Mafia Island vs Pemba Island — Dive Destination Comparison
Mafia Island (Tanzania) scores 63.4/100 vs Pemba Island's 62.0/100 in OkToDive's 12-category rating. Choose Mafia Island for reef diving with 10–25m visibility. Choose Pemba Island for reef diving at ~$65/dive.
Last updated: 2026-07-22
Side-by-side comparison
| Metric | Mafia Island | Pemba Island |
|---|---|---|
| OkToDive Score | 63.4/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Country | Tanzania | Tanzania |
| Visibility | 10--25m | 9--30m |
| Water temp | 25--30 C | 25--29 C |
| Max depth | 30m | 40m |
| Current | moderate | moderate |
| Cost per 2-tank dive | $90 | $65 |
| Budget tier | mid range | mid range |
| Best months | October, November, December | October, November, December |
| Dive types | reef, wall, whale shark snorkel | reef, pelagic |
| Min certification | Open Water | Open Water |
| Key species | whale shark, hawksbill turtle, Napoleon wrasse | manta ray, reef shark, sea turtle |
| Google rating | 4.6 (75 reviews) | 0 (0 reviews) |
Which should you choose?
Choose Mafia Island when...
- + Divers who prioritize reef diving
- + Anyone visiting Africa for the first time
- + Groups seeking 15+ named dive sites in one area
Skip if
- - You prefer uncrowded sites and this has 15+ named spots drawing traffic
- - You need shore access — this is boat-only
Choose Pemba Island when...
- + Divers who prioritize reef diving
- + Anyone visiting East Africa for the first time
- + Groups seeking 15+ named dive sites in one area
Skip if
- - You don't have Advanced certification
- - You need shore access — this is boat-only
Bottom line
Mafia Island wins on overall score (63.4 vs 62.0), but the right choice depends on your priorities. Pemba Island is more affordable ($65 vs $90/dive). Pemba Island has better peak visibility (30m vs 25m).