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.

Dive Activity

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.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Mafia Island

Mafia Island, located off the coast of Tanzania, is renowned for its vibrant marine biodiversity. The surrounding waters host a variety of reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, which are commonly seen by divers and snorkelers exploring the coral gardens. These colorful residents thrive year-round, making them a reliable sight for underwater enthusiasts. Seasonal highlights include the majestic whale sharks, typically observed between October and March. These gentle giants migrate through Mafia Island’s waters, offering a unique encounter for divers. Green and hawksbill turtles are also frequent inhabitants, with nesting occurring on the island’s beaches throughout the year. Additionally, eagle rays and various species of sharks can be spotted, particularly around deeper reefs and channels, providing thrilling experiences for those venturing into these diverse marine environments.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel

Moray Eel
381 Sightings
J
49
F
42
M
30
A
5
M
6
J
14
J
28
A
45
S
36
O
30
N
30
D
66
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
174 Sightings
J
24
F
42
M
10
A
2
M
3
J
6
J
8
A
12
S
17
O
6
N
17
D
27
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle
160 Sightings
J
13
F
19
M
8
A
3
M
3
J
9
J
9
A
14
S
9
O
14
N
22
D
37

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse

Wrasse
123 Sightings
J
5
F
15
M
5
A
2
M
1
J
6
J
4
A
27
S
20
O
5
N
25
D
8

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
88 Sightings
J
21
F
6
M
8
A
7
M
0
J
1
J
2
A
0
S
3
O
6
N
14
D
20

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda

Barracuda
70 Sightings
J
10
F
7
M
7
A
0
M
1
J
2
J
8
A
9
S
5
O
6
N
9
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays

Stingrays
387 Sightings
J
66
F
50
M
29
A
7
M
4
J
15
J
25
A
35
S
23
O
18
N
37
D
78

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch

Nudibranch
322 Sightings
J
48
F
42
M
29
A
13
M
2
J
12
J
17
A
32
S
18
O
26
N
45
D
38

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
290 Sightings
J
38
F
29
M
23
A
6
M
3
J
15
J
22
A
37
S
27
O
17
N
27
D
46

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish

Angelfish
264 Sightings
J
36
F
35
M
14
A
2
M
3
J
3
J
18
A
33
S
34
O
12
N
39
D
35
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Udo Kefrig
Clownfish

Clownfish
242 Sightings
J
30
F
24
M
16
A
6
M
2
J
7
J
13
A
37
S
23
O
22
N
33
D
29

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish

Parrotfish
229 Sightings
J
13
F
27
M
11
A
4
M
3
J
4
J
12
A
35
S
27
O
29
N
36
D
28

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish
227 Sightings
J
17
F
26
M
11
A
2
M
2
J
4
J
20
A
33
S
28
O
24
N
32
D
28

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

iStock/cinoby
Lionfish

Lionfish
224 Sightings
J
22
F
26
M
13
A
7
M
4
J
7
J
13
A
28
S
23
O
26
N
29
D
26

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish

Triggerfish
177 Sightings
J
17
F
24
M
16
A
7
M
1
J
8
J
3
A
16
S
22
O
15
N
26
D
22

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
Bannerfish

Bannerfish
155 Sightings
J
5
F
28
M
7
A
3
M
2
J
1
J
9
A
21
S
26
O
9
N
24
D
20

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts
143 Sightings
J
14
F
13
M
13
A
2
M
2
J
6
J
9
A
22
S
12
O
10
N
26
D
14

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish
137 Sightings
J
12
F
20
M
10
A
2
M
1
J
3
J
7
A
21
S
14
O
10
N
27
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish

Pufferfish
123 Sightings
J
10
F
13
M
8
A
5
M
5
J
4
J
10
A
15
S
14
O
6
N
15
D
18

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross
Shrimp

Shrimp
119 Sightings
J
9
F
4
M
12
A
5
M
1
J
2
J
1
A
15
S
11
O
12
N
13
D
34

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Soldierfish

Soldierfish
117 Sightings
J
7
F
20
M
4
A
1
M
0
J
3
J
2
A
17
S
17
O
17
N
16
D
13
Alamy-WaterFrame
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse
107 Sightings
J
14
F
16
M
15
A
5
M
2
J
1
J
4
A
6
S
2
O
12
N
11
D
19

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish
98 Sightings
J
2
F
17
M
7
A
4
M
3
J
5
J
10
A
10
S
8
O
22
N
10
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 55

