Mafia Island Marine Park

Mafia Island Marine Park is the largest marine protected area in the Indian Ocean, encompassing 822 square kilometers of coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and tropical islands off the southern coast of Tanzania. Established in 1995, it was the first marine park in Tanzania and remains one of the finest marine conservation areas in East Africa. The park is best known for its spectacular whale shark encounters, with these gentle giants visiting the waters around Mafia from October to March. The coral reefs are among the healthiest in the western Indian Ocean, supporting over 400 species of fish, five species of sea turtles, and diverse invertebrate life. Unlike the more developed Zanzibar, Mafia retains a genuine, unhurried island atmosphere with small-scale eco-lodges and a strong community-based conservation approach. It is a paradise for divers, snorkelers, and anyone seeking an authentic tropical island marine experience.