Explore Mafia Island.Empower Local Women.

A suggested day on the water

1. Meeting at Swahili Local Restaurant

   Meet your guides, receive your snorkeling equipment, and make sure everything fits comfortably. Guests are welcome to use their own equipment.

2. Boarding and Introduction

   Head to the beach, board the boat, and meet your captain and local snorkeling guides.

3. First Snorkeling Stop

   Begin exploring the underwater world at one of Chole Bay's snorkeling locations, such as Big Rock, Small Rock, or Coral Garden, depending on sea conditions.

4. Second Snorkeling Stop

   Travel by boat to another coral reef and discover different marine habitats and tropical fish.

5. Third Snorkeling Stop

   Enjoy your final snorkeling session at a third location, with more opportunities to observe the diverse underwater life.

6. Return to the Beach

   Relax during the boat journey back to your starting point.

A suggested day on the water

1. Departure from Utende Beach

   Board a traditional boat for a scenic journey across the water to Chole Island.

2. Village Walking Tour

   Explore the peaceful village on foot with a local guide and discover the daily life and traditions of the island community.

3. Flying Fox Observation

   Visit areas inhabited by the island's impressive fruit bats and observe these fascinating animals in their natural environment.

4. Historical Ruins

   Discover remnants of Chole's history and learn about the island's cultural heritage.

5. Seaweed Farming Traditions

   Learn how local women collect, dry, and process seaweed for products such as soap and shampoo. Observe these activities when they are taking place.

6. Traditional Dhow Boat Building

   Visit local boat-building areas and discover how skilled craftsmen construct traditional wooden dhow boats.

7. Return to Utende Beach

   Board the boat for the return journey to Mafia Island.

A suggested day on the water

1. Departure from Utende Beach

   Board the boat and begin your journey toward Juani Island.

2. Exploring Kua Ruins

   Walk among the historic stone ruins, discover ancient mosque remains, and learn about the settlement's cultural and trading history.

3. Mangrove Channel Boat Ride

   Continue through a beautiful natural channel surrounded by mangrove forests, keeping an eye out for local wildlife.

4. Arrival at Blue Lagoon

   Discover the stunning natural lagoon hidden among the mangroves.

5. Swimming and Lagoon Exploration

   Enjoy time in the calm water and observe the lagoon's distinctive upside-down jellyfish without touching or disturbing them.

6. Return Boat Journey

   Travel back through the mangrove channels and return to Utende Beach.

A suggested day on the water

1. Departure from Utende Beach

   Meet your guides and board the boat for the journey toward Kitutia Reef.

2. Kitutia Reef Snorkeling

   Explore the vibrant reef, swim among schools of tropical fish, and discover the incredible marine biodiversity of this offshore location.

3. Boat Transfer to Mange

   Continue across the ocean toward Mange Reef and its beautiful sandbank.

4. Sandbank Barbecue Lunch

   Relax on the white sand while your guides prepare a shaded area and a freshly cooked barbecue lunch.

5. Mange Reef Snorkeling

   Enjoy a second snorkeling session, exploring the coral formations and marine life around Mange.

6. Swimming and Relaxation

   Spend some time enjoying the crystal-clear waters and peaceful surroundings of the sandbank.

7. Return to Utende Beach

   Board the boat for the return journey to Mafia Island.

A suggested day on the water

1. Meeting at Swahili Local Restaurant

   Meet your local guide and prepare for the excursion.

2. Boat Departure from Utende Beach

   Travel by boat toward the small island used by local fishermen.

3. Fishermen's Island Visit

   Explore the island and discover how local fishermen use this location as a temporary base during their fishing trips.

4. Discover Local Fishing Traditions

   Learn about the fishermen's daily activities, their boats, and their connection to the surrounding ocean.

5. Chole Bay Snorkeling

   Continue by boat to a suitable snorkeling location and explore the underwater world of Chole Bay.

6. Return to Utende Beach

   Enjoy the boat ride back to the original departure point.

A suggested day on the water

1. Departure from Swahili Local Restaurant

   Meet your guides and board the boat for a short journey to Marimbani Sandbank.

2. Arrival at Marimbani Sandbank

   Discover the beautiful stretch of white sand surrounded by clear turquoise water.

3. Beach Setup and Relaxation

   Your guides prepare a shaded area where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

4. Fresh Seafood Barbecue

   Enjoy a freshly prepared meal featuring the day's available catch and traditional accompaniments.

