Mafia Island
Snorkel with whale sharks in the world's first whale-shark sanctuary.
Why Mafia Island
Mafia is Tanzania's quietest island — and the only place in the country where you can reliably snorkel with whale sharks (October to February).
The Mafia Island Marine Park protects some of the healthiest coral in East Africa.
Top attractions, activities and highlights
Top attractions
- ·Chole Bay
- ·Kilindoni
- ·Juani Island ruins
- ·Whale-shark grounds
Recommended activities
- ·Snorkelling with whale sharks
- ·Diving
- ·Dhow sailing
- ·Cultural visits to Chole
Wildlife & cultural highlights
- ·Whale shark
- ·Green turtle
- ·Reef fish diversity
Tour packages we can build for you
Mafia Whale Shark Snorkel
Three nights island lodge, two whale-shark excursions.
Safari & Mafia
Nyerere boat safaris + Mafia whale sharks.
Looking for something different? Tell us your dates and we'll design it.
Photo gallery
Travel tips from our local team
- Book whale-shark days early — group sizes are limited.
- Combine with Nyerere for safari + sea.
Frequently asked questions
Design your Mafia Island journey
Tell us a few details and a local destination specialist will reply within 24 hours with first-draft ideas, sample lodges and an indicative quote. No deposit. No pressure.
- Hand-built by a local planner — never a template.
- Licensed guides, vetted lodges, transparent pricing.
- Reply within 24 hours — or message us on WhatsApp.
Prefer a real-time chat? WhatsApp +255 768 045 919
Make Mafia Island the trip of a lifetime
Our destination team has decades of on-the-ground experience and works with carefully selected local guides. Tell us what you're dreaming of and we'll design it.