Tucked away off the coast of Tanzania, Mafia Island is truly a unique destination with adventurous activities, beautiful sceneries, and long stretches of white sandy beaches.
The Mafia Island Archipelago contains many beautiful islands that you can explore, and it’s also home to one of the best marine reserves in the area!
Fun Activities to do on Mafia Island
Here are some of the most exciting activities awaiting you on Mafia Island:
- Swim with the whale sharks
The whale sharks are the largest fish known to the world, and are considered an endangered species. They can extend up to 8 m in length! Coming head-to-head with them is a thrilling experience. They’re super friendly creatures and pretty fun to swim with.
- Go scuba diving or snorkeling
The Mafia Island Marine Park has over 50 coral types and over 400 fish species. Mafia Island is surrounded by abundant coral reefs, making it one of the best snorkeling and scuba diving sites in the world. The weather is suitable year-round, permitting both, night and day dives.
- Enjoy kayaking
In-house guests can enjoy free kayaking to explore the various islands surrounding Mafia. Travel through beautiful waterways and mangrove channels while munching on delicious seafood.
- Turtle hatching
Sea turtle nesting sites are reserved spaces that are designed to protect, conserve and increase the population of these species. Watching sea turtles hatch is a phenomenal experience! Your day will start with a dhow trip to Juani Island, where you can observe these beautiful creatures.
- Fishing
The prime fishing season here is from October to March, but common fish like trevalley and rainbow-runners can be found year-round. Mafia offers one of the best fishing sites in East Africa with diverse species like sailfish, marlin, barracuda and red snapper.
- Birdwatching
Mafia Island is a great place to observe migratory and shorebirds that can’t be found on inland forests and reserves.
These are some of the most exciting activities to do on Mafia Island! You can also enjoy beachside spa treatments for a relaxing and luxurious experience. Moreover, Mafia Island also has many villages that you can visit to explore the local culture.
Mafia Island Beaches
Mafia Island is home to pristine, beautiful beaches where you can sit back and relax. Utende, Ras Kisimani and Ras Mbisi are some of the best beach options at the island.
Accommodation
Mafia Island offers a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly camps, all of which provide a unique experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Mafia Island and have a great time exploring the hidden gem of East Africa! Don’t forget to check out the Tanzania Travel Guide while you’re there.