Shutterstock-RLS Photo
Lobster

Lobster
86 Sightings
J
6
F
7
M
7
A
1
M
2
J
3
J
5
A
10
S
10
O
5
N
7
D
23

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper

Snapper
76 Sightings
J
6
F
4
M
9
A
2
M
1
J
5
J
1
A
11
S
5
O
10
N
11
D
11

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
70 Sightings
J
6
F
10
M
2
A
3
M
0
J
1
J
7
A
12
S
14
O
5
N
7
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
Boxfish

Boxfish
65 Sightings
J
5
F
2
M
6
A
1
M
0
J
2
J
5
A
6
S
12
O
7
N
9
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish
61 Sightings
J
2
F
12
M
2
A
0
M
1
J
4
J
1
A
16
S
14
O
6
N
1
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish

Goatfish
56 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
5
A
2
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
3
S
9
O
10
N
19
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish
50 Sightings
J
3
F
1
M
5
A
4
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
2
S
4
O
4
N
10
D
16

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Shutterstock-Laura Dinraths
Electric Ray

Electric Ray
49 Sightings
J
1
F
4
M
11
A
1
M
1
J
4
J
2
A
1
S
3
O
1
N
8
D
12

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

iStock-Christian von Mach
Pipefish

Pipefish
48 Sightings
J
11
F
1
M
3
A
5
M
1
J
2
J
1
A
2
S
2
O
7
N
5
D
8
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark
46 Sightings
J
1
F
3
M
1
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
3
A
6
S
8
O
0
N
8
D
15

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 50

istock-atese
Frogfish

Frogfish
46 Sightings
J
8
F
3
M
6
A
2
M
1
J
0
J
3
A
3
S
0
O
9
N
1
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish

Jackfish
43 Sightings
J
6
F
5
M
4
A
1
M
0
J
1
J
3
A
5
S
6
O
3
N
7
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish
41 Sightings
J
3
F
4
M
2
A
1
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
5
S
7
O
3
N
13
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

AdobeStock-Composer.
Flounder

Flounder
36 Sightings
J
0
F
4
M
6
A
2
M
1
J
2
J
3
A
2
S
3
O
3
N
3
D
7

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7

Alamy-WaterFrame
Crocodile

Crocodile
34 Sightings
J
1
F
17
M
0
A
3
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
10
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster
34 Sightings
J
2
F
3
M
3
A
1
M
0
J
3
J
0
A
0
S
6
O
0
N
13
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab

Crab
34 Sightings
J
1
F
3
M
1
A
3
M
0
J
1
J
1
A
5
S
1
O
3
N
7
D
8
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Leaf Scorpionfish

Leaf Scorpionfish
31 Sightings
J
9
F
1
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
3
A
2
S
2
O
3
N
7
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Stonefish

Stonefish
23 Sightings
J
0
F
7
M
2
A
1
M
1
J
1
J
1
A
1
S
1
O
1
N
4
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock-bearacreative
Emperor

Emperor
20 Sightings
J
4
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
3
S
2
O
3
N
5
D
1

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.

Dive Centers

Mafia Island Diving

Mafia Island Diving

PO BOX 89, MAFIA ISLAND, 00000 Mafia Island, Tanzania, United Rep.

Dive Sites

Mafia Island Diving ltd, 00000 Mafia Island
Tom’s Garden <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Tom’s Garden (★4.4)

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.
Mafia Island Diving ltd, 00000 Mafia Island
Pyramid <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Pyramid (★4.5)

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.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Kitutia <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★5.0)</span>

Kitutia (★5.0)

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.
Scubapro
Mange Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Mange Reef (★4.5)

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.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Juani South <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Juani South (★4.4)

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.
Mares
Juani North <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Juani North (★4.3)

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.
Mares
The Hill <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

The Hill (★4.4)

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.
Scubapro
Critters Alley <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

Critters Alley (★4.6)

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.
Aqualung
Nudibranch City <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Nudibranch City (★4.4)

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.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Chekechea <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Chekechea (★4.5)

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.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
Kasa <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Kasa (★4.4)

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.
Scubapro
Msumbiji <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Msumbiji (★4.5)

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.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Chole Reef South <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Chole Reef South (★4.5)

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.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Chole Reef North <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Chole Reef North (★4.3)

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.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Marimbani <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.8)</span>

Marimbani (★3.8)

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.