Ready to Discover Mafia Island's Hidden Paradise?
Experience pristine beaches, vibrant marine life and authentic Swahili culture
Beach & Marine Discovery
6-Day Mafia Island Standard Beach & Marine Discovery Tour
- Dream Trails Expeditions
- 6 Day Tour
- Marine & Beach Adventure
From - $1,600
🌍 Tour Overview
Discover the untouched beauty of Mafia Island, Tanzania's most pristine marine paradise. This 6-Day Standard Beach & Marine Discovery Tour combines peaceful beaches, world-class snorkelling, marine conservation, traditional Swahili culture, and slow island living.
The Mafia Island Marine Park — one of East Africa's richest coral ecosystems — offers colourful reefs, gentle sea turtles, tropical fish, and warm turquoise waters. Explore Chole Island, swim in hidden mangrove lagoons, visit historical ruins, and wander through quiet fishing villages. With standard accommodations, reliable local boats, and comfortable transfers, this package offers an authentic and budget-friendly dream escape curated by Dream Trails Expeditions.
- Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Destinations: Kilindoni • Chole Island • Kua Ruins • Blue Lagoon • Marimbani Sandbank • Mafia Island Marine Park • Bwejuu Village
- Tour Type: Standard Beach & Marine Discovery (Group-friendly)
- Accommodation: Standard boutique hotels & beach lodges
- Transport: Standard tourist vehicle + shared dhow/speedboats
- Start / End: Mafia Airport (MFA) — Return from MFA
- Guides: Local English-speaking island guide + marine guides
- Meals: Daily breakfast; lunches/dinners as indicated
- Travel Style: Peaceful, authentic, eco-conscious and budget-friendly
- 🐠 Snorkel Mafia Marine Park's vibrant coral gardens
- 🏝 Relax on Marimbani Sandbank with crystal-clear waters
- 🌊 Explore Chole Island — mangroves, flying foxes & heritage
- 🏛 Visit Kua Ruins — ancient Swahili settlement
- 💎 Swim in the magical Blue Lagoon (natural coral pool)
- 🚣 Experience dhow sailing, island picnics & marine life
- 🎣 Witness traditional fishing villages and Swahili culture
- 🌅 Enjoy peaceful sunsets over the Indian Ocean
Arrival & Transfers
- Dream Trails Expeditions handles airport pickup and all hotel transfers using standard vehicles.
What to Pack
- Swimwear, light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, sandals, mosquito repellent, waterproof pouch, hat, sunglasses, daypack.
Travel Documents
- Passport (6+ months), Tanzania visa if required.
Health & Safety
- Follow marine safety instructions, avoid touching corals, stay hydrated, and protect electronics near water.
- October – February: Best snorkelling visibility, warm waters.
- June – October: Cool, calm, excellent for beach relaxation.
- March – May: Rainy but very green and quiet.
✅ Included in This Tour (Standard)
- Airport pickup & drop-off (MMA / Mafia Airport)
- 5 nights in standard beach lodges
- Daily breakfasts
- Chole Island visit
- Mafia Marine Park snorkelling trip
- Marimbani Sandbank day visit
- Blue Lagoon natural pool visit
- Kua Ruins tour
- All local transfers per itinerary
- Marine park fees
- English-speaking local guide
- Bottled water during excursions
- AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation cover
🚫 Excluded
- International & domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Alcoholic beverages
- Diving, whale shark tours & premium water-sports
- Personal purchases, tips, spa services
- Activities not listed in itinerary
- 🌿 Upgrade Options: Luxury lodge or private villa upgrades available, Honeymoon Experience.
