Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking, experiences, and travelling with Mafia Island
Whale sharks are most commonly spotted off the coast Mafia Island from October to March, with peak season being November to February. However, sightings can occur year-round depending on plankton blooms and ocean conditions. We operate daily tours from June - March and typically have a 90% chance of a sighting during peak season and 60% other times of the year. During the rainy season in April and May, we do not have regularly scheduled tours but whale sharks may still be spotted so please contact us to arrange a tour if you're visiting during that time.
Yes, very safe! Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and are not actually sharks or whales. These gentle giants of the sea feed on plankton and do not have teeth. Our experienced guides ensure proper distance is maintained and brief you on safety protocols before entering the water. We follow responsible wildlife viewing practices for all of our tours.
For most activities like snorkeling and whale shark encounters, basic swimming skills are sufficient. We can accommodate various skill levels but a decent level of fitness and comfort in the water is highly recommended. For scuba diving, you need to be certified. Life jackets are provided for all water activities.
Yes! Most of our tours are family-friendly. Children ages 6 and up who can swim and are comfortable in the water are welcome to join whale shark and snorkeling group tours. A parent or guardian must stay with the child(ren) and be responsible for their safety. All children ages 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket. If your child is under 6 years old, please contact us to discuss your needs and/or book a private tour.
Due to the unpredictable nature of wildlife, we cannot guarantee sightings on our whale shark tours or other tours. No refunds will be given in the event that wildlife is not spotted during a tour5
We recommend booking at least 30 days in advance, especially during peak season (November-March). This ensures availability and allows time for travel arrangements. Last-minute bookings may be possible so don't hesitate to contact us even if our bookings are full - we would love to host you if we have availability.
Absolutely! We offer private tours for individuals, couples, and groups. Private tours provide more flexibility with timing and customization. Contact us for private tour pricing and availability.
Our tour pricing includes:
-Local, professional, first aid and CPR trained guides, all necessary equipment, boat and/or vehicle transport, pick up/drop off from your hotel (if required), water, and snacks
-Whale Shark Conservation fees and/or Mafia Island Marine Park fees to support our precious local resources
-Community and conservation fees for village visits, lighthouse, turtles, hippos, etc.
-18% VAT required by the Tanzanian government on all marine excursions and ground transport
Many tour operators charge these fees separately; we prefer all-inclusive pricing so there are no surprises for our guests