Whale Watching

 1.Mnazi Bay - Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park

Mnazi Bay - Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park (MBREMP), located in Mtwara district near the Mozambique border, spans 650 km², with 33% on land. Renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, the park stretches from the Ruvuma Estuary to Mnazi Bay, covering habitats like mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and islands such as Namponda and Kisiwa Kidogo. It hosts over 250 coral species, 400 fish species, and 100 echinoderms. Nesting turtles, humpback whales, and dolphins are found here, and the area was named an Important Bird Area in 2001 due to its crab-plover population. Around 30,000 people live within the park’s 11 villages, relying heavily on marine resources amid poverty and limited development. This pressure has led to overfishing and harmful fishing practices. Though dugongs once thrived here, sightings have ceased since 1992. Gas discovered in 1982 became operational in 2006, with pipelines now transporting gas from the area.

2.Day Trip to Mafia Island

Embark on an unforgettable full-day adventure to Mafia Island, Tanzania’s hidden gem known for its rich marine life and gentle whale sharks. Perfect for travelers with limited time, this tour departs by flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar and offers a thrilling chance to snorkel with whale sharks in their natural habitat.

Your day includes:

• Whale shark snorkeling

• Boat cruise

• City tour of Kilindoni

• Delicious BBQ lunch, snacks, and soft drinks

Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar → Explore Mafia Island → Return same day.

This experience combines marine adventure and local culture for a truly unique and memorable escape.

3.2 - 5 Days Mafia Island Holiday

Mafia Island, known as the home of the whale shark and an underwater paradise, is a marine lover’s dream. Its Marine Park, established to protect the vibrant coral reefs, offers the region’s best snorkeling, diving, and fishing—even surpassing Zanzibar. Though Zanzibar boasts better beaches, Mafia’s raw, untouched beauty and ocean adventures make it truly special.

The island promises adventure-filled days: explore sandbanks, untouched reefs, and Kilindoni, the main town, on a city tour. Relax with dhow cruises, walk along white sands, or swim with whale sharks—the highlight of any visit.

Activities (bookable via lodges):

• Whale Shark Swimming (Oct–Apr)

• Humpback Whale Watching (Jul–Aug)

• Turtle Hatching (Jun–Aug)

• Chole Island Tour

• Snorkeling, scuba diving, hidden lagoons

• Kilindoni market, Kua Ruins, sandbank BBQs

5-Day Itinerary:
Day 1–4: Mafia Island Stay
Day 5: Return to Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar.

4.Whale Sharks Snorkeling

Swimming or snorkeling with whale sharks is one of the most unforgettable experiences Mafia Island offers. Known as the gentle giants of the sea, whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean. Their calm, curious nature makes them a true pleasure to swim alongside, offering a rare, once-in-a-lifetime adventure that shouldn’t be missed.

The best time to encounter these magnificent creatures is from October to the end of February, when large numbers of whale sharks—affectionately nicknamed “Dominos” due to their dotted skin pattern—migrate to the plankton-rich waters around the island. These creatures aren’t whales or typical sharks; they are filter feeders with no teeth and pose no threat to humans. Whale sharks can grow up to 20 meters long, and their size alone creates a breathtaking encounter. Despite their enormous presence, very little is known about them, which adds to the awe and wonder of swimming beside them.

The whale shark tour typically begins early in the morning and lasts between 2 to 5 hours. While sightings cannot be guaranteed, Mafia Island has a very high success rate during peak season. Responsible tourism is key—Mafia Island operators follow an internationally recognized Code of Conduct to protect the whale sharks and ensure respectful, non-intrusive encounters.

Your guide will explain the safety protocols and interaction guidelines before you enter the water, helping you to experience this magical moment in a way that is both safe for you and respectful to the animal.

5.Humpback Whale Watching

Humpback whales, among the largest rorqual species, grow up to 16 meters long and weigh around 36,000 kg. Every year, they migrate up to 25,000 km between feeding grounds and warm tropical waters. From late August to early October, visitors to Mafia Island can witness these majestic creatures off Chole Bay and Ras Mkumbi. The southern waters of the island provide a prime location to observe them breaching, tail-slapping, and gliding gracefully. Their acrobatic displays—leaping and crashing into the sea—are awe-inspiring, offering a magical experience for wildlife lovers and photographers alike during this seasonal migration.