Beach & Coast
#scuba diving
Mafia Island
Mafia Island is a tranquil marine-park island south of Zanzibar, renowned for snorkelling with whale sharks and unspoilt reefs.
Altitude
Sea level
Location
Indian Ocean, southern Tanzania
Best Time
June–October (whale sharks Oct–Mar)
Mafia Island lies south of Zanzibar and is centred on the Mafia Island Marine Park, one of the Indian Ocean's richest reef systems. Its calm, traditional pace and lack of crowds make it a favourite for divers and those seeking genuine seclusion.
Between October and March, whale sharks gather in the channel, offering the chance to snorkel alongside the world's largest fish. Green turtles nest on the beaches, and the diving and birdlife are exceptional year-round.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim with whale sharks at Mafia Island?
Yes — from October to March, whale sharks gather off Mafia Island, offering a rare chance to snorkel alongside the world's largest fish.
Is Mafia Island good for diving?
Mafia Island Marine Park has some of the Indian Ocean's healthiest reefs, with excellent diving and snorkelling year-round and very few crowds.
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