Region
Indian Ocean Coast
Size
413 km² (marine park 822 km²)
Best Time
October – March (whale sharks)
Coordinates
-7.83, 39.83
Overview
Snorkel with whale sharks, dive pristine coral gardens, and swing in a hammock on an island the tourist crowds have never found.
Mafia Island, south of Zanzibar, is protected by Tanzania's first Marine Park and remains a wonderfully quiet corner of the Indian Ocean. Its coral reefs are among the healthiest in East Africa.
Between October and March, whale sharks — the largest fish in the ocean — gather off Kilindoni to feed. Snorkelling alongside these gentle 10-metre giants is one of the great wildlife experiences on the planet.
Green turtles nest on Juani Island, dhows still ply the historic Kua ruins, and Chole Bay's mangrove channels are a paddler's dream.
Highlights
- Whale-shark snorkelling
- World-class scuba diving
- Green turtle nesting
- Historic Kua ruins
Getting There
30 min flight from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Airport.
Wildlife
What you'll see
Activities
What you can do
Guides for Mafia Island
Explore more
Other Tanzania destinations
Speak to an expert
Plan your Luxury Tanzania safari
Call our Arusha-based team or send an enquiry for thoughtful, first-hand guidance.
Call us at +255 768 316 830
Or email info@williamsonadventures.com