Whale Sharks and Marine Parks: Diving Mafia Island
Rachel, Jamie and Jacqui are here to help give you the inside track.
Sink into blissfully remote island life on this ten-day diving holiday to Mafia Island, set just 30-minutes from Dar es Salaam.
Over five days of diving, explore the underwater world of Mafia Island Marine Park, whether you'd rather search for nudibranchs in the muck close to the shore or head further into Chole Bay for giant green turtles and bumbling napoleon wrasse.
While here, you'll also (depending on the time of year) be able to snorkel with whale sharks, Mafia Island's gentle giants. If that's not a bucket list experience, we don't know what is…
Evenings here are spent under swaying coconut palms, on the sandy shores or in the beach bar, toasting to diving memories made. Cheers to that.
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Cruise over thriving reefs home to over 460 fish species
- Search for teeny macro critters as you dive straight from the
shore
- Head further out for wall dives, sloping reefs and a variety of tropical fish, turtles and rays
- Learn about how to behave alongside whale sharks before diving into the water to see them up close
- Enjoy sun-soaked beach days, sweet sundowners and spectacular seafood back on dry land
Why Book with Original Diving?
- 100% Carbon Off-setting
- UK Departure Assistance
- Fast Track UK Check-in
- Fast Track UK Security
- UK Airport Lounge Access
- Pre-booked Airline Seats
When To Travel
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
Days 1 & 2: Fly to Tanzania
Rise bright and early, head to the airport and settle in with a cup of coffee in the lounge - your trip to Tanzania begins today with a flight to Dar Es Salaam. With two speedy stopovers, the journey will take around 13 and a half hours, arriving in Tanzania late in the evening.
When you touch down, you'll be met and whisked straight to your nearby hotel. You'll likely be tired after all that travelling, so grab a quick bite to eat and head straight up for a good night's sleep.
The next morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading back to the airport for the short 30-minute flight to Mafia Island. When you land, you'll be collected and transferred to your lodge, just 15 minutes from the airport in the Mafia Island Marine Park. Check in and spend the rest of the day soaking in your new surroundings, whether you'd rather relax on the patio or stroll along the sand.
Days 3 - 7: Dive in Mafia Island Marine Park
The next five days are entirely dedicated to exploring Mafia Island Marine Park. Head out for two dives a day (or more, if you fancy it) at some of the most stunning sites in the Indian Ocean, complete with over 460 species of fish and 50 types of coral.
Fancy a spot of muck diving? Stick close to the shore and comb through the island's sandy flats, coral bommies and seagrass, keeping your eyes peeled for seahorses, frogfish, crabs and nudibranchs.
If you'd rather head further afield, sail out to Chole Bay, set in the heart of the park. This fascinating bay boasts the best marine diversity for miles: think hard coral formations, teeny macro critters and large fish species. Advanced divers can also venture outside of the bay for depths of 26 metres, teetering walls and sloping reefs, looking out for everything from the tiniest banded cleaners to giant green turtles.
Back on dry land, enjoy a spot of sunbathing on the sand, stroll along the gardens and enjoy seafood and sundowners in the hotel beach bar.
Day 8: Snorkel with whale sharks
Have your diving bucket lists to hand: today, you'll have the chance to swim alongside whale sharks, the biggest (and friendliest) sharks in the world. Rise bright and early this morning for the speedy transfer to Kilidoni, where you'll be given breakfast and briefed on how to behave when in the water with the whale sharks.
Now for the exciting part. Hop aboard a boat with an expert instructor and cruise across the water, keeping an eye out for the speckled sharks gliding past. Once you've spotted them, you'll have the chance to slip into the water and snorkel alongside them, taking in the unusual beauty of these gentle giants.
Days 9 & 10: One final morning and flight home
We've left your last morning on Mafia Island free for you to spend as please.
If you're after a final few hours of R&R, simply sit back on the beach and relax or enjoy one last meal overlooking the water. Still raring to go? We could also arrange for you to set off on a guided tour of Chole Island, exploring its crumbling ruins, local villages and varied vegetation, or visit Marimbani Sandbank, where you can swim, snorkel and spot dolphins along Kitutia Reef.
Come evening, it's sadly time to wave goodbye to Mafia Island as you're privately transferred to the airport for your 30-minute flight back to Dar Es Salaam. From here, board your overnight flight home, this time with only one stopover in Amsterdam. The journey will take around 14 hours in total - just enough time for you to dream up your next diving getaway…
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
A Rough Idea of Price
This Itinerary
If you would like to book the exact itinerary mentioned above, with economy flights, during mid-season and staying in our preferred room category at our preferred hotels.
From
£4,800pp
Bare Necessities
If you would like to pare back the above itinerary by travelling at non-peak times, staying in a standard room and removing some or all of the guided activities.
From
£4,000pp
Bells & Whistles
If you are looking for something extra special and would like to add business or first class flights, stay in top room categories at some of the most luxurious hotels we work with, and add more activities and guiding.
From
£5,200pp
Rachel, Jamie and Jacqui are our experts for this itinerary and as seasoned travellers they have the inside track on the most memorable adventures.