it could be nice but they do not moderate how many people go at each time slot. We went at 12 and it was crowded and chaotic. We waited a long time and then people kept yelling and overreacting in the water. There is only one way in/out of the cave and one stair case in/out of the water and it was not managed well. People throw their seaweed food and if it floats to close to you, you could get bit. We did not stay long and did not enjoy it but the turtles are beautiful.
Response from the operator: We really appreciate you taking the time to leave this feedback. We’re sorry your visit felt overwhelming — it should be a peaceful and memorable experience, not chaotic. Crowd levels and flow through the cave are things we’re actively working to improve, and your comments help us see where adjustments are needed. Your concern about the feeding behavior and safety is also very important to us, and we’ll be addressing this with both our staff and guests. We’re glad the turtles still made a positive impression, and we hope you’ll visit again so we can provide the experience you were expecting.
via Viator
Good turtle feeding experience
You get to Salaam caves, they give you seaweed, and you go down steps into the caves where there are turtles in the water, you get in the water with them and you hand feed them the seaweed, It’s great fun but you only have 30 mins with them which goes by to quick, try to get there early before to many people turn up, When you come out there is changing facilities and a shower so you can change your clothes which is good. Also shop and restaurant there to have a drink and take in the views,
Response from the operator: Dear Karen, Thank you so much for sharing your experience at Salaam Caves! We’re glad to hear you had fun feeding the turtles and enjoyed the facilities available after the tour. We appreciate your suggestion about arriving early to make the most of the experience — that’s a great tip for future visitors! We’re always working on improving our service, and your feedback helps us a lot. We hope to welcome you again soon for more unforgettable moments in Zanzibar! Warm regards, Mo Tours & Safaris Team
via Tripadvisor
A different experience, fun and calming.
Our excursion guide was on time and very pleasant. He pointed out different sites during our ride to the caves and explained what to expect.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that your excursion guide made a great impression and helped enhance your visit with informative and engaging commentary. We’re glad you enjoyed the journey to the caves and appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $100 to $140
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Mo Tours & Safaris, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.0.
See everything Mo Tours & Safaris runsWhy this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.
How much does Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar cost?
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Prices start at $100 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Zanzibar City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Zanzibar City is not rushed.
Is Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 40 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Zanzibar City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar?
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Around 14 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Zanzibar City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Zanzibar City and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Zanzibar City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Zanzibar City?
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On Outty we rank every Zanzibar City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour, Stone Town Heritage Walk with local Guide, Zanzibar Adventure Quad with Sunset and Transfer Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Zanzibar City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar?
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Included: Pickup and drop-off; All Fees and Taxes; and Transfer waiting charge. Not included: Lunch; All costs of personal nature; and Extra Route. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 7 listed pickup locations in and around Zanzibar City. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Zanzibar City. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Turtles Sanctuary in Zanzibar?
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Across 40 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include organization, food and drink. Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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