About This Journey
The 6 Day Mafia Island Diving and Beach Holiday 2026-2027 combines some of Tanzania's best marine experiences with peaceful tropical beach relaxation.
Mafia Island is known for coral reefs, clear Indian Ocean waters, marine wildlife and the protected Mafia Island Marine Park. Official Marine Parks guidance lists scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, dolphin watching, whale shark experiences, nature trails and historical visits among the activities available in the area.
The holiday is ideal for certified divers, couples and travelers looking for a quieter island experience away from busier coastal destinations.
What Makes This Trip Special
Fly from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island
Explore Mafia Island Marine Park
Scuba diving in tropical Indian Ocean waters
Coral reef exploration
Snorkeling experiences
Marine wildlife viewing
Tropical fish and sea turtles
Quiet Mafia Island beaches
Optional whale shark excursion
Beach relaxation
Local island culture
Five nights accommodation
A Look at the Journey
Itinerary
Begin your journey with a domestic flight from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island.
Current direct flights cover approximately 126 km and take about 30 minutes, with daily services available on the route.
On arrival at Mafia Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your lodge or beach resort.
Spend the afternoon relaxing beside the Indian Ocean and preparing for the diving program.
Dinner and overnight on Mafia Island.
After breakfast, meet your dive team for your first full marine experience.
Travel by boat to selected dive sites within or around Mafia Island Marine Park, depending on sea conditions, tides and your diving experience.
Possible underwater sightings may include:
Reef fish
Sea turtles
Moray eels
Rays
Octopus
Coral formations
Other tropical marine species
Official Marine Parks guidance includes both snorkeling and scuba diving among Mafia's recognized visitor activities.
Return to your lodge in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, continue your diving adventure with another full day on the water.
Your dive centre will select suitable sites according to weather, tide, visibility and diver certification level.
The day may include two dives with a surface interval and lunch between activities.
Mafia Island's surrounding waters form part of one of Tanzania's important protected marine environments, and the Marine Park marked 30 years of conservation in 2026.
Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.
Enjoy dinner and a relaxed evening.
Today offers a gentler marine experience.
After breakfast, enjoy snorkeling in clear tropical waters around suitable coral areas.
Snorkeling provides an excellent opportunity to see colorful reef fish and other marine life without scuba equipment.
After lunch, spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming or enjoying the peaceful island surroundings.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, travelers visiting during suitable seasonal conditions may join an optional whale shark experience.
Whale shark watching is one of Mafia Island's signature marine experiences currently promoted by Tanzania's tourism authorities.
The excursion is conducted with experienced local marine guides.
Whale sharks are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
After the excursion, return to the lodge for lunch and spend your final afternoon relaxing by the beach.
Enjoy your last dinner on Mafia Island.
Enjoy breakfast and your final morning on Mafia Island.
Depending on your flight time, relax at your lodge before transferring to Mafia Airport.
Board your flight back to Dar es Salaam or continue to your next Tanzania destination.
Direct flights between Mafia and Dar es Salaam are scheduled at approximately 30 minutes on current services.
Your 6 Day Mafia Island Diving and Beach Holiday 2026-2027 ends after the transfer.
Included & Excluded
Included
- Dar es Salaam to Mafia domestic flight where specified
- Mafia Airport transfers
- Five nights Mafia Island accommodation
- Professional dive guides
- Selected scuba diving excursions
- Boat transfers to dive sites
- Snorkeling experience
- Snorkeling equipment where specified
- Diving equipment where specified in the package
- Marine Park activities as listed
- Beach experiences
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water during organized excursions
- Local guides
- Government taxes and service charges
Excluded
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Diving certification courses
- Advanced diving courses
- Personal dive computer unless included
- Optional whale shark excursion unless specified
- Additional Marine Park activities
- Alcoholic and premium drinks
- Tips for dive guides and hotel staff
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
- Additional accommodation
- Activities not mentioned under inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
Mafia Island lies off Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast, approximately 120 km southeast of Dar es Salaam according to the Marine Parks and Reserves Unit.
The easiest option is a domestic flight from Dar es Salaam.
Current direct services take approximately 30 minutes.
Yes. Scuba diving and snorkeling are officially listed among the main visitor activities in Mafia Island Marine Park.
Certification is required for normal certified dives. Beginners can arrange introductory or training programs separately.
Yes. Diving equipment can usually be arranged through local dive centres according to availability.
Yes. Snorkeling is an excellent alternative for travelers who do not scuba dive.
No. Whale sharks are wild animals, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
It can be included or offered as an optional activity depending on the confirmed package.
Yes. Meals are provided according to the daily itinerary.
Yes. Additional Mafia Island beach nights or diving days can be added.
Day 6 is normally the departure day. Additional accommodation can be arranged if required.
