Mafia Island dive sites
Tanzania · Browse dive locations by depth, type and conditions.
Best Season
October-March, October to March
Skill Levels
all-levels, intermediate
Nearby Cities
Kilindoni
All dive sites
Chole Bay
Kilindoni · Mafia Island · Tanzania
A sheltered bay within Mafia Island Marine Park offering pristine coral walls, whale shark encounters, and over 400 fish species far from tourist crowds.
Mafia Chole Wall
Kilindoni · Mafia Island · Tanzania
A pristine coral wall in the Mafia Island Marine Park where nutrient-rich channel currents support exceptional soft coral growth, large groupers, and seasonal whale shark encounters.
Mafia Island Whale Sharks
Kilindoni · Mafia Island · Tanzania
The waters off Mafia Island's western coast host East Africa's most reliable whale shark aggregation from October to March, with juvenile and sub-adult sharks feeding in shallow plankton-rich channels.
Dive centers in Mafia Island
Diving in Mafia Island
Mafia Island offers reef, wall, open-water dive sites across 1 location. Browse dive locations by depth, type and conditions before planning your dive.
FAQ
When is the best time to swim with whale sharks at Mafia Island?
Whale sharks can be found around Mafia Island year-round, but the peak season runs from October to February, when large aggregations of filter-feeding whale sharks gather to feed on plankton blooms. During peak season, sightings are almost guaranteed. The experience involves snorkelling rather than diving, as the sharks feed near the surface.
How do you get to Mafia Island?
Mafia Island is reached by daily scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam, taking approximately 30 minutes. There are also less reliable ferry services. The island is located 160 kilometres south of Zanzibar and offers a much quieter, more authentic diving experience. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to eco-lodges.
What dive sites are in Chole Bay?
Chole Bay contains approximately 28 documented dive sites. The most famous is Kinasi Pass, a channel dive at 26 metres where currents attract pelagic species. Chole Wall is an 800-metre coral wall reaching 15 metres. Other popular sites include Chole Reef at 16 metres and Mange Reef on the bay's outer edge. The bay's topography ranges from coral gardens to sand flats and mangrove areas.
How do I reach Mafia Island?
Mafia Island is reached by small aircraft from Dar es Salaam with daily flights taking approximately 30 minutes. There is also a ferry service from Nyamisati on the mainland, though this is less reliable and takes several hours. Once on Mafia, dive operators are based in the Chole Bay area on the western coast and provide boat transfers to all dive sites. The island has limited tourism infrastructure compared to Zanzibar, which is part of its charm but means booking accommodation and diving in advance is recommended.
When are whale sharks present around Mafia?
Whale sharks visit the waters around Mafia Island primarily between October and February, with peak sightings in November and December. They are attracted by plankton concentrations in the channel between Mafia and the mainland. Encounters typically occur on the surface during dedicated whale shark snorkelling trips rather than on scuba dives, as the sharks feed near the surface. Some dive operators offer combined trips visiting Chole Wall for diving and then searching for whale sharks on the surface.