While Tanzania may be famous for its wild Serengeti, opportunities to go on safari, and Mount Kilimanjaro it’s also home to one of the most scenic islands in Africa: Mafia Island.
While the name might sound intimidating, it doesn’t actually have any connection with gangsters and crime! In fact, the word mafia was derived from the Arabic word morfiyeh (which means archipelago) or the Swahili phrase mahali pa afya (“a healthy dwelling place”).
Thanks to its fairly remote location (it can only be reached via ferry or plane!), Mafia Island is an excellent respite from the crowds of Zanzibar and eastern Tanzania. That’s not all — it’s also home to some of the most picturesque sandy beaches, lush tropical jungles, and fantastic diving opportunities.
If you’re keen to dive into the mysteries of the underwater world, you’ll definitely feel at home with Mafia Island’s pristine coral reefs, crystal clear waters, and rich marine life. Apply for your Tanzania visa, grab your fins, and let’s check out the underwater paradise of Mafia Island!
The Unique Marine Life of Mafia Island
While Zanzibar remains the most popular island among tourists, Mafia Island is truly a hidden gem that’s ideal for travelers who want a more relaxed environment — without the crowds and bustle. Despite being less famous than its “older brother,” Mafia Island offers equally unspoiled tropical nature, beautiful beaches, and ideal conditions for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Speaking of which, the island is a real paradise for diving enthusiasts. Let’s learn a few reasons why:
Coral Reefs & Underwater Critters
The coral reefs surrounding Mafia Island are considered some of the most beautiful examples in the Indian Ocean. Divers can explore a variety of underwater landscapes, including famous dive sites such as the steep cliffs and corals of Chole Island, or The Pinnacle, a 12-meter high coral spire created by the force of nature.
However, that’s not all — the waters are home to a huge variety of marine life, including 400 different species of fish, turtles, seahorses, and dolphins.
A huge plus is that Mafia Island has infrastructure for comfortable diving, as there are diving centers that offer excursions for both amateurs and experienced divers. Of course, if you’re a complete beginner, you can take diving training courses under the supervision of professionals.
Whale Sharks
If standard diving routes don’t interest you and you prefer something a little more extreme, how about swimming with whale sharks? This is definitely one of the most interesting and unique things to do on Mafia Island.
Thanks to the plankton bloom season from October to March, you’ll find dozens of whale sharks congregating around Mafia Island. It’s an absolutely breathtaking sight when they break through the water and frolic in the open sea, allowing you to watch them.
Although sharks are typically stereotyped as scary and dangerous, whale sharks are an exception. These ‘gentle giants’ are very peaceful and timid creatures, and despite their enormous size (more than 10 meters in length!), they do not pose a danger to humans. Rather, they feed on plankton (like whales) and have a calm demeanor.
Plan your trip: Dive sites and options for beginners
Every good adventure begins with planning and research. Let’s take a look at some of the most important things you should know before planning a trip to Mafia Island.
Best time to visit Mafia Island
The best time to visit Mafia Island depends on what you’re looking for. September to March is the best period to see whale sharks, but there is a high chance of rainy and humid conditions. If your main draw is a beach holiday or light snorkeling, then the best time to visit is around July to October, when the weather is pleasantly warm and sunny.
How to get to Mafia Island
Getting to the island is possible by plane or ferry. Airlines such as Coastal Aviation and Auric Air have direct flights from Dar es Salaam, which take about 30 to 40 minutes. The ferry takes about 4 hours.
Best diving spots
While there are dozens of fantastic dive sites off Mafia Island, these three are the most reputable:
Kinasi Pass: Mafia Island’s most famous dive site! This pass is approximately 800 meters long and has many types of hard and soft corals. A wide variety of different fish live here, from small colorful fish to large sea turtles and perches. It’s also well-known for a pinnacle in the shape of a chicken (yes, really).
Pinnacle: One of the most unique dive sites on the island, The Pinnacle is an unusual 12-meter spire that grows at a depth of 24 meters. It’s overgrown with corals and is home to many fish, including potato cod and resident moray.
Coral Gardens: Coral Gardens is ideal for beginner divers, as the depth reaches a maximum of 8 meters. Thanks to the colorful corals, beautiful reef fish, and sandy patches, it’s also an excellent opportunity for photography.
Responsible Tourism & Conservation efforts
To preserve the amazing nature of Mafia Island, conservation organizations like the WWF and the Tanzanian government have implemented various initiatives aimed at conserving the island’s underwater world.
The waters around Mafia Island are classified as a marine park and are protected against fishing and poaching. Thanks to these initiatives, the diversity of marine life includes more than 400 species of tropical fish and, of course, whale sharks.
