Overview
Snorkelling in Chole bay is a fantastic, colourfully exuberant experience accompanied by hoards of fish, all with different shapes, colours and sizes. The waters surrounding Mafia Island offer an extraordinary variety of marine diversity, with over 400 species of fish, 5 species of marine turtle and 48 species of coral. All of our snorkel sites are a 30 minute boat journey from the beach, one that offers us fantastic views as we slowly make our way out into the bay. You will always be accompanied by an experienced snorkel guide who leads you on your journey through the aquamarine waters of the marine park.
This snorkel trip normally last a few hours but it’s advisable to stay as long as tide is still low and head back to the shore before high tide. It’s encouraged that to do snorkelling trip to see the magical underwater scenery that Mafia has to offer even if you’re an inexperienced swimmer.
Fisherman Island, Mafia
Fisherman Island is a beautiful small islet hidden on the North Eastern side of Chole Bay. Its name comes from the periodic presence of Mafian Fisherman who stop over to dry their catch before returning home. Fisherman Island is home to a beautiful beach, bordered on either side with rich mangroves.
Riddled with shells, fisherman Island can only be reached on a high tide, making it an excellent alternative for the sandbank. Start with a journey out to one of Mafia’s stunning snorkel sites. After enjoying the marine park, we will make our way through an in-conspicous channel that slowly widens into a sheltered area of beautiful aquamarine water, topped off with our own private island for the afternoon.
On the Island itself it is possible to sunbathe, explore the mangroves, or swim in the crystal clear water just in front of your camp and have you hot or picnic lunch onsite. As the sun lowers in the sky, the ocean follows with it continue sail back to Mafia.
Highlights
Fisherman Island, Mafia
Fisherman Island is a beautiful small islet hidden on the North Eastern side of Chole Bay.
Chole Bay Snorkelling, Mafia Island
Snorkelling in Chole bay is a fantastic, colourfully exuberant experience accompanied by hoards of fish, all with different shapes, colours and sizes.
Know Before You Go
Trip Snapshot
- Location Mafia Island, Pwani – Mafia Archipelago
- Chole Bay Snorkelling, Mafia Island 2–3 hours · Beach Holiday · can be tailor-made
- Fisherman Island, Mafia 6–7 hours · Beach Holiday · can be tailor-made
Things to Do
- Snorkeling / Swimming
- Scuba Diving
- Beach Relaxation
- Dhow Cruise
Good to Know
To reach mafia one no longer sails as the first option, but rather take a flight in light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, or one of the game parks such as the Nyerere National Park. Coastal aviation and auric air both offer multiple daily flights, which take approximately 30-50 minutes. The experience is fantastic, with great views of the African bush and coastline.
The distance between Zanzibar City and Mafia Island is 198 km. It takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes flight from Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam respectively
Mafia Island enjoys two rainy seasons, similar to the mainland. In November and December and March to May. The first best time to visit is from October to February offering the best visibility The second-best time is June to September as it is the coolest time.
