Mafia Island

Kinasi Pass is arguably the most famous and popular dive site in Mafia Island, Tanzania, United Republic of. Located at the mouth of Chole Bay, it's a thrilling channel drift dive known for its large schools of fish and resident giant groupers, some reputedly over 100 years old. Divers often encounter barracuda, trevally, and reef sharks patrolling the channel. Its high concentration of marine life and exciting topography make it a must-do dive for any visitor.

Well-known sites include the vibrant coral gardens of Milimani Reef and the exciting channel of Kinasi Pass. For divers seeking less-frequented spots, Dindini Wall and Juani Wall, located outside Chole Bay, are hidden gems. These advanced drift dives offer pristine hard and soft corals and a greater chance of spotting larger pelagics like eagle rays and sharks. They are visited less often due to their exposed location and the stronger currents, requiring specific conditions and experienced divers.

The water temperature in Mafia Island, Tanzania, United Republic of, is warm year-round. During the main diving season from October to March, temperatures range from 28-30°C (82-86°F). In the cooler, windier season from June to September, the water temperature drops slightly to a still-comfortable 25-27°C (77-81°F). These warm tropical waters make for pleasant diving conditions throughout the year.

The best time to visit Mafia Island, Tanzania, United Republic of, is from October to March. This period offers the calmest seas, best visibility, and warmest water. Critically, this season coincides with the whale shark aggregation (typically October to February), a major draw for visitors. A secondary season from July to September is also good for diving, with cooler water, humpback whale sightings, and fewer crowds. The main rainy season from April to May is best avoided, as many lodges close.

Visibility when diving in Mafia Island, Tanzania, United Republic of, is generally very good. Inside the protected Chole Bay, visibility typically ranges from 15 to 25 meters (50-80 feet). On the dive sites outside the bay, it can often exceed 30 meters (100 feet), especially during the peak season from October to March. Plankton blooms, which attract whale sharks, can temporarily reduce visibility but result in incredible marine encounters.

Yes, Mafia Island, Tanzania, United Republic of, is famous for its seasonal whale shark aggregation. From October to February, these gentle giants gather on the western side of the island to feed, offering incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities. Additionally, from July to September, migrating humpback whales can be spotted with their calves in the channel between the mainland and the island. Turtle nesting also occurs on the outer islands, primarily between June and September.

The marine life in Mafia Island, Tanzania, United Republic of, is incredibly diverse. Expect to see whale sharks (seasonal), hawksbill and green turtles, reef sharks, giant groupers, large schools of barracuda and trevally, and various rays, including eagle rays. The healthy reefs are teeming with angelfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, octopus, and cuttlefish. The area is also fantastic for macro life, with numerous species of nudibranchs, shrimp, and crabs hiding in the corals.

For diving in Mafia Island, Tanzania, United Republic of, a 3mm shorty or full wetsuit is sufficient for most of the year, as water temperatures are warm (28-30°C). During the cooler months from July to September, when the water can dip to 25°C, a 3mm or 5mm full suit is recommended, especially for those who get cold easily or plan on multiple dives per day. Many divers are also comfortable in just a rash guard during the warmest months.

To get to Mafia Island, Tanzania, United Republic of, you must first fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. From there, you can take a short 30-45 minute domestic flight on a small propeller plane to Mafia Airport (MFA). Airlines like Coastal Aviation and Auric Air operate these routes daily. While a public ferry exists, it is often unreliable and not recommended for international tourists due to safety and comfort concerns.

Mafia Island, Tanzania, United Republic of, is almost exclusively a land-based diving destination. All dive sites, including those in the protected Chole Bay and the outer reefs, are easily reached by daily boat trips from the various lodges and dive centers on shore. There are currently no regular liveaboards that focus solely on this area. Staying on shore provides a more immersive experience, allowing you to enjoy the island's culture, land-based nature, and relaxed pace of life in between dives.