Indian Ocean – Mafia Island

Our adventure on Mafia Island in the Indian Ocean is all about whale sharks and coral reefs. January has the most whale sharks but no baby turtles. August has fewer close whale sharks but it’s the time for baby turtles to hatch!!! This trip is the best of both worlds. Whale sharks are so accessible! We get very close views (4” away) and there are lots of them (12-20 sharks at a time in Jan /Feb).

The coral gardens on our side of the Mafia Island are beyond compare! Plate corals, brain, and soft corals abound, with a supporting cast including seashells, sea turtles, nudibranchs, octopus, eels, and fish of every color!

Our beach lodge is located on bluffs overlooking the heart of the Marine Reserve for unbelievable access. There is a dive shop for anything we need to make the experience safe and enjoyable. A bar, lounges, indoor or outdoor dining, and more make this a comfortable stay.

We fly from Arusha to Mafia. After landing we step back 340 years in time. The island is a relaxed tropical paradise. We check in to our bungalows overlooking the huge bay that is the Marine National Park.

Whale sharks are most active in the morning, so we have opportunities every morning to see them. We leave the lodge at 8:00 after breakfast. It’s a quick drive across the island to the beach where the boats are moored. Depending on conditions, the sharks can be between 2 sand banks that are a half hour ride away. If they are feeding on plankton, they will be on the surface where we will see their huge dorsal fins out of the water. As plankton feeders, whale sharks are harmless even though they are an intimidating size. They can be between 20 and 50 feet long!!

Conditions and tides will dictate our choices. It is very possible to see the whale sharks in the morning and catch a low tide for beautiful snorkeling in the afternoon. If there’s a high tide in the afternoon the snorkeling is good, but diving is better. Those who want to dive may choose to do so at an extra cost.

What’s included:

  • Air transport to and from Mafia
  • All meals and water (Bar drinks are extra)
  • Your room (A beautiful beach bungalow overlooking the Marine National Park)
  • All marine National Park fees
  • snorkeling excursions (All excursions are at the timing of the dive master. Tides are powerful and not to be treated lightly)
    Transfers to and from the air strip.

Not included:

  • Scuba diving
  • Bar drinks
  • Tips