5. Swimming and Free Time

   Swim in the surrounding waters, walk along the sandbank, take photographs, or simply relax.

6. Return to Utende Beach

   Board the boat and travel back to your departure point.

A suggested day on the water

1. Meeting at Swahili Local Restaurant

   Meet your guides at the designated departure point and prepare for the adventure.

2. Transfer by Car

   Travel to the boat departure location used for whale shark excursions.

3. Boat Departure

   Board the boat and head into the ocean with your experienced local guides and captain.

4. Searching for Whale Sharks

   Explore the waters where whale sharks are known to gather, looking for signs of their presence.

5. Whale Shark Snorkeling

   If whale sharks are spotted and conditions permit, enter the water with your snorkeling equipment to observe them from a respectful distance.

6. Return to the Boat Landing Point

   Head back to the departure location after the marine excursion.

7. Transfer Back

   Return by car to the original meeting point.

A suggested day on the water

1. Meet at the Beach

   Meet your guide at the designated departure point.

2. Boat Trip to Juani Island

   Travel by boat toward the turtle nesting area.

3. Explore the Nesting Beach

   Discover the nesting sites and learn about turtle conservation.

4. Witness the Hatching

   When conditions allow, observe baby turtles making their first journey toward the ocean under the supervision of authorized conservation personnel.

5. Return to Shore

   Return by boat after the experience.

A suggested day on the water

1. Early Morning Meeting

   Meet your guide at the beach around 6:00 AM.

2. Explore Coastal Habitats

   Walk through natural areas near the beach looking for birds.

3. Discover the Mangroves

   Visit mangrove habitats and observe different species.

4. Birdwatching & Observation

   Stop at suitable viewpoints while your guide explains local birdlife.

5. Complete the Tour

   Finish the morning experience around 8:00 AM.

A suggested day on the water

1. Coconut industry

   Visit the coconut industry and learn about this part of island life.

2. Kirongwe fishmarket

   Stop at the fishmarket and see its activity during your visit.

3. Lighthouse

   Continue to the lighthouse.

4. Kanga Beach

   Spend time at Kanga Beach.

5. Hippo watching

   Look for hippos from a safe distance with local guidance; sightings are not guaranteed.

A suggested day on the water

1. Explore the Village Centre

   Discover small local shops, vegetable stalls and daily village activities.

2. Discover Local Education

   Learn about the local kindergarten and primary school system. Any school visit requires permission.

3. Traditional Palm Wine Making

   See how local producers prepare traditional palm wine, known as Mnazi.

4. Meet the Fishing Community

   Discover where fishermen gather, socialize and play traditional games.

5. Explore Local Rice Farming

   Learn how rice is cultivated and produced on Mafia Island.

6. Traditional Drum Making

   Discover how local craftsmen make traditional drums using natural materials.

7. Experience Community Life

   Explore traditional gathering places and learn about village customs.

A suggested day on the water

1. Travel to Kilindoni

   Reach Mafia Island's main town with transport arranged according to the group.

2. Explore the Central Market

   Discover stalls selling vegetables, tropical fruit and everyday products.

3. Discover Local Spices

   Explore traditional spices and ingredients used in local cooking.

4. Visit the Fish Market

   Experience the local seafood trade and discover the fishermen's daily catch.

5. Traditional Dried Fish Production

   Learn how local women prepare, dry and sell small fish such as sardines.

6. Explore the Harbor Area

   Discover local boats, ferries and connections to mainland Tanzania.

A suggested day on the water

1. Meet at the Beach

   Meet your crew and board the traditional wooden dhow.

2. Set Sail

   Experience traditional sailing powered by the wind rather than the engine.

3. Cruise Toward Sunset Rock

   Follow the coastline toward a scenic rocky viewpoint known for its seabirds.

4. Enjoy Refreshments

   Relax with fruit, coconut and snacks while enjoying the atmosphere onboard.

5. Watch the Sunset

   Admire the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

6. Return to Shore

   Sail back to the departure beach.

A suggested day on the water

1. Meet at the Beach

   Meet your fishing guide and crew.

2. Prepare Your Equipment

   Use the provided fishing equipment or bring your own gear.

3. Travel to the Fishing Grounds

   Head toward suitable offshore fishing areas.

4. Start Fishing

   Try fishing techniques such as trolling with guidance from the crew.

5. Enjoy Refreshments

   Relax with fresh fruit onboard.

6. Return to the Beach

   Head back after your chosen fishing experience.