Whale Sharks & Humpback Whales

The best season begins from October to end of February when the “Dominos” (nickname for the Whale Sharks) flock to the archipelago to feast among plankton rich waters in large numbers before drifting back to the depths of the ocean. Whale sharks are not whales and are not your typical shark, It is a filter feeder and therefore has no teeth. They are the largest fish in the sea measuring up to 20m. Little is known about these gentle giants by scientists, which is what adds to the overwhelming feeling you have when you swim alongisde them.

This tour starts early in the morning and will take between 2-5 hours. Whale sharks are wild animals so there is no guarantee that they will be found, however there is a great chance that they will. Mafia Island follows the “Code of Conduct” which is a set of guidelines used all over the world. Your guide will make you aware of these guidelines for safely interacting with these whales.

Humpback Whale Watching

Humpback whales are one of the largest rorqual species; adults can grow up to 16 metres in length and weigh up to 36,000 kg. They are found all over the world and can migrate up to 25,000 km each year.

Catch the seasonal migration of Humpback Whales as they move between the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the cooler feeding grounds of the Southern Ocean. In late August to early October, they can be seen off Chole Bay and Ras Mkumbi returning southwards. The waters to the South of Mafia Island are an excellent area to watch the humpbacks as they make their way up and down the coast as part of their annual migration. The most breathtaking moments are watching them breach, throwing themselves out of the water to land with a tremendous splash. Humpback whales are magnificent creatures with surprising acrobatic moves!