Mafia Island Marine Park (the first in Tanzania) was opened in July 1995. The project is backed by the WWF which contributes human and financial resources for its development and maintenance.
The Mafia archipelago consists of a number of large islands and small uninhabited coral atolls. Due to its position alongside the barrier, the island is the meeting place of large oceanic fish and the vast variety of smaller fish common to the Indian Ocean coral reefs. There are over 400 species of fish in the park. The Park is a paradise for both expert scuba divers as well as those wishing to snorkel or sail in the native local boats from island to island.
| Mafia Island | ||||
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| Tanzania's Premier Fishing and Diving Destination | ||||
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The Mafia archipelago is situated about 130 km south of Dar es Salaam and about 25 km from the mainland. 
Chole Bay, Mafia's protected deep-water anchorage and the original harbour, is studded with islands, sandbanks and beaches. The clear, protected waters offer wonderful snorkelling, sailing and swimming. Outside the Bay unbroken reef runs the length of the island, from Tutia in the south to Ras Mkumbi at the northern tip.
On land, the rich variety of vegetation is dominated by large palm groves. In some areas there are baobab trees dotted through the typical African savannah. The mangroves play an extremely important role in preventing coastal erosion. There are also fruit trees in many areas, mainly mango and cashew trees.
The archipelago's wildlife is extremely varied: monkeys, small antelopes, wild pigs, lemurs, as well as a small colony of dwarf hippopotamuses. There are countless types of birds undergoing significant seasonal variations according to migration. Falcons and fish eagles build their nests on both smaller and larger islands.
When to Visit:
Best time to visit is June-October and December-February.