Plongée à Mafia Island — Tanzania

Mafia Island is Tanzania's quiet alternative to Zanzibar, with a marine park that protects thriving reefs and the Indian Ocean's densest concentration of whale sharks between October and March. The island's sleepy fishing villages and lack of mass tourism give it authentic East African charm. A genuine hidden gem.

Score
63.4
Visibilité
10–25m
Température
25–30°C
Meilleurs mois
October, November, December
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World Class
Intermediate
Mafia Island
TanzaniaAfrica
63.4

SCORE

-7.9000°N

39.7800°E

Mafia Island is Tanzania's quiet alternative to Zanzibar, with a marine park that protects thriving reefs and the Indian Ocean's densest concentration of whale sharks between October and March. The island's sleepy fishing villages and lack of mass tourism give it authentic East African charm. A genuine hidden gem.

Tanzania's Whale Shark Paradise

Visibility10–25 m
Temperature25–30°C
Max Depth30 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$90
Best MonthsOctober, November, December, January
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML72.0CH68.0VIS60.0SV58.0TMP88.0DA55.0OP68.0TS52.0GT35.0VAL68.0CRD85.0SP52.0

Marine Life

72.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
68
Megafauna Encounters
78
Reef Fish Abundance
70
Macro Life
55
Endemic Species
58
Marine Life Diversity
72.0
Coral & Reef Health
68.0
Visibility & Conditions
60.0
Dive Site Variety
58.0
Water Temperature
88.0
Depth & Access
55.0
Operator Quality
68.0
Topside Experience
52.0
Getting There
35.0
Value & Cost
68.0
Crowding
85.0
Social Proof
52.0

Dive Types

reefwallwhale shark snorkel

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

whale shark snorkelingChole Island ruinssunset dhow cruisemangrove boardwalk

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Chole Island 19th-century ruins
  • Kua Ruins

Non-Diver Score

6/10

Good topside options for non-diving companions.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifenone

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber200 km — Dar es Salaam Hyperbaric Treatment Centre
Nearest Hospital10 km

Basic clinic on island; flight to Dar es Salaam (25 min) for hospital and chamber

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Mafia Island Diving

PADI

4.6
55 reviewsNITROX

Big Blu Mafia Diving

SSI

4.5
40 reviews