Afrimine Tours – Your Specialists for Whale Shark & Marine Safaris

Mafia Island is one of Tanzania’s most unspoiled island destinations, offering a peaceful and authentic alternative to the busier Zanzibar. Known for its crystal-clear waters, rich marine life, and world-class whale shark encounters, Mafia Island is perfect for travellers seeking a natural, crowd-free tropical getaway.

Afrimine Tours brings you the best of this hidden gem with expertly crafted itineraries and responsible marine experiences.

A World-Renowned Destination for Whale Sharks

Mafia Island is one of the top locations in the world to see whale sharks, especially between October and March. These gentle giants gather in large numbers along the island’s western coastline, creating one of the most reliable and sustainable whale shark viewing opportunities anywhere in Africa.

Afrimine Tours works with certified local guides to ensure safe, ethical, and unforgettable whale shark diving and snorkeling tours.

Exceptional Diving & The Mafia Island Marine Park

Home to the oldest marine protected area in East Africa, the Mafia Island Marine Park offers pristine coral reefs and unmatched underwater diversity. With over 400 species of fish, colorful coral gardens, sea turtles, dolphins, and calm lagoons, Mafia Island has become a premier destination for:

• Scuba diving

• Snorkeling

• Freediving

• Eco-marine adventures

This rich biodiversity makes Mafia one of the best diving spots in Tanzania and the wider Indian Ocean.

Unspoiled Beaches & Authentic Island Life

Mafia Island stands out for its tranquility and raw beauty. Unlike commercialized beach destinations, the island offers:

• Quiet, palm-fringed beaches

• Small eco-friendly lodges 

• Traditional Swahili culture and warm hospitality

• Local markets, fishing villages & mangrove forests

• Beautiful sandbanks perfect for day trips

Here, life moves slowly – ideal for travellers seeking peace, natural beauty, and a genuine island atmosphere.

Sustainable & Responsible Tourism

Tourism on Mafia Island is intentionally low-impact. The marine park protects wildlife, while many lodges and tour operators support local communities.

Afrimine Tours is committed to responsible travel, ensuring your visit helps preserve the island’s delicate ecosystem while benefiting local families.

Best Time to Visit Mafia Island

• Whale shark season: October – March

• Best diving conditions: September – February

• Dry season: June – October

Mafia Island enjoys warm weather year-round, making it an excellent destination for both adventure and relaxation.

Why Travel to Mafia Island with Afrimine Tours?

• Reliable, responsible whale shark diving experiences

• Expert local guides and marine specialists

• Seamless logistics from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam

• Carefully selected beachfront lodges

• Tailor-made itineraries for couples, families & adventure lovers

At Afrimine Tours, we create authentic island journeys that connect you with the true essence of Mafia – its wildlife, its people, and its untouched natural beauty.

Your whale shark safari begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Zanzibar. After a smooth transfer to Zanzibar Airport, you board your scheduled flight to Mafia Island. The route offers stunning aerial views as you fly over turquoise waters and lush coastlines.

Upon landing on Mafia Island, you are greeted by our local representative and transferred to your lodge, one of the island’s most charming beachfront accommodations. Spend the afternoon unwinding on the beach, relaxing by the pool, or exploring the calm island atmosphere.

Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner while listening to the sound of the ocean – your perfect introduction to the natural beauty of Mafia Island.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Beachfront lodge

Today is the highlight of your Tanzania marine safari: a full-day whale shark diving experience. After breakfast, head out to the boat with experienced guides who specialize in safe and responsible encounters with whale sharks.

Mafia Island is one of the most reliable places in the world to see these gentle giants, especially from October to March. You will have plenty of opportunities to snorkel, swim, and photograph whale sharks as they feed near the surface.

Enjoy your included lunch on board while you continue to explore the rich marine ecosystem. In the afternoon, return to the lodge for leisure time – watch the sunset, take a beach walk, or relax before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Beachfront lodge

After breakfast, you check out and transfer to Mafia Airport for your return flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you back to your hotel.

This marks the end of your unforgettable 3-day whale shark safari in Mafia Island – a perfect add-on to any Zanzibar beach holiday or Tanzania safari experience.

Meals: Breakfast

For guests visiting Mafia Island between June and September, Afrimine Tours also offers an unforgettable sea turtle nesting and hatching excursion.

Mafia Island is one of Tanzania’s most important turtle conservation zones, home to green turtles and hawksbill turtles.

Join local conservation guides as they monitor nests, protect hatchlings, and guide visitors through the extraordinary process of witnessing baby turtles make their first journey from the beach to the ocean. This rare experience is both educational and emotional – perfect for wildlife lovers and families.

What to Expect

• Visit protected nesting beaches inside the Mafia Island Marine Park

• Learn about community-led conservation efforts

• Observe nesting turtles (seasonal) or baby turtles hatching

• Sunrise or sunset excursions available

• Photography allowed with eco-friendly guidelines

Turtle Season

• Nesting: June – August

• Hatching: July – September

This optional activity supports local conservation programs and offers travelers a deeper connection with Mafia Island’s delicate marine ecosystem.

Mafia Island offers far more than whale sharks. With its pristine marine park, quiet beaches and authentic island culture, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities suitable for couples, families and adventure seekers. Below are some of the most popular experiences available.

1. Snorkeling in Chole Bay – Mafia Marine Park

Chole Bay is one of the richest snorkeling areas in the Indian Ocean. Expect vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, turtles, octopus and outstanding visibility.
Perfect for beginners and families.

Highlights:

• Corals, reef fish, turtles

• Calm lagoon conditions

• Half-day or full-day trips

2. Scuba Diving (All Levels)

Mafia Island is a top-rated diving destination in East Africa, offering healthy reefs, walls, coral bommies, drift dives and macro life. Dive centers offer beginner courses (PADI/SSI) and advanced dives.

Marine life:

• Reef sharks

• Rays

• Turtles

• Frogfish, nudibranchs & seahorses

• Big coral formations

3. Chole Island Tour – Culture & History

Visit nearby Chole Island, known for its traditional boat building, ancient ruins, giant baobab trees and friendly local community.

What to Expect:

• Traditional dhow workshops

• Swahili culture

• Old German colonial ruins

• Nature walks

4. Sunset Dhow Cruise

Enjoy a romantic evening aboard a traditional Swahili dhow. Relax with snacks and drinks as you glide across calm waters while the sky turns golden.

Best For:

• Couples

• Photographers

• Relaxation

5. Juani Island & the Blue Lagoon

A stunning natural swimming pool surrounded by mangroves. Perfect for swimming and spotting harmless stingless jellyfish (seasonal).

Includes:

• Lagoon swimming

• Beach walks

• Local village visit

6. Sandbank Trip (Marimbani Sandbank)

A classic Mafia Island highlight. Visit a remote white-sandbank that appears with the tides – perfect for swimming, snorkeling and photos.

Highlights:

• Turquoise water

• Private beach time

• Ideal for families

7. Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Explore calm mangroves, lagoons and hidden corners of the coast at your own pace.

Ideal For:

• Active travelers

• Sunrise or sunset paddling

8. Deep-Sea Fishing (Seasonal)

Mafia Island is excellent for sustainable big-game fishing.

Possible catches:

• Tuna

• Marlin

• Wahoo

• Kingfish

9. Local Village & Cultural Tours

Learn about Swahili life, local crafts and traditional fishing techniques. A wonderful way to support community tourism.

10. Birdwatching in Mangroves & Coastal Forests

Mafia Island is home to many coastal bird species – ideal for bird lovers.