Available languages
Mobile ticket
You are welcome to visit one of Zanzibar's best kept secrets – Salaam Cave (Turtles Sanctuary) – a unique natural swimming pool in Kizimkazi, 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 natural cave. The word "Salaam" means Hello in Swahili language.
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Salaam Cave Aquarium
Itinerary. This is typically itinerary. Pick-up from your hotel at 9:00am and transfer to Salaam Cave at Kizimkazi in the south of Zanzibar. You are welcome to visit one of Zanzibar's best kept secrets – Salaam Cave (Turtles Sanctuary) – a 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 and beautiful birds from the above. You won't want to leave without swimming, taking photos and making unforgettable memories . Enjoy the peaceful natural cave. After finishing, your driver will be ready to give you a ride back to your beautiful hotel.
Pickup and drop-off
All Fees and Taxes
Transfer waiting charge
Food & Drink
All costs of personal nature
Extra Route
Zanzibar Ferry Terminal
Promised Land Lodge
Kizimkazi Tanzania
Tembo House Hotel
Shangani Street Forodhani Street Zanzibar TZ Stone Town Tanzania
Hotel Riu Jambo
Nungwi Road Nungwi Tanzania
Melia Zanzibar
Kiwengwa Tanzania
Swimming with the Turtles
Minibus: Alphard | Noah
Air-conditioned vehicle
Private Transfer
Pickup included
35 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
M L,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I visited the turtle sanctuary and it was a nice experience, but not entirely satisfying. The turtles are divided into three pools and the most engaging part is definitely the fact that you can go into the water with them. Seaweeds are provided to give to the turtles, so they get very close and swim all around, making the moment suggestive. That said, it’s fair to point out that some people have been bitten, probably from food-related excitement, so a little attention is needed. What also puzzled me the most is that turtles are not in a natural environment, but in an artificial space created by man, which takes away some of the authenticity of the experience. Overall it is an interesting visit, especially for those who want close contact with turtles, but personally I expected something more natural.

Amiya F,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
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.
ACJMLc,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
You get to a place where there are a lot of people queuing up to go down very narrow stairs and reach a cave where there are quite a few turtles. In my opinion, you captivate, inside a natural pool and share a very small space with 20:00 to 30 people who push to reach the water. I personally felt sorry for the poor turtles. I certainly didn’t pay to go down to see those turtles and went to the Hotel thinking it was still a joke, in fact, in my opinion, this is a case of animal abuse. I can't understand that this attraction has such fame when any zoo would have the animals in better shape.
Katrin M,,Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
It was a very great event and very well organized .Also the round trip transport.The turtles are beautiful
Karen S,,Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
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,




Sherryl T,,Aug 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
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.


Companion45888126177,,Aug 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
A truly horrible experience as a defender of animal rights and against their abuse. Many people complained that more turtles had bitten them, a normal reaction if they are stressed in a small pool full of people. Moreover, the team working there is aggressive and rude.
silkesG6192HE,,Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We were a bit disappointed at first when we saw a small natural pool with many people among the turtles. Personal contact with the Schildies, including feeding, was then really an unforgettable experience. We were in the south of the island. You would have actually gotten there with the rental car and could have parked calmly. The journey was more expensive than the entrance fee.


Mhbbrasil,,Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
For the price paid for experience and time, in my opinion, the satisfaction is median. I was expecting a little more. The place was crowded with people, which damaged the experience.

khawlab1819,,Jul 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Thanks a lot for mohammad ali .. he was perfect with us .. all of us we enjoy this trip it was amazing .. I hope to come back again next year inshallah.


Operated by Mo Tours & Safaris