The Turtles of Zanzibar: Discovering the Wonders of the Underwater World
The turtle of Zanzibar includes sea turtles (green Chelonia mydas, hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata) endangered and giant land tortoises Aldabra (Aldabrachelys gigantea) Prison Island. Sea turtles are seen Mnarani Conservation Pond Nungwi (10,000 TZS/4 USD), snorkeling/diving Mnemba Atoll (80-120 USD), nesting beaches Oct-Feb (50-80 USD night tours). Giant tortoises are seen Prison Island (40-50 USD Stone Town tour). Difference: sea turtles swim ocean, giant turtles walk land. This guide explains species, where to see them, prices and conservation.
Zanzibar turtle species
Sea turtle - Green turtle (Chelonia mydas)
- Size: 80-120 cm, 100-200 kg
- Diet: Herbivorous (algae, seagrasses)
- Status: Endangered (IUCN)
Sea turtle - Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
- Size: 60-90 cm, 50-80 kg
- Carapace: Unique brown/golden pattern
- Status: Critically endangered
- Threat: Illegal jewelry used shell
Giant land tortoises - Aldabra tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea):
- Size: 100-120 cm, 150-250 kg (some 200+ kg)
- Longevity: 100-200+ years
- Origin: Seychelles (imported Prison Island 1919)
- Habitat: Terrestrial, do NOT swim.
Where to watch turtles in Zanzibar
Mnarani Conservation Pond (marine)
Location: Nungwi, 200 meters Nungwi Beach.
Experience: Feeding turtles (lettuce/vegetables), learning conservation, photography, observing behavior.
PriceTZS 10,000 (4 USD) for adults, TZS 5,000 (2 USD) for children.
Schedule: 9:00-18:00 daily.
Duration: 30-45 minutes.
How to get there: Walk to Nungwi hotels (5-10 min), cab Stone Town 70,000-80,000 TZS (30-35 USD).
Prison Island (land giants)
LocationChanguu Island, 5 km Stone Town.
Experience: Feeding/touching giant tortoises 100-200 years old (200+ kg), photography, island exploration, snorkeling.
Price40-50 USD full tour (boat round trip, entrance fee, guide).
Duration: 3-4 hours total (30 min boat each way).
ImportantTerrestrial NOT marine turtles - different species.
Nesting beaches (wild marine)
When: October-February.
WhereNungwi, Matemwe, Kendwa, Paje.
ExperienceNocturnal tours (22:00-2:00) to observe females laying 80-120 eggs.
Price: 50-80 USD (guide required).
RulesDistance 10+ meters, NO flash, silent, follows guide.
RealitySightings NOT guaranteed.
On the island of Zanzibar you can enjoy an infinity of activities that will make you enjoy everything the island has to offer to the fullest.ย
Zanzibar tortoise conservation
Threats
Accidental capture: Fishing nets.
Plastics: Turtles mistake bags for jellyfish, suffocate to death.
Loss of beaches: Tourist development reduces nesting.
Illegal huntingShell : Jeweled tortoiseshell carapace, consumed meat.
Light pollution: Baby turtles are disoriented.
Conservation efforts
MnaraniRescue injured turtles, rehabilitate, release (saved 1,000+ since 1993).
Beach patrolsMonitor nesting, protect nests.
Education: Fishermen teach fishermen to release captured turtles.
Legislation: Tanzania bans turtle hunting, shell trade.
Zanzibar turtle activities
Feeding turtles
Mnarani (navy): Throw lettuce water, turtles swim eat - 30-45 min (10,000 TZS).
Prison Island (giants): You feed directly vegetables - 2-3 hours (40-50 USD including boat).
Swimming with turtles
Snorkeling/divingMnemba Atoll best place (diving 80-120 USD, snorkeling 50-80 USD).
RulesDistance 2-3 meters, DO NOT touch, DO NOT chase.
Nesting observation
Night Tours: Oct-Feb (50-80 USD, 22:00-2:00).
What to seeFemale leaves water (150+ kg), digs nest (30-60 min), lays 80-120 eggs, returns to sea.
