Marine & Diving in Mafia Island
One of the Indian Ocean’s most protected underwater environments.
Mafia Island is surrounded by one of the Indian Ocean’s richest marine ecosystems — the Mafia Island Marine Park — a protected sanctuary where biodiversity thrives and visitors can encounter spectacular aquatic life, from coral gardens to gentle giants of the sea. Mafia Island This is not a typical resort beach — it’s a marine realm that rewards curiosity and respect.
Discover Mafia’s Underwater World
Whale Sharks — Nature’s Gentle Giants
October to March is peak season for whale shark sightings, when the waters around Mafia fill with plankton and attract these massive filter feeders. You don’t need to be a diver to see them — experienced local guides take you by boat to calm feeding grounds where snorkeling with whale sharks is safe, unforgettable, and deeply moving.
What to Expect
- Early morning departures to rich feeding grounds
- Briefings on responsible interaction
- Warm, clear water and calm seas
- High seasonal visibility
This encounter is one of the most talked-about reasons travellers choose Mafia Island over more crowded destinations.
Scuba Diving — From Coral Gardens to Drift Walls
Mafia boasts world-class diving with sites that range from tranquil shallow reefs to dynamic drift dives. The marine park supports a diverse reef ecosystem with vibrant coral, tropical fish, turtles, rays, and occasional pelagic life — all in waters sheltered by the park’s protective legislation.
Most Visited Dive Sites
- Kinasi Pass — A premier drift dive with walls at 6–26 m, rich fish activity, and playful barracuda.
- The Pinnacle — A coral spire with schooling fish, ideal for underwater photography.
- Kinasi Wall & Chole Wall — Long sloping reefs with turtles, rays, and a kaleidoscope of reef life.
- Msumbiji & Milimani Reefs — Shallow reefs with unique coral formations and macro critters.
Diving Conditions
Most dives are best between October and March, with visibility from 10–30 m and water temperatures from 25–29 °C.
Drift dives are tide-dependent but offer exhilarating underwater motion without pushing skill limits for experienced divers.
Conservation & Responsible Tourism
The marine park is more than a dive playground — it’s a working ecosystem. Mafia’s local partners work with conservation groups and follow strict marine protection guidelines to ensure that interactions with wildlife are sustainable and respectful.
Visitors are briefed on marine etiquette, and operations are structured to minimize human impact while maximizing respect for nature’s fragile balance.