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
14 available
Kitulo National Park
Mbeya Region
Lake Nyasa
Mbeya & Ruvuma Region
Ngorongoro
Northern Circuit
Gombe
Western Tanzania
Mahale Mountains
Western Tanzania
Bagamoyo
Coast Region
Lushoto
Tanga 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
Songo Mnara
Lindi Region
Ukerewe Island
Mwanza Region
Lake Manyara
Northern Circuit
Pemba Island
Zanzibar Archipelago
Kilwa Kisiwani
Lindi Region
Saadani National Park
Coast Region
Mikumi
Southern Circuit
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Region
Ruaha
Southern Circuit
Mkomazi National Park
Kilimanjaro & Tanga Region
Iringa
Southern Highlands
Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park
Kagera Region
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park
Kagera Region
Mtwara
Mtwara Region
Mafia Island
Mafia Archipelago
Ugalla River National Park
Tabora Region
Kondoa Rock-Art Sites
Dodoma Region
Katavi
Western Tanzania
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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