Mafia Island – Transcendent Journeys Tanzania

Quiet and unassuming, Mafia is the barefoot paradise of your dreams

Quiet and unassuming, Mafia is the barefoot paradise of your dreams – where the sand is white, the water is warm, and the people are welcoming.

The Mafia archipelago has some of the richest reefs in the world, with an amazing variety of coral and tropical fish. On the southern end of the main island, the 317 sqm Mafia Island Marine Park is an important habitat for endangered species, as well as more than 460 species of fish.

Almost all of Mafia’s best diving is at depths of less than 30 meters. The shallow reefs of Chole Bay can be enjoyed by beginner divers and snorkelers. More experienced divers will also be able to admire the long coral wall outside the bay (Nov-March). Diving is contingent on tides and weather conditions, but you can generally count on 2 tank dives a day plus the possibility of a third. Shore diving is permissible in some areas and night diving can also be arranged.

Rich reefs

The Mafia archipelago has some of the richest reefs in the world, with an amazing variety of coral and tropical fish.

Whale sharks

Snorkeling with whale sharks is a highlight of a visit to Mafia.

Big Blu Mafia

Transcendent Journeys Tanzania partners with Big Blu Mafia Dive Center situated in the Marine Park in Utende.

Whale sharks of Mafia

Snorkeling with whale sharks is a highlight of a visit to Mafia. There are only a handful of places in the world where whale sharks are known to visit all year round and Mafia is one of them. Whale sharks are known to stay longer in the waters off Mafia and there is proof that the population is resident in the area. October to February are the best months for spotting and snorkeling with the whale sharks of Mafia, though juveniles can be seen year round.

Most dive operations shutdown for 1-2 months during the low season in April-May, but otherwise the diving conditions generally remain good throughout the year. Boat dives are heavily dependent on tidal conditions and there can be days with strong currents outside the protected bay.

Mafia Island Marine Park and Big Blu Mafia Dive Center

Transcendent Journeys Tanzania partners with Big Blu Mafia Dive Center situated in the Marine Park in Utende. Big Blu Mafia Island Dive Centre is a large, fully equipped Dive Centre with on-site accommodation, beach restaurant and bar. With their beachfront location, they have an uninterrupted view of Chole Bay.