Mafia island
Mafia Island is located in the Indian Ocean, off the southern coast of Tanzania, just beyond the mouth of the Rufiji River, the country’s largest river. It is separated from the mainland by the Mafia Channel and is part of the Zanzibar archipelago, though it is far less touristy than Zanzibar or Pemba. Its position facing the Rufiji makes its waters nutrient-rich, fostering a high level of marine biodiversity, which makes Mafia an exceptional destination for diving and snorkeling, with well-preserved coral reefs and abundant marine life.
The island is known for Mafia Island Marine Park, one of the best-preserved marine ecosystems in East Africa. It’s an exceptional destination for snorkeling and diving, with coral reefs, shallow lagoons, sea turtles, and a huge variety of tropical fish.
Furthermore, Mafia is famous for the opportunity to swim with whale sharks at certain times of the year, when these gentle giants approach its waters to feed on plankton. The experience is conducted in a regulated and respectful manner, making the island a prime location for ecotourism and responsible marine wildlife observation.
Overall, Mafia Island combines a strategic location, untouched nature, and unique marine experiences, ideal for those seeking tranquility and direct contact with the ocean
Mafia: Accommodation, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling or Swimming with Whale Sharks 6 Days/5 Nights
$685 per person
- Butiana Marine Camp accommodation.
- 8 dives in the marine park.
- 1 day of snorkeling with whale sharks from a boat (extra day $65).
- Round-trip airport transfers.
- Daily tourist tax.
Does not include:
- Half board $12 per person.
- Entrance fees to the marine park must be paid before arrival at the accommodation at the park entrance by bank card: $24 per person per day.
- Scuba diving equipment $20 per day.
Option: Butiana Bustiani Hotel: Everything is the same as Butiana Marin Camp, but you only pay the entrance fee to the marine park on the days you dive (since it’s outside the marine park). Transfer to the marine park for diving is included.
Option: 4 nights at Butiama Marine Camp and 2 nights at Butiama Beach Lodge $970 per person in a double room.
Option: 4 nights at Butiama Marine Camp and 2 nights at Butiama Bustani $770 per person in a double room.
Option: Buitiana Beach Lodge: $1190 p.p in bungalow with breakfast and dinner.
- Not included: Marine Park entrance fees or diving equipment.
The most common way to get to the island
- From Dar es Salaam:
- There are daily flights in small planes (approx. 30–45 minutes) operated by local airlines such as Coastal Aviation or Auric Air.
- The flight arrives at Mafia Airport (MFA), in the Kilindoni area.
- From Zanzibar: There are direct flights on some days, although they are not always daily and often have a stop in Dar es Salaam.
- The best time to go to see whale sharks is from October to March. From the end of December to the end of February, it is quite windy.
