Mafia Island Experience

6-Day Marine & Beach Adventure

  • Dream Trails Expeditions
  • 6 Day Tour
  • Marine & Beach Adventure

From - $2,105

Tour Overview

This 6-day Mafia Island adventure immerses you in a tranquil paradise of vibrant marine life, secluded beaches, and rich history. Explore the Mafia Island Marine Park, home to coral reefs, whale sharks, and sea turtles. Visit Chole Island’s ancient Swahili ruins, enjoy snorkeling and diving, and relax on pristine shores. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking an uncrowded escape, this tour blends adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery.

  • Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
  • Destinations: Mafia Island Marine Park, Chole Island, Utende Beach, Kilindoni
  • Starting Point: Mafia Island Airport
  • Ending Point: Mafia Island Airport
  • Accommodation: Beachfront eco-lodges, boutique resorts
  • Activities: Snorkeling, diving, historical tours, beach relaxation, dhow cruise, whale shark watching
  • Difficulty: Easy, suitable for all ages

🐠 Mafia Island Marine Park
  • Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life
  • Snorkel or dive with sea turtles and whale sharks
🏝️ Chole Island Exploration
  • Visit 19th-century Swahili ruins
  • Guided walks through mangroves and birdwatching
🌴 Beach Relaxation
  • Unwind on Utende and other secluded beaches
  • Optional kayaking, paddleboarding, or spa treatments
⛵ Sunset Dhow Cruise
  • Sail along the coast at sunset
  • Enjoy Indian Ocean views and fresh seafood
🐳 Whale Shark Experience
  • Swim with whale sharks (October–March)
  • Guided boat tours for safe observation

💪 Physical Preparation
  • Light walking and swimming for tours and marine activities
  • Suitable for all fitness levels
🎒 Essential Packing List
Clothing
  • Light, breathable clothing for tropical climate
  • Swimwear, beach cover-up, flip-flops
  • Comfortable walking shoes for Chole Island
  • Light jacket for evenings
Personal Items
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat
  • Insect repellent for mangroves
  • Reusable water bottle, waterproof bag
  • Camera, snorkeling gear (optional)
  • Personal medications, basic first aid
🚗 Transportation
  • Private transfers: Airport to resorts, tour sites
  • Boat transfers for Marine Park, Chole Island, dhow cruise
🎫 Permits & Fees
  • Marine Park entry fees, snorkeling/diving permits included
🧑 Guides
  • Expert local guides for marine activities, Chole Island tours
  • English-speaking, knowledgeable in marine biology and history
💉 Health Requirements
  • Yellow fever vaccination (certificate required)
  • Malaria prophylaxis recommended
  • Hepatitis A, typhoid vaccinations advised
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)

🏖️ Dry Seasons (Ideal for Marine Activities)
  • June–October: Dry, clear waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling
  • December–March: Warm, sunny, ideal for beach and whale shark watching
🌧️ Wet Seasons (Quieter)
  • April–May: Lighter rains, fewer tourists, lush landscapes
  • November: Short rains, still suitable for relaxed activities

✔️ What's Included
  • Accommodation (eco-lodges, boutique resorts)
  • All meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Private transfers (airport, resorts, tour sites)
  • Guided tours (Marine Park, Chole Island, whale shark experience)
  • Sunset dhow cruise, snorkeling/diving equipment
  • All entry fees and permits
❌ What's Excluded
  • International flights to Mafia Island
  • Optional activities (extra dives, spa treatments)
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa and vaccination costs

  • Private Tours: Exclusive for families or groups
  • Luxury Upgrades: Private villas, premium diving
  • Add-Ons: Honeymoon packages, extra dives, cultural visits

Let us know your preferences for a tailored experience!

🌍 Conservation & Ethics
Eco-Friendly Practices
  • Support sustainable tourism and marine conservation
  • Minimize plastic use, promote local products
Respect Culture
  • Engage respectfully with local communities
  • Follow guidelines during marine activities
Support Locals
  • Local guides, artisans, and restaurants employed
  • Tipping encouraged ($5–10/day for guides)
🌟 Why Book with Dream Trails?
  • Expertise: Guides skilled in marine biology and history
  • Comfort: Handpicked eco-lodges and resorts
  • Sustainability: Eco-conscious operations
  • Exclusivity: Small-group, uncrowded experiences

📩 Book at www.dreamtrailsexpeditions.com or contact us!

6-Day Mafia Island Adventure Itinerary

01
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Relaxation

Mafia Island Airport → Utende Beach

  • Transfer: 30 minutes to beachfront resort
Activities:
  • 09:00 AM: Arrive, transfer to eco-lodge
  • 11:00 AM: Check-in, relax on Utende Beach
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at resort (seafood menu)
  • Afternoon: Free time for beach walks or paddleboarding
  • 06:30 PM: Dinner at resort
Overnight: Beachfront eco-lodge (full board)
02
Day 2: Mafia Island Marine Park Adventure

Utende Beach → Marine Park

  • Transfer: 30-minute boat ride to Marine Park
Activities:
  • 07:30 AM: Breakfast, depart for Marine Park
  • 08:30 AM: Snorkeling or diving session, explore coral reefs
  • Spot sea turtles, colorful fish, and rays
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch on a sandbar or beach
  • 02:00 PM: Second snorkeling/diving session
  • 04:30 PM: Return to resort, free evening
  • 06:30 PM: Dinner at resort
Overnight: Beachfront eco-lodge (full board)
03
Day 3: Chole Island Historical Tour

Utende Beach → Chole Island

  • Transfer: 20-minute boat ride to Chole Island
Activities:
  • 08:00 AM: Breakfast, depart for Chole Island
  • 09:00 AM: Guided tour of 19th-century Swahili ruins
  • 11:00 AM: Walk through mangroves, birdwatching
  • 12:30 PM: Picnic lunch on Chole Island
  • 02:00 PM: Visit local village, meet artisans
  • 04:00 PM: Return to resort
  • 06:30 PM: Dinner at resort
Overnight: Beachfront eco-lodge (full board)
04
Day 4: Whale Shark Experience & Dhow Cruise

Utende Beach → Marine Park

  • Transfer: 30-minute boat ride to whale shark areas
Activities:
  • 06:30 AM: Early breakfast, depart for whale shark watching (October–March)
  • 07:30 AM: Swim with or observe whale sharks
  • 11:00 AM: Return to resort, free time
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at resort
  • 04:00 PM: Sunset dhow cruise along the coast
  • 06:30 PM: Dinner on the dhow or at resort
Overnight: Beachfront eco-lodge (full board)
05
Day 5: Beach Leisure & Water Activities

Utende Beach

  • No transfers today
Activities:
  • 08:00 AM: Breakfast at resort
  • Morning: Free time for beach relaxation, kayaking, or snorkeling
  • Optional spa treatments or kite surfing
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at resort
  • Afternoon: Explore hidden coves or relax
  • 06:30 PM: Dinner at resort
Overnight: Beachfront eco-lodge (full board)
06
Day 6: Departure

Utende Beach → Mafia Island Airport

  • Transfer: 30 minutes to airport
Activities:
  • 08:00 AM: Breakfast, free time for last-minute relaxation
  • 10:00 AM: Check-out, lunch at resort
  • 12:00 PM: Transfer to Mafia Island Airport
  • End of tour, depart Mafia Island
End of Tour: Mafia Island Airport
Image

Can You Feel the Call of Adventure and the Great Outdoors?

Design a tour that fits your style. Click to begin

image

Exploring all that Tanzania has to offer is a dream for many.

Open chat