Mafia Island
Mafia Island is Tanzania's most unspoiled coastal destination — a quiet, unhurried island in the Indian Ocean south of Zanzibar, largely untouched by mass tourism. It sits at the heart of one of East Africa's most important marine parks and is globally renowned as a world-class dive and snorkel destination. Between October and March, whale sharks gather in the warm waters around the island, offering one of the most reliable and accessible whale shark encounters on the planet.
Attractions & Wildlife
Whale Shark Snorkelling
From October to March, Mafia offers what is widely considered the world's most reliable whale shark snorkelling — multiple encounters most days in relatively shallow water.
Chole Bay Coral Gardens
The coral reefs of Chole Bay rank among the Indian Ocean's finest — extraordinary fish diversity, pristine coral formations, manta rays, and dolphins in crystal-clear water.
Chole Island Ruins
The ruins of the ancient Omani trading settlement on tiny Chole Island — accessible by short boat transfer — offer extraordinary history: mosque ruins, merchant houses, and mangrove walkways.
Pristine Beaches
Mafia's beaches are genuinely deserted — long stretches of white coral sand with warm water, no hawkers, and the feeling of having an entire ocean to yourself.
Photo Gallery
Our Insider Tips
Stay at Pole Pole Bungalows. Pole Pole Bungalows on Chole Bay is the benchmark lodge — simple, sustainable, and perfectly positioned for the marine park. Whale shark trips depart directly from the beach.
Fly from Dar — the boat is 6 hours. Coastal Aviation operates regular flights from Dar es Salaam to Mafia in 45 minutes. The speedboat takes 3–6 hours depending on conditions and is not recommended.
October–February for whale sharks. Whale sharks peak Oct–Mar; dive visibility and conditions are best in the dry season (Jun–Sep). March bridges both — good whale shark probability and reasonable conditions.