RequiresPatience (waiting hours possible, NOT guaranteed).
Differences Zanzibar tortoise species
| Feature | Sea Turtles | Giant Tortoises |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Green, Hawksbill | Aldabra |
| Habitat | Ocean (swim) | Earth (walk) |
| Size | 60-120 cm, 50-200 kg | 100-120 cm, 150-250 kg |
| Longevity | 50-80 years | 100-200+ years |
| Where to see | Mnarani, Mnemba | Prison Island |
| Price | 10.000 TZS (4 USD) | 40-50 USD |
| State | Danger/critical | Vulnerable |
Frequently asked questions Zanzibar tortoise
What turtle species are there in Zanzibar and where to see them?
The Zanzibar tortoise includes: (1) Sea turtles - (Chelonia mydas, 80-120 cm, 100-200 kg, herbivorous, endangered) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata, 60-90 cm, single-shelled, critically endangered) seen at Mnarani Conservation Pond Nungwi (10,000 TZS/4 USD to feed rehabilitation turtles, 9:00-18:00, 30-45 min), Mnemba Atoll snorkeling/diving (80-120 USD diving, 50-80 USD snorkeling, 70-80% probability), nesting beaches Oct-Feb (night tours 50-80 USD Nungwi/Matemwe); (2) Giant land tortoises - Aldabra (100-120 cm, 150-250 kg, 100-200+ years, herbivores) imported Seychelles 1919 views Prison Island (40-50 USD Stone Town boat tour, feeding/towing, 3-4 hours). DifferenceMarine swim in the ocean, giants walk on land while being different species. According to WWF, Zanzibar tortoise marine ecosystems" are "indicators of marine ecosystem health" and are vital for conservation.
How much does it cost to see turtles in Zanzibar?
See Zanzibar tortoise cost: (1) Mnarani (rehabilitation marinas) - 10,000 TZS (4 USD) adults, 5,000 TZS (2 USD) children9:00-18:00, feeding green turtles/carey, conservation, photography, 30-45 min, Nungwi 200 meters beach; (2) Prison Island (land giants) - 40-50 USD full tour boat round trip Stone Town (30 min), entrance fee, guide, feeding Aldabra turtles 200+ kg, touching shells, 3-4 hours; (3) Wild snorkeling/diving - Mnemba diving 80-120 USD (2 dives, 70-80% probability), snorkeling 50-80 USD (boat), Nungwi beach 15,000-20,000 TZS (6-8 USD) equipment (30-40% probability); (4) Nocturnal nesting Oct-Feb 50-80 USD (22:00-2:00, NOT guaranteed). Best valueMnarani 10,000 TZS educational economical, Prison Island 40-50 USD full experience. According to TripAdvisorMnarani "excellent value for money" while Prison Island "expensive but worth the impressive turtles".
What is the best way to see turtles in Zanzibar?
The best way to see Zanzibar tortoise depends on: (1) Educational interaction โ Mnarani (RECOMMENDED families) - feed sea turtles, learn conservation, 10,000 TZS (4 USD), Nungwi 5-10 min walk, 30-45 min; (2) Unique giant tortoises โ Prison Island - feed/landfill 100-200 years (200+ kg), 40-50 USD boat Stone Town, 3-4 hours, photogenic; (3) Natural habitat โ Mnemba snorkeling/diving - green turtles swimming reefs 10-30 meters, diving 80-120 USD (PADI required), snorkeling 50-80 USD, 70-80% probability; (4) Single nesting โ Night Tours Oct-Feb - female laying 80-120 Nungwi/Matemwe eggs, 50-80 USD but NOT guaranteed, patience required. RecommendationCombine Mnarani (guaranteed educational) + snorkel Mnemba (natural habitat) maximizing experience. Zanzibar tortoise education + nature.
"Mwani" means "seaweed" in Swahili, and in Zanzibar ๐น๐ฟ it is seen and appreciated as a gift from the ocean.
