Mafia Island Marine Park
East Africa's finest marine park ÔÇö swim with whale sharks, dive pristine coral reefs, and escape to an unhurried island paradise south of Zanzibar.
Mafia Island Marine Park is East Africa's largest marine protected area and one of the Indian Ocean's finest diving and snorkelling destinations. Located 120 kilometres south of Dar es Salaam, Mafia Island offers everything that Zanzibar does ÔÇö turquoise waters, white sand, and tropical atmosphere ÔÇö but without the crowds, with far better diving, and with a genuine sense of island remoteness.
The marine park protects over 822 square kilometres of coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and open water. The reefs are in superb condition ÔÇö among the best-preserved in the western Indian Ocean ÔÇö and support over 400 species of fish, five species of sea turtle, and seasonal aggregations of whale sharks.
Swimming with whale sharks is Mafia's headline experience. From October to March, these gentle giants ÔÇö the world's largest fish ÔÇö gather in the waters around Mafia to feed on plankton blooms. Slipping into the water beside a 10-metre whale shark is an encounter that redefines what 'wildlife experience' means.
Beyond the marine wonders, Mafia Island's unhurried pace, its fishing villages, coconut plantations, and atmospheric ruins from its days as a trading post create a cultural texture that enriches any visit.
Safari Tours in Mafia Island Marine Park
Custom Safari Available
Mafia Island Marine Park can be included in any of our tailor-made safari itineraries. Tell us your dates and interests, and our team will design the perfect trip.
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Mafia's marine environment is exceptionally rich. Over 400 fish species inhabit the reefs, including napoleon wrasse, giant trevally, barracuda, and moray eels. Green and hawksbill turtles nest on the island's beaches. Humpback whales pass through from July to September.
Whale sharks aggregate from October to March, with peak numbers typically in November and December. The coral gardens support hard and soft corals in remarkable diversity. On land, Mafia supports populations of flying foxes (fruit bats), coconut crabs, and diverse birdlife including mangrove specialists and migratory shorebirds.
How to Get There
Mafia Island is reached by scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam (30 minutes) or charter flights from Zanzibar, Nyerere (Selous), and Ruaha. A slow ferry from Dar es Salaam is also available but takes significantly longer. Most visitors fly in ÔÇö the aerial views of the reef systems are stunning.
Park Fees & Regulations
Marine park entry fees are $23.60 per adult per day. Diving and snorkelling fees may apply separately through operators. Whale shark excursions are typically $60-100 per person depending on the operator and trip duration. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to luxury beach lodges.