Mafia Island Marine Park

Mafia Island is renowned as a world-class diving destination, home to some of the richest coral reefs on the planet. The marine park encompasses the southern part of Mafia Island, including the inhabited islands of Chole, Juani, Jibondo, and Bwejuu, as well as several uninhabited islets and the surrounding waters.

Located around 120 km south of Dar es Salaam and 20 km offshore from the Rufiji Delta – one of Africa’s largest delta systems – Mafia Island lies on the edge of the Indian Ocean. The main island measures approximately 48 km in length and 17 km at its widest point, with a scattering of smaller islands and islets to the west and south.

Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP), established under the Fisheries (Marine Reserves) Regulations of 1975, covers an area of about 822 km², more than three-quarters of which lies below the high-water mark. The park protects a diverse range of tropical marine habitats, including vibrant coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and intertidal flats. Along the island’s eastern coastline, a remnant stretch of endangered lowland coastal forest also falls within the park’s boundaries.

Mafia is of global conservation importance. Two species of sea turtle nest on its beaches, while the park provides sanctuary for countless fish species, marine mammals, and migratory birds. Its reefs are considered among the most intact in Tanzania, thanks in part to the island’s isolation and absence of heavy industrial development.

In addition to its natural treasures, the park also shelters historical ruins, some dating back to the 13th century, reflecting the island’s long cultural heritage. Mafia Island Marine Park stands as a haven for both biodiversity and history, offering visitors a unique blend of pristine marine environments and cultural discovery.