What You Need to Know: Whale sharks gather off Mafia Island from October to February, with some sightings into March. Our all-inclusive whale shark day trip costs from US$450 per person from Dar es Salaam, or US$420 from Zanzibar, with the flights, transfers and the boat trip. Longer stays add the Mafia Island Marine Park, diving and turtle nesting on Juani Island.
Swimming with Whale Sharks off Mafia Island
Whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, feed on plankton near the surface off Kilindoni, on Mafia's west coast. You snorkel alongside them from a small boat rather than dive, so you don't need to be a diver; you do need to be comfortable in open water with a life vest or fins.
- Season: October to February, with some sightings into March
- Activity: snorkeling from a boat, in small groups
- Rules: keep at least 10 ft (3 m) from the shark and 13 ft (4 m) from the tail, no touching, no flash
- Chances: sightings are likely in season but never guaranteed
Our Mafia Island Whale Shark Day Trip
We run Mafia trips from Dar es Salaam, and from Zanzibar on request. The day trip is all-inclusive: return light-aircraft flights to Mafia (about 30–40 minutes from Dar es Salaam), transfers on the island and the whale shark boat trip with snorkeling gear. Your quotation lists everything included for your date.
| Starting from | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | From US$450 |
| Zanzibar | From US$420 |
Flights to Mafia are small and seats are limited, so book early for December and January. Soft luggage is required on light aircraft.
Mafia Island Marine Park
The marine park protects the reefs, channels and lagoons in the south-east of the island, around Chole Bay. Diving and snorkeling are best inside sheltered Chole Bay, with drift dives on the outer reef for experienced divers. Green and hawksbill turtles nest on Juani Island.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Chole Bay | Snorkeling and easy dives |
| Kinasi Pass | Drift dives for experienced divers |
| Juani Island | Turtle nesting, lagoons |
| Chole Island | Ruins of an old trading town, fruit bats |
How to Get to Mafia Island
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | Scheduled light aircraft | About 30–40 minutes |
| Zanzibar | Scheduled or charter flight | About 1 hour |
| Nyerere (Selous) | Charter flight | About 30 minutes |
Flights land at Mafia airport near Kilindoni; lodges on Chole Bay are about 30 minutes by road.
How Many Days to Spend on Mafia Island
| Length | What fits |
|---|---|
| Day trip | Whale sharks, from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar |
| 2–3 days | Whale sharks, snorkeling, Chole Island |
| 5–7 days | Diving, sandbanks, turtles, rest |
Mafia combines well with a Zanzibar holiday or a few days in Dar es Salaam; see also our Zanzibar day trip from Dar es Salaam.
Practical Information for Mafia Island
Mafia is part of Tanzania, so you need a Tanzania visa and Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance (US$44 per adult from October 1, 2026), which we can help you buy. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash vest, and motion-sickness tablets if you get seasick.
Whale Shark Facts: Mafia Island's Season
- Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world; those off Mafia are mostly young males of about 13–30 ft (4–10 m)
- They filter-feed on plankton and are harmless to people
- They gather off Kilindoni because plankton blooms near the shore in season
- The species is endangered; responsible viewing rules protect them
Beyond the Whale Sharks on Mafia Island
- Chole Island's ruins and fruit bats
- Turtle nesting and hatching on Juani Island
- Diving on the marine park's reefs
- Dhow trips to sandbanks
Mafia Island or Zanzibar: Which Suits You?
Mafia is very different from Zanzibar. It has no big resorts, few roads and very few visitors; life moves slowly, and much of the island's south-east is a marine park. It is the place for whale sharks, diving and quiet, while Zanzibar offers Stone Town, more beaches, more activities and a lively choice of hotels and restaurants.
Many guests combine the two: a few days on Zanzibar for culture and beaches, then a whale shark day trip to Mafia, or a longer stay for diving. Flights link the islands via Dar es Salaam.
Swimming Responsibly with Whale Sharks
Whale sharks are endangered, and how you swim with them matters. Boats should approach slowly, a limited number of swimmers enter the water at a time, and you keep about 10 ft (3 m) from the shark and 13 ft (4 m) from the tail. Never touch or ride a shark, and don't use flash. Following these rules protects the sharks and keeps them coming back to Mafia each season.
Common Questions About Mafia Island Whale Shark Trips
When is whale shark season on Mafia Island?
October to February, with some sightings into March. The calmest seas are usually from November to February.
How much is the Mafia whale shark day trip?
From US$450 per person from Dar es Salaam, or US$420 from Zanzibar, all-inclusive with the flights, transfers and the whale shark boat trip.
Do I need to be a diver?
No. You snorkel with the whale sharks from the surface.
Is Mafia better than Zanzibar?
They are different: Mafia is quieter and better for whale sharks and diving; Zanzibar has more culture, nightlife and choice.
Is Mafia Island suitable for families?
Yes, especially for older children who can snorkel.
How big are the whale sharks at Mafia?
Mostly young sharks of about 13–30 ft (4–10 m) long.
Can I see whale sharks without staying on Mafia?
Yes: our all-inclusive day trip from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar includes the flights and the whale shark boat trip.
Is swimming with whale sharks safe?
Yes: they are gentle filter feeders. Follow your guide's briefing and keep your distance.
Where do I stay on Mafia?
Most lodges are on Chole Bay, about 30 minutes from the airport; we suggest options for your dates.
The Bottom Line
For whale sharks in East Africa, Mafia Island between October and February is the place. Our all-inclusive day trip from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar makes it easy; stay longer for the marine park.
Send us your date and the number of travelers through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and we will confirm flights and send your quotation.