Mafia Island Guide 2026

Mafia Island is Tanzania's undiscovered paradise - a quiet, uncrowded island with some of the best diving and snorkelling in East Africa. The Mafia Island Marine Park protects pristine coral reefs, and from October to March, whale sharks gather in its waters for one of the world's great marine wildlife encounters.

Diving & Marine Life

  • Whale Sharks: October to March. Swimming alongside whale sharks (up to 12m long) in the warm waters off Mafia. Sightings are almost guaranteed during peak season. Cost: $70-100 per trip.
  • Coral Reefs: 50+ dive sites within the marine park. Pristine hard and soft corals, visibility 20-30m.
  • Marine Life: 400+ fish species, green and hawksbill turtles, octopus, nudibranchs, reef sharks, manta rays (seasonal).
  • Dive Centres: Mafia Island Diving, Big Blu, and lodge-based dive operations. PADI courses available. 2-tank dive: $100-130.

Getting There

  • By Air: Daily flights from Dar es Salaam (30 minutes) with Auric Air and Coastal Aviation. Return flights from $200.
  • By Boat: Not recommended for tourists - long, uncomfortable, and unreliable.
  • Marine Park Fee: $20/day for the marine park area.

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