Kizimkazi Turtle Swimming: Swim & Feed Sea Turtles at Salaam Cave

Swim in a natural limestone pool where sea turtles gather, then feed them by hand in the cave.

A 1.5-hour guided swim with sea turtles at Salaam Cave in Kizimkazi village, where you enter a natural freshwater pool to interact with the turtles and learn about their conservation. The tour includes hotel or airport pickup and drop-off from Zanzibar City, a visit to the aquarium, bottled water, and seaweed for feeding the turtles. Groups stay under 20 travelers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Salaam Cave and Turtle Sanctuary

• Pickup from hotel or airport
• Travel to Salaam Cave in Kizimkazi
• Learn about turtle conservation
• Swim and interact with sea turtles
• Visit the aquarium
• Return to hotel or airport

The experience

Salaam Cave sits in Kizimkazi village as a natural limestone pool fed by fresh water, a refuge where sea turtles gather away from ocean currents. You swim in this calm, enclosed setting rather than in a traditional tank. The guide explains how the cave protects the turtles and what conservation looks like on the ground. You'll feed them by hand using seaweed provided during the tour, and the guide shares details about turtle behavior and the threats they face in Zanzibar waters.

The tour runs 1.5 hours total and includes a stop at the aquarium where you learn more about the conservation work happening locally. Hotel or airport pickup and drop-off from Zanzibar City bookends the experience, so you don't arrange transport yourself. An air-conditioned vehicle collects you and brings you back. Bring your swimwear, a towel, and water-friendly shoes for the cave. A waterproof phone case protects your camera if you want to shoot inside.

Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or one additional language and stays with the group throughout. Children from age 2 are welcome. The maximum group size of 20 keeps the experience from feeling crowded, though you'll share the water and the feeding moment with others on the same departure.

What’s included

• Hotel or airport pickup and drop-off from Zanzibar City in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• admission to Salaam Cave and the aquarium.
• bottled water.
• seaweed for turtle feeding.
• government fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 11:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (9 to 88 years) · Child (2 to 8 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Zanturtle Explore Tours and Safaris

Is this one for you?Groups of up to 20 work well here if you're comfortable sharing the water and the feeding moment with other travelers on the same departure. Book this if you want a guided, hands-on encounter with sea turtles in a natural setting rather than a large-scale aquarium, and you're willing to swim in a cave pool to make it happen.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 8 years).

What is Salaam Cave and why do sea turtles gather there?

Salaam Cave is a natural limestone pool in Kizimkazi village filled with fresh water from underground springs. Sea turtles use it as a safe refuge away from ocean currents, and the cave's protected environment makes it an ideal spot for ethical, close-range encounters with the animals while supporting local conservation.

Can I really swim and feed the turtles, or is it just watching?

You swim in the pool with the turtles and feed them by hand using seaweed provided during the tour. The guide is present to help you interact respectfully and safely with the animals, and explains turtle behavior so you understand what you're seeing as you move around the cave.

How long does the whole experience take from pickup to drop-off?

The tour itself runs 1.5 hours at Salaam Cave and the aquarium. With hotel or airport pickup and drop-off from Zanzibar City included, plan for additional travel time depending on where you're staying. The guide will confirm timing when you book.

What should I bring and what's provided?

Bring your swimwear, a towel, water-friendly shoes for the cave, and a waterproof phone case if you want photos. The tour provides bottled water, seaweed for feeding the turtles, and admission to both the cave and the aquarium.