Mafia Island offers some of the world's most reliable whale shark encounters — snorkel alongside the ocean's largest fish in the warm, clear waters of the Mafia Island Marine Park. These gentle filter feeders gather seasonally to feed on plankton blooms, and the marine park strictly regulates encounters to ensure a respectful experience.
Duration
1–3 days
Estimated cost
$80–$500+ per person/day
Best season
October – March
Operators
21 available
Kitulo National Park
Mbeya Region
Mahale Mountains
Western Tanzania
Mikumi
Southern Circuit
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Region
Selous
Southern Circuit
Udzungwa Mountains
Southern Highlands
Zanzibar
Zanzibar Archipelago
Arusha National Park
Arusha Region
Burigi-Chato National Park
Kagera Region
Usambara Mountains
Tanga Region
Nyerere National Park
Southern Tanzania
Tarangire
Northern Circuit
Serengeti
Northern Circuit
Ruaha
Southern Circuit
Mafia Island
Mafia Archipelago
Lake Manyara
Northern Circuit
Pemba Island
Zanzibar Archipelago
Ugalla River National Park
Tabora Region
Mkomazi National Park
Kilimanjaro & Tanga Region
Saadani National Park
Coast Region
Katavi
Western Tanzania
Ngorongoro
Northern Circuit
Gombe
Western Tanzania
Lushoto
Tanga Region
Iringa
Southern Highlands
Bagamoyo
Coast Region
Mtwara
Mtwara Region
Ukerewe Island
Mwanza Region
Kilwa Kisiwani
Lindi Region
Lake Nyasa
Mbeya & Ruvuma Region
Songo Mnara
Lindi Region
Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park
Kagera Region
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park
Kagera Region
Kondoa Rock-Art Sites
Dodoma Region
October – March
Whale sharks are most reliably present October–March when plankton blooms draw them close to shore. Peak months are October–December. The marine park monitors daily sightings and guides boats to active feeding areas.
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