Mafia Island offers an unbeatable mix of marine adventures, wildlife encounters, cultural history, and serene island life. Whether you’re snorkeling with whale sharks, exploring centuries-old ruins, or watching turtles hatch, these curated tours ensure an unforgettable and responsible travel experience.
Here are some top curated tour activities and excursions in Mafia Island, each offering a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion
Mafia Island, Tour activities and excursions
Marine & Water-Based Activities
1. Whale Shark Snorkelling (Oct–Mar) – swim alongside these gentle giants off Kilidoni or Chole Bay .
2. Humpback Whale Watching (Jul–Sep) – seasonal sightings during migration .
3. Scuba Diving – explore reefs (e.g., Chole Bay, Tutia Reef, Kitutia) with stunning marine biodiversity .
4. Snorkelling – shallow-reef sites and guided snorkel in Chole Bay, sandbank reefs .
5. Sandbank BBQ & Snorkel – day-trips to remote sandbanks (e.g., Mange, Barakuni) combine snorkelling and picnic lunch .
6. Blue Lagoon & Upside‑Down Jellyfish Tour on Juani – guided swim amidst unique marine life .
7. Kayaking & Paddleboarding – explore mangrove creeks, coral coast, serene paddle routes .
8. Traditional Dhow Sailing – half/full‑day dhow trips, sunset sails over Chole Bay .
Fishing & Wildlife
9. Deep‑Sea/Sport Fishing – targeting tuna, sailfish, marlin, barracuda, trevally .
10. Night Fishing – special after‑dark fishing outings .
11. Hippo & Wildlife Viewing – see hippos in central island lagoons and other land wildlife .
12. Bird‑Watching Tours – guided walks to spot 120+ bird species, esp. along tidal flats and mangroves .
Culture, History & Nature
13. Chole Island Tour – stroll through ancient ruins, boat‑building villages, forests with flying foxes .
14. Kua Ruins on Juani Island – 10th–13th century Swahili settlement remains .
15. Historical Mancultural Tours – including visits to lighthouses, prison ruins, villages like Kilindoni and Utende .
16. Kilindoni Market Tour – immerse in local daily life, street food, and market culture .
17. Village Walks (e.g., Utende) – guided cultural walks through rural communities.
Conservation & Interactions
18. Turtle‑Hatching Excursions – witness baby turtles heading to the ocean on Juani Island beaches (Jun–Sep) .
19. Reef‑Walking at Low Tide – explore tidal pools with shells, starfish, juvenile fish .
Relaxation & Wellness
20. Spa & Wellness Treatments – beachside massages, hydrotherapy at lodges like Kinasi .
21. Beach Picnics & Sun‑Downers – tailored beach trips with snacks and drinks .
Notable Excursion Tours
Day‑Trip from Dar/Zanzibar – includes whale shark snorkelling, boat cruise, Kilindoni sightseeing, BBQ lunch .
Full‑Day Mafia Island Road Tour – covers lighthouse, Bweni Village, hippos, lunch .
Summary Table
Category Activities
Marine Whale shark & humpback tours, scuba & snorkel, sandbank BBQ, blue lagoon
Watercraft Dhow sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding
Fishing & Wildlife Deep-sea & night fishing, wildlife viewing (hippos, birds)
Cultural Chole/Juani ruins, local villages, market visits
Conservation Turtle-hatching, reef walking
Relaxation Spa treatments, picnics, sunset cruises