About this Nungwi turtle visit
Beside the lighthouse at Nungwi, on Zanzibar's northern tip, a natural tidal pool in the coral rock is used by the local community to care for sea turtles. The project was set up in the early 1990s to rehabilitate turtles caught in fishing nets and to protect hatchlings, and visitor fees help fund it.
You will see green and hawksbill turtles at close range and hear from the keepers how the project works. We keep the visit calm: no riding, lifting or crowding the turtles.
Highlights
- Green and hawksbill turtles in a natural tidal pool
- How rescued turtles and hatchlings are cared for
- Nungwi lighthouse and the northern tip
- Walk to the dhow-building beach nearby
Nungwi turtle visit itinerary
Timings are a guide.
- StartPickup from your Nungwi or Kendwa hotel.
- 15 minArrive at the conservation pond beside the lighthouse.
- 45 minVisit with a keeper. Follow the keeper's lead on any feeding.
- 45 minWalk along Nungwi beach to the dhow-building yards and fishing village.
- EndReturn to your hotel.
Your private options
Private visit
Your own guide at the conservation pond.
With dhow-building walk
Add the boat yards and village.
All our Zanzibar activities are private: only your group takes part. Upgrades are quoted on request.
Transfer from your hotel
The tour price above does not depend on where you stay. Getting to the start is priced separately, per vehicle for up to 6 guests, return. If you stay near the start, pickup is included.
| Your hotel area | Trip starts at | Return transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Town & airportStone Town, Shangani, Mbweni, airport area | Nungwi / Kendwa | $130 |
| West coastFumba, Chukwani, Bububu, Mtoni | Nungwi / Kendwa | $160 |
| South-east coastPaje, Jambiani, Bwejuu, Michamvi, Dongwe | Nungwi / Kendwa | $140 |
| North coastNungwi, Kendwa | Nungwi / Kendwa | Included |
| North-east coastMatemwe, Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani, Pongwe | Nungwi / Kendwa | $70 |
| South tipKizimkazi, Makunduchi | Nungwi / Kendwa | $170 |
Not sure of your area? Tell us your hotel name and we confirm the price. See all transfer prices.
What's included
- Transport within Nungwi and Kendwa
- Local guide
- Conservation pond entry fee
- Bottled water
- Pickup from hotels in the North coast area
Not included
- Transfer from other areas (see transfer prices below)
- Tips
Add-ons
- Dhow-building and village walk
- Combine with Mnemba snorkelling
- Nungwi sunset sail
Children and groups
A good short activity for children. Keep hands out of the water unless a keeper says otherwise. Group rates are available for six or more travellers.
Booking and cancellation
Send us your date, number of travellers and hotel. We confirm availability and the full price in USD before you pay. Changes and cancellations follow our booking terms. If weather or sea conditions make a trip unsafe, we reschedule or refund it.
Nungwi turtle visit FAQs
Is this an ethical visit?
It is a community conservation project, but the pool is small and some visitors raise welfare concerns. We keep visits short, follow the keepers and don't allow handling.
Can we swim with the turtles?
We don't include swimming in the pool. If you want to see turtles in the wild, Mnemba snorkelling is the better choice.
How long do we spend there?
About 45 minutes at the pond.
Make it a full day
This trip is part of our North Coast Day: Mnemba Snorkel & Nungwi.