East Africa's Hidden Marine Gem

Mafia Island Marine Park

Whale Sharks, Pristine Reefs & Quiet Magic

Key Fauna

Whale Sharks (Oct–Feb)

Core Diving

Chole Bay (Macro) & Kinasi Pass (Drift)

Culture

Authentic Dhow Culture & Island Villages

Vibe

Boutique, Slow, and Authentic

Marine Life & Sea Conditions

Marine Life Highlights

  • Mega-fauna: Whale sharks (snorkel-level, Oct–Feb), devil rays, and reef sharks.
  • Turtles: Green & Hawksbill; nesting monitored by community programs (seasonal hatchling releases).
  • Reefs: Healthy hard-coral gardens and staghorn stands; excellent recovery compared to busier areas.
  • Macro: Look for leaf scorpionfish, ghost pipefish, seahorses in seagrass, and frogfish.
  • Unique: Night Plankton Glow—seasonal short swims where bioluminescence sparkles.

Seasons at a Glance

  • Whale Sharks: Oct–Feb (peak Nov–Jan).
  • Dry Season: Jun–Oct (SE monsoon) → calmer inner bay, cooler temps.
  • Shoulder/Hot: Nov–Mar → warmer water (up to 29 °C), glassy mornings.
  • Visibility: 10–30 m (outer reefs typically clearer).

Signature Mafia Experiences

Must-Do Experiences

  • 1. Whale Shark Snorkel: Early-morning run to the Mafia Channel. Strict no-touch, no-chase protocol for responsible encounters.
  • 5. Sandbank Dhows: Set up on Magudzi/Bwejuu—grilled seafood picnic under shade canopies.
  • 2. Outer-Reef Drift Dives: Kinasi/Milimani channels—riding the blue over coral ramparts with the running tide.
  • 4. Juani Blue Lagoon: A tide-dependent swim in a surreal forested sinkhole (turquoise bowl).
  • 7. Mangrove Paddles: Kayaking in glassy creeks at high tide to see egrets and fiddler crabs.

Diving, Culture & Logistics

  • Diving Note: Chole Bay is best for beginners and macro; Advanced for channel drifts. Dives planned around slack tides.
  • Culture: Visit Chole Island for old coral-rag ruins and dhow yards; respectful photo etiquette in Jibondo fishing villages.
  • Access: 30–45 min flight from Dar es Salaam to Kilindoni Airstrip.
  • Accommodation: From Luxury Boutique (Pole Pole, Kinasi) to diver-friendly Midrange bases.
  • Conservation: Reef-safe sunscreen and good buoyancy control over coral are essential.

Blacksand Edge & Sample Itinerary

Blacksand Edge (Why Choose Mafia with Us)

  • Skipper Expertise: Handpicked local guides who read tide, light, and plankton lines for higher whale shark encounter quality.
  • Private Setups: Exclusive sandbank picnics with low-waste dining and shade canopies.
  • Photo Focus: Underwater photo coaching for guests (buoyancy, framing, ambient color).

Sample 3-Day Mafia Module

Perfect as a 3-night plug-in to any Tanzania safari (e.g., Ruaha or Serengeti).

  • Day 1: Fly in $\rightarrow$ Utende check-in $\rightarrow$ Chole Bay snorkel $\rightarrow$ sunset dhow.
  • Day 2: Whale shark dawn run (Kilindoni) $\rightarrow$ sandbank picnic $\rightarrow$ outer-reef dive/snorkel.
  • Day 3: Juani blue lagoon $\rightarrow$ turtle program (if in season) $\rightarrow$ fly out next morning.