Mafia Island

Located 30 minute flight south of Dar es Salaam, Mafia Island is one of the most exciting diving and unique nature in the world. The major tourist activities are scuba diving, swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling, fishing, beaches and offshore excursions; it is a paradise for divers and nature lovers. The water is beautifully transparent with fantastic views of the unspoiled coral reef; the variety of the coral permits an unimaginable quantity of fish, with diving and snorkeling sites just a short boat ride away. 

Chole Bay and islands are now within the protected Mafia Island Marine Park, a park full of coral reefs, mangrove forests and lagoons. This is the largest protected area in the Indian Ocean. With its fine sandy beaches, swaying palms and lush vegetation, Mafia Island is a unique place for travellers and honeymooners to unwind after their Safari in Tanzania. Isolated islets with beaches, lagoons, coves and channels provide many private swimming and picnicking hideaways. Between october and march you can admire and swim with wale sharks – the biggest fish on earth. This is also the place to spot humpback whales and turtles. Birdlife is excellent and very different to the mainland parks that guests may have visited. The tidal flats and mangroves are always alive with coastal and sea birds and there are many colourful woodland and forest species.

Mafia Island is a perfect escape from the fast pace and busy daily life.This island is still pure and untouched, which means there are no tarmac roads and only a few tourists. The atmosphere is peaceful and the islanders are very friendly.