The Short Answer
Scuba Diving Mafia Island Marine Park from Kilindoni (Mafia Island Airport): ~30min by road (15km) from Kilindoni to Utende, Chole Bay. Mafia Island Marine Park charges a daily per-person conservation fee (children aged under 15 pay half) — sources differ on the exact amount, so confirm the current rate with the park or your operator.
Quick facts
| Pickup area | Kilindoni (Mafia Island Airport) |
| Experience | Scuba Diving Mafia Island Marine Park |
| Region | Mafia Island, Tanzania |
| Transfer | ~30min by road (15km) from Kilindoni to Utende, Chole Bay |
What Scuba Diving Mafia Island Marine Park actually is
Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP), gazetted in April 1995 and governed by Tanzania’s Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MPRU), has a rich fish and coral fauna. The park follows a Code of Conduct banning touching, riding, blocking movement, flash photography, overcrowding and aggressive boat chasing around marine life. The prime diving and snorkelling season is October through March, with calm seas, 15-25m visibility, and water around 29°C from November to March — October is considered the strongest all-round month.
Getting there from Kilindoni (Mafia Island Airport)
Mafia Island’s airport is near Kilindoni, but the primary diving base is in Utende on Chole Bay, about 15 kilometres away — transfers are usually arranged by the lodge or by taxi and take roughly half an hour.
What Kilindoni (Mafia Island Airport) brings to this trip
Mafia Island Marine Park charges a daily per-person conservation fee (children aged under 15 pay half) — sources differ on the exact amount, so confirm the current rate with the park or your operator. Check with your operator whether any separate permit applies to your dive. Confirm current rates before booking.
Plan the rest of your trip
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Scuba Diving Mafia Island Marine Park from Kilindoni (Mafia Island Airport)?
Mafia Island's airport is near Kilindoni, but the primary diving base is in Utende on Chole Bay, about 15 kilometres away — transfers are usually arranged by the lodge or by taxi and take roughly half an hour.
What's Kilindoni (Mafia Island Airport) like, and does this pairing make sense?
Mafia Island Marine Park charges a daily per-person conservation fee (children aged under 15 pay half) — sources differ on the exact amount, so confirm the current rate with the park or your operator. Check with your operator whether any separate permit applies to your dive. Confirm current rates before booking.
What exactly is Scuba Diving Mafia Island Marine Park?
Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP), gazetted in April 1995 and governed by Tanzania's Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MPRU), has a rich fish and coral fauna. The park follows a Code of Conduct banning touching, riding, blocking movement, flash photography, overcrowding and aggressive boat chasing around marine life. The prime diving and snorkelling season is October through March, with calm seas, 15-25m visibility, and water around 29°C from November to March — October is considered the strongest all-round month.