The Mwani Mamas (mwanizanzibar) farm and process seaweed, transforming it into ethically made skin-care products, with ingredients sourced from across the Continent.
๐ท | _nassder
What about a walk along Nungwi beach in Zanzibar? #zanzibar #nungwi #nungwibeach #paradise๐ด #instazanzibar #zanzibarisland #zanzibarbeach #nungwi #beach #tanzania #tanzania๐น๐ฟ #realblue #visitzanzibar #shadesofblue #relax #vacation #paradise #instazanzibar #paradisebeach #freddymercury #home #crystalclear #nikond90
The next big thing yconaluxuryresort mitaa ya Uroa ๐ช๐พ๐ช๐พ๐ช๐พ
zipazanzibar
#exploreandinvestinvestinzanzibar #exploreandinvestinvestinzanzibarnow #zanzibar #zanzibarhotels #zanzibar๐น๐ฟ #zanzibarbeach
May you also be able to realize your dreams and those of your family! <3
Many people asked me for tips here about Zanzibar. I gathered some pictures and information here!
1. One of our boat trips. One of the most legal things to do around here.
2. A trip to see the sunset on a dhow - a traditional Zanzibar boat. A cheap and worthwhile trip.
3. Passeio de um dia todo de barco que fizemos com o boss.ladys_dhow_zanzibar aqui.
4. The hotel we are staying at was inaugurated in December. ร o zanzisoul_luxury_hotel Essa foto feita durante a marรฉ baixa.
5. Pรดr do sol no dhow.
6. Photo that I took with my own cell phone while people were walking through the center of Stone Town, a city considered a world heritage site by UNESCO).
7. One of the beaches we stopped by boat near Pungume Island. Incredible!
8. Totally Hakuna Matata around here!
9. Meu pai caรงando os palmeirenses de Zanzibar.
10. Hotel received people with this decoration on the bed.
11. My father's saga in search of a white shirt.
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#africa #praia #aniversario #felizaniversario #pai #paiefilho #viagem #tanzania #zanzibar #zanzibarbeach #daddad #trip #dadandson #pais #filho #filho
Ever seen a palm tree like this? ๐คฏ
It's the world's most beautiful naturally twisted coconut tree ๐๐ด
๐ Found only at bezanzibar ๐๏ธ
Photo by: haannahfetzer
#zanzibar #vacations #palmtree #palmtrees #coconut #tropical #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarlife #africa #paradise #tanzania #tanzania
๐น๐ฟ Top 15 experiences you must try in Zanzibar ๐ด๐
Island life has never looked this good - white sand beaches, ocean adventures, and unforgettable culture. Here's what to add to your list ๐
๐๏ธ ๐ก๐๐ป๐ด๐๐ถ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต - white sands & sunset dreams! ๐๏ธ
๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต - White sands & sunset dreams
๐ข ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฎ ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐พ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐บ - Feed & swim with turtles.
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ Iconic dining on a rock in the sea
๐ ๐ ๐ป๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฎ ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ - Luxury, snorkeling & pure serenity
๐คฟ ๐๐ผ ๐ฆ๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด - Explore colorful reefs and marine life
๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐๐ถ๐บ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ผ๐น๐ฝ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ - A magical ocean encounter
๐ข ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ - Giant tortoises + beautiful sea views.
๐ข ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ - Gentle giants you`ll never forget.
๐๏ธ ๐ก๐ฎ๐ธ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ - Paradise in the middle of the sea
๐๏ธ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ง๐ผ๐๐ป - History, spice & vibrant culture
๐คฟ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด - Dive into a whole new underwater world
โต ๐ง๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐ - Sail into golden hour in style
๐ ๐ง๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ - Fresh seafood & bold spices
๐ฅ ๐๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ - Music, fire dances & tradition.
Zanzibar isn't just a destination... it's a vibe.
