Tanzania Pwani Region 1 tour

Mafia Island

Pristine marine park famous for whale shark encounters, untouched reefs and sleepy Swahili villages.

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Country

Tanzania

Region

Pwani Region

Best time

October–March (whale sharks peak Oct–Feb)

About Mafia Island

Mafia lies 160 km south of Zanzibar and 20 km off the Tanzanian mainland. Its marine park is one of the Indian Ocean's best-kept secrets — giant whale sharks gather seasonally in the shallows off Kilindoni between October and March. Add pristine reefs (less damaged than Zanzibar's), historic Swahili ruins at Kua on Juani Island, and no mass tourism.

Highlights

  • Whale shark snorkelling (Oct–Mar)
  • Chole Bay coral reefs
  • Kua Ruins (Juani Island)
  • Sleepy Swahili fishing villages
  • Deep-sea sport fishing

Best time to visit

October–March (whale sharks peak Oct–Feb)

Itineraries

Tours that visit Mafia Island

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