Mafia Island Dive Sites
With the Chole Bay area protected as a marine park the highlight of these sites is Kinasi Pass Wall, but in general Mafia Island offers superb diving and snorkelling opportunities.
Summary
With the Chole Bay area protected as a marine park the highlight of these sites is Kinasi Pass Wall, but in general Mafia offers superb diving and snorkelling opportunities.
When to go
The best time for diving is from October-April. The water averages around 27 C, so only a thin wetsuit is required and visibility in the clear waters is generally good, ranging from 20-40m.
Experience
Divers There is diving suitable for all levels of experience
Belami Reef
A shallow dive to 17m, there are many isolated coral heads and a profusion of small tropical
fish. Access: by live aboard boat or a boat trip from Ras Kisimani
Chole Bay Reef
This is a very shallow site with the bottom at 8m and is excellent for snorkelling.
Access; by boat from Utende
Kinasi Pass Wall
This is an excellent site with walls and drop offs down to 22m. The marine life is impressive with large numbers of grouper, stingray and game fish. Reef sharks and tiger sharks can be seen as well as a profusion of smaller fish.
Access; by boat from Utende or live aboard boat
Chole Wall
This site is an extension of Kinasi Pass Wall. The coral is diverse and pristine and there is an abundance of the smaller marine life including turtles. The larger game fish tend to stay outside the opening to the reef. Access; by boat from Utende
Recompression Chamber
The closest recompression chamber is at the Kenyan naval base in Mombasa, Tel - 011 451201 ext 3308. The closest hospital is the Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam
Sefo Reef
Situated far out to sea in the Mafia Channel this site is the haunt of many large game fish . The
reef is in pristine condition but the site is not dived much due to it’s accessibility. However for those
with time this is a great dive experience.
Access: by live aboard boat or a long boat trip from Ras Kisimani on the East coast.
Kaule Reef
Corals Good for night dives due to the profusion of lobster that is found here, this is a shallow dive to 18m. Turtles are often seen and there is a good variety of coral.
Access; by live aboard boat or a boat trip from Ras Kisimani.
Mafia Island Dive Sites Map
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