Explore Mafia Island

Mafia Island, part of Tanzania's stunning Spice Islands, is a diver's paradise renowned for its vibrant marine life and diverse dive environments. The island's unique ecology is protected as a marine park, supported by the World Wildlife Fund, making it a prime spot for underwater exploration. With most dive sites no deeper than 30 meters/98 feet, divers can enjoy the splendor of colorful coral reefs, walls, and wrecks teeming with life. The influence of the Rufiji River delta enriches the waters, attracting both reef fish and larger ocean species.

For those seeking adventure, Mafia Island offers a range of diving styles, from shore dives to guided boat excursions and even liveaboard options for extended exploration. Seasonal highlights include the chance to encounter majestic whale sharks between November and March. However, divers should plan carefully, as strong tides and seasonal conditions, particularly from April to May, can affect accessibility. With its rich biodiversity and breathtaking underwater landscapes, Mafia Island is a must-visit destination for any diving enthusiast.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Tom’s Garden

A must do for macro enthusiasts, this site has a depth of 7 metres but can be extended if one wants to rear off the beaten track into the sand dunes. This dive site was named after one of our Instructor’s who stumbled upon this seahorse heaven by chance.

51
Logs
34
Divers
13.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Pyramid

The dive starts around some coral bommies and small rock formations and slowly ascends to a shallow bank reef after passing the distinct formation of a pyramid.

89
Logs
78
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★★ Kitutia

Kitutia is a coral reef that surrounds a sandbank located 2.5 hours South of Mafia. This dive is planned as a full-day excursion, combined with a BBQ picnic and, in season, whale watching.

14
Logs
8
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★★ Mange Reef

Mange is a reef located 2 hours South of the dive centre, dived as part of a full day expedition combined with a sandbank picnic and whale watching, in season. The maximum depth is 18 meters, with beautiful shallows perfect for accompanying non-divers.

92
Logs
54
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Juani South

Juani reef is one of the only true fringing reef complexes found in Mafia, running the full length of Juani Island on the seaward side. Here the reef slopes down to around 26 meters and is a favorite due to its pink/purple hue as a result of the corals found there.

25
Logs
22
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Juani North

Juani reef is one of the only true fringing reef complexes found in Mafia, running the full length of Juani Island on the seaward side. Here the reef slopes down to around 26 meters and is a favorite due to its pink/purple hue as a result of the corals found there.

30
Logs
29
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ The Hill

Another Mafia Island Diving discovered site. The hill is a beautiful site characterized by a large hill of porites coral which develops into low laying hills of coral interspersed with seagrass and rubble.

81
Logs
57
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★★ Critters Alley

Critters Alley can be found just off the shore, at the edge of the drop-off at 7 meters deep. A sandy bottom dive, where one explores the patches of weed, small bommies, and pipe which was layed and abandoned.

271
Logs
146
Divers
9.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Nudibranch City

Nudibranch City is named for its inundation of several different types of nudibranchs. The reef is a 300-metre swim off Utende Beach and lies around 9 metres deep. Here there is an abundance of soft corals and fantastic anemones.

91
Logs
44
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Chekechea

Chekechea in Swahili means ’Kindergarten.’ This site is named Chekechea because it acts as a nursery for juvenile species. It is a very shallow dive site that is excellent for nervous beginners, photographers who want strong natural light, and any diver looking for muck diving encounters with rare critters.

27
Logs
17
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★☆ Kasa

Kasa is a shallow, extremely colorful and lively reef where one can often see mature green turtle grazing in the seagrass. This site can experience some strong currents.

71
Logs
62
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ Msumbiji

Msumbiji in Swahili means Mozambique; why it was named this, nobody can really say. This site consists of several rock formations decorated with corals, algae, sponges, and anemones. The slopes and sheer walls start at around 3 meters and fall to a maximum of 17.

131
Logs
103
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Chole Reef South

The reef starts at around 5 m and descends to 17 m, ending with sand and coral rubble where it is common to see scavenging titan triggerfish. We regularly see giant reef rays just a couple of meters of the reef resting on the rubble.

144
Logs
103
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Chole Reef North

Chole Reef is a reefbank that is found lying northeast and southwest and is around 800 metres long. The reef starts at around 5 metres and descends to 17 m and ends in sand and coral rubble.

83
Logs
61
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Marimbani

Marimbani is a sandbank located in Chole Bay. Off the Northern face of the sandbar, there is a muck diving site featuring some very peculiar creatures. The maximum depth is around 7 meters. This is an excellent dive to combine with a BBQ picnic.

25
Logs
14
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Mafia Island

Mafia Island, nestled off the coast of Tanzania, is a diver's paradise teeming with underwater wonders. The island offers a blend of shore and liveaboard diving options, catering to both novice and experienced divers. Among the top dive sites, "Chole Bay" stands out with its vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life. For those seeking wreck dives, "Kinasi Pass" features a fascinating wreck, attracting diverse fish species. Night dives unveil captivating nocturnal behaviors, such as hunting lionfish and bioluminescent plankton displays. Mafia Island promises unique dive experiences, ideal for adventurers looking to explore its rich underwater tapestry.

The best Months to dive in Mafia Island

Mafia Island offers year-round diving with relatively consistent conditions. Water temperatures range from 25°C–29°C/77°F–84°F, providing a comfortable environment for divers throughout the year. Visibility typically extends from 15 to 30 meters/49 to 98 feet, depending on the season and weather conditions.

The best time for diving is generally from October to March when the seas are calm, and visibility is at its peak. During the southeast monsoon from April to September, winds and currents can be stronger, potentially affecting dive sites. However, diving is still possible, though conditions may be less favorable, with reduced visibility and choppier seas at times.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Mafia Island Diving

PO BOX 89, MAFIA ISLAND, 00000 Mafia Island, TZA