A Complete Guide to Mafia Island Marine Park Tanzania

Mafia Island Marine Park is Tanzania first and largest marine park, covering approximately 822 square kilometres of ocean, reef, and mangrove habitat. It is one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the Indian Ocean.

About the Marine Park

Established in 1995, the park was created to protect the extraordinary marine biodiversity around Mafia Island. It is managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and funded partly through visitor fees.

Marine Park Fees

All visitors entering the marine park pay a daily fee of $23.60 per person. This fee supports reef conservation, anti-poaching patrols, and local community development. Mafia Dream Hotel includes this fee transparently in all water activity prices.

What You Will See

• Whale sharks — October to March
• Green and hawksbill turtles — nesting June to September
• Dolphins — year-round
• Humpback whales — July to September migration
• Reef sharks — blacktip and whitetip
• Manta rays — occasional sightings
• Pristine coral reefs
• Extensive mangrove forests

Best Dive Sites

Kinasi Pass is the most famous dive site — a deep channel with spectacular wall diving. Chole Wall, Forbes Bay, and Pinnacles are also excellent.

Responsible Tourism

• Use only reef-safe sunscreen
• Never touch or stand on coral
• Do not touch or chase marine animals
• Take all rubbish back to shore

Book your marine park activities through Mafia Dream Hotel. Contact +255 787 579 033.