- 🏝️ Extensions: Add extra days in Zanzibar or wildlife safari in Northern circuit Tanzania
- 🚁 Optional Add-ons: Extra Nights & Flexible Routing
- 📅 Flexible Departures: Private departures available daily
- 🍽️ Dietary Options: Vegetarian, vegan, halal, or gluten-free meals available on request
- 🇹🇿 Local island expertise
- 🚙 Reliable transfers & trusted partners
- 🏨 Handpicked lodges with great comfort
- 💬 24/7 guest support
- 🌍 Eco-conscious, community-minded operations
- 🐾 Seamless & authentic Mafia Island experience
6-Day Mafia Island Beach & Marine Discovery Itinerary
01
✈️ Day 1 — Arrival at Mafia Island Airport (MFA)
Route: MFA → Kilindoni / Beach Lodge
- Travel Time: 10–20 minutes
- Warm greeting by Dream Trails Expeditions representative
- Standard transfer to lodge for check-in
- Welcome briefing & island orientation
- Free time to relax on the beach or explore nearby shops
- Dinner with classic Swahili dishes
Overnight: Standard Beach Lodge — Kilindoni / Utende Area
02
🐠 Day 2 — Mafia Island Marine Park Snorkelling Experience
Route: Utende → Marine Park → Return
- Travel Times: Lodge → Utende Jetty: 5–10 mins | Boat → Snorkelling sites: 10–20 mins
- Morning transfer to the jetty
- Join a shared boat for the snorkelling excursion
- Explore coral gardens rich with tropical fish & sea turtles
- Snorkelling equipment provided
- Visit shallow coral pools for beginner-friendly exploring
- Picnic lunch on the beach or simple coastal restaurant
- Afternoon swim or relax on white-sand beaches
- Return to lodge
- Dinner featuring fresh seafood
Overnight: Standard Beach Lodge — Utende Area
03
🌴 Day 3 — Chole Island & Historical Tour
Route: Utende → Chole Island → Return
- Travel Times: Utende → Chole by dhow: 10–15 mins
- Short traditional dhow ride to Chole
- Guided walking tour through mangroves & heritage sites
- Observe the large Pemba flying fox colony
- Visit old German prison ruins & boat-building workshops
- Lunch prepared by local residents or small lodge
- Optional mangrove swim during high tide
- Cultural interaction with Chole community members
- Return to lodge
- Dinner & relaxation on the beach
Overnight: Standard Lodge — Utende
04
🏝 Day 4 — Marimbani Sandbank & Dolphin Spotting (Weather Permitting)
Route: Utende → Marimbani → Return
- Travel Times: Lodge → Jetty: 5–10 mins | Boat → Sandbank: 15–25 mins
- Join a shared dhow or speedboat for a full-day sandbank tour
- Relax on Marimbani's white powder sand
- Optional snorkelling in shallow turquoise waters
- Fresh seafood picnic lunch (or vegetarian option)
- Dolphin spotting (not guaranteed; ethical viewing)
- Return sail in the afternoon with incredible views
- Dinner at lodge or local restaurant
Overnight: Standard Lodge — Mafia Island
05
💎 Day 5 — Kua Ruins & Blue Lagoon (Natural Coral Pool)
Route: Utende → Juani Island → Return
- Travel Times: Lodge → Jetty: 5–10 mins | Boat → Juani: 15–20 mins
- Morning transfer to jetty for shared boat
- Visit the ancient Kua Ruins — a mysterious Swahili city lost to time
- Ranger-guided tour explaining history & archaeological remains
- Continue to the Blue Lagoon, a stunning natural coral pool
- Swim in crystal-clear water surrounded by mangroves
- Lunch in Juani or picnic-style
- Afternoon optional beach relaxation
- Transfer back to lodge
- Dinner by the ocean
Overnight: Standard Beach Lodge — Mafia Island
06
✈️ Day 6 — Departure from Mafia Island (MFA)
Route: Lodge → Mafia Airport
- Travel Time: 10–20 minutes
- Breakfast at the lodge
- Free time for beach stroll or short souvenir shopping
- Standard transfer to the airport
- Assistance with check-in & farewell
End of Tour: Mafia Island Airport (MFA)
