4-Day Mafia Island Whale Sharks & Diving
A 4-day trip to Mafia Island, a short flight south of Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar: a morning in the water with whale sharks off Kilindoni in season, then snorkelling or diving in the Mafia Island Marine Park.
The Quiet Island South of Zanzibar
From about October to March, whale sharks gather to feed in the calm water off Kilindoni, Mafia's main town. Small boats take you out with a local crew, and you slip into the water with a mask and snorkel to swim alongside them. They are filter-feeders and harmless to people; you keep your distance and never touch them.
The rest of the trip is spent around Chole Bay, inside the Mafia Island Marine Park: coral gardens for snorkelling, dives for certified divers with a local dive centre, and a visit to the old ruins on Chole Island. Mafia is far quieter than Zanzibar, with a few small lodges and no big hotels.
Prefer Zanzibar? See the 6-Day Zanzibar Holiday →
Why Travellers Choose It
- Snorkelling with whale sharks in season (about October to March)
- Coral reefs of the Mafia Island Marine Park
- Dives for certified divers with a local dive centre
- The ruins on Chole Island
- A quiet island with small lodges
A short flight in a small plane to Mafia's airstrip at Kilindoni, then the transfer to your lodge on Chole Bay. The afternoon is free to settle in and swim.
Overnight: Beach lodge on Chole Bay (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
An early boat trip from Kilindoni to look for whale sharks, with a local crew and snorkelling gear. You swim with them when they are found, following the crew's rules on distance. Back at the lodge for lunch and a free afternoon.
Overnight: Beach lodge on Chole Bay (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A morning snorkelling trip on the coral in the marine park, or two dives for certified divers. In the afternoon a short boat ride to Chole Island and its old ruins.
Overnight: Beach lodge on Chole Bay (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A last swim, then the transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast
The price depends on flight fares, lodge rates and the season for your dates, so we quote this trip on request. Send us your dates and group size and we will reply within 24 hours.
On requestWhale sharks are seen from about October to March. Outside those months the trip focuses on snorkelling and diving in the marine park.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar
- Best for whale sharks: about October to March
- Diving only for certified divers; try-dives depend on the dive centre
- Small planes: soft bags, about 15 kg per person
Includes
- Return flights Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar–Mafia Island
- 3 nights at a beach lodge on Chole Bay, full board
- Whale shark boat trip with snorkelling gear
- Marine park snorkelling trip and the Chole Island visit
- Mafia Island Marine Park fees
- Airstrip transfers on Mafia
Excludes
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Scuba dives and dive equipment (on request)
- Tips
- Drinks not included in the meal plan
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
Questions Travellers Ask
When can we see whale sharks?
From about October to March, with the best months usually around November to February. Sightings are likely in season but never guaranteed.
Do we need to dive?
No. You swim with whale sharks using a mask and snorkel. Scuba diving in the marine park is optional, for certified divers.
Is it safe to swim with whale sharks?
Whale sharks are filter-feeders and harmless to people. The crew keeps the group at a distance, and you never touch them.
Can we combine Mafia with a safari?
Yes. Mafia works well with Nyerere National Park or after a safari in the north, flying via Dar es Salaam. Ask us.