Which one's at the top of your list?๐
Tag your travel partner and start dreaming! ๐โจ
#Zanzibar #ZanzibarTravel #ZanzibarIsland #ZanzibarBeach #TanzaniaTravel #IslandLife #BucketListDestinations #TravelReels #TropicalParadise #AfricanAdventure #AfricanAdventure
Zanzibar vibes๐๐๐
#zanzibarisland #zanzibar #tanzania๐น๐ฟ #tanzania #bestbeach #beachvacation #nugwibeach #paradisebeach #paradisebeach #paradisefound #totravelistolive #zanzibartravel #zanzibartanzania #zanzibarbeautiful #podroze #wakajki #prostozpodrozy #prostozpodrozy #polishtraveller #gdzienawakacje #zanzibardestination #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarofficial #mojepodrรณลผe #iamatraveller #kobietawpodrรณลผy #travelafrica #travelthroughtheworld #travelgirlsgo #shetravelz #bestplaces_togo #podrรณลผniczka
"insanlarฤฑ tanฤฑyฤฑnca anlฤฑyorsun,
Nuh'un neden gemiye hayvanlarฤฑ doldurdเธฤunu..."
Herkese gรผzel ve keyifli bir hafta diliyorum..๐๐
#zanzibar #zanzibarbeach #zanzibar #horses #zanzibarbeach #zanzibar #horses
Floating breakfast โค๏ธ
#zanzibar #zanzibatravel #zanzibarisland #zanzibarbeach #zanzibardestination #zanzibarlife #zanzibarTanzania #zanzibartanzania
๐น๐ฟZanzibar 2025
Sandies Baobab Beach
francorosso_official
alpitour
baobabzanzibar
#zanzibar #zanzibarbeach #zanzibardestination #zanzibarisland #zanzibarlife #tanzania #cloudscape #tanzaniaunforgettable #tanzaniaunforgettable #sky_sultans #sky_collection #skypainters #sea #sealife #beach #beachvibes #alpitour #alpitourworld #francorosso #africa #francorosso #africa
#beachlife ๐ฆ๐๏ธโค๏ธ
#afrika #zanzibarisland #zanzibarbeach #ะธะฝะดะธะนัะบะธะนะพะบะตะฐะฝ๐
๐น๐ฟ Top 15 experiences you must try in Zanzibar ๐ด๐
Island life has never looked this good - white sand beaches, ocean adventures, and unforgettable culture. Here's what to add to your list ๐
๐๏ธ ๐ก๐๐ป๐ด๐๐ถ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต - white sands & sunset dreams! ๐๏ธ
๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต - White sands & sunset dreams
๐ข ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฎ ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐พ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐บ - Feed & swim with turtles.
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ Iconic dining on a rock in the sea
๐ ๐ ๐ป๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฎ ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ - Luxury, snorkeling & pure serenity
๐คฟ ๐๐ผ ๐ฆ๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด - Explore colorful reefs and marine life
๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐๐ถ๐บ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ผ๐น๐ฝ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ - A magical ocean encounter
๐ข ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ - Giant tortoises + beautiful sea views.
๐ข ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ - Gentle giants you`ll never forget.
๐๏ธ ๐ก๐ฎ๐ธ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ - Paradise in the middle of the sea
๐๏ธ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ง๐ผ๐๐ป - History, spice & vibrant culture
๐คฟ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด - Dive into a whole new underwater world
โต ๐ง๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐ - Sail into golden hour in style
๐ ๐ง๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ - Fresh seafood & bold spices
๐ฅ ๐๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ - Music, fire dances & tradition.
Zanzibar isn't just a destination... it's a vibe.
Which one's at the top of your list?๐
Tag your travel partner and start dreaming! ๐โจ
#Zanzibar #ZanzibarTravel #ZanzibarIsland #ZanzibarBeach #TanzaniaTravel #IslandLife #BucketListDestinations #TravelReels #TropicalParadise #AfricanAdventure #AfricanAdventure
Stranded in Zanzibar, no rescue needed ๐๐๏ธ
#zanzibar #zanzibarisland #zanzibar๐น๐ฟ #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarbeautiful #sansibar #visitzanzibar #explorezanzibar #kendwa #kendwabeach #kendwabeach