“The whale shark experience rates as one of the top wildlife experiences of all time… Unbelievable!”
It is one of life’s great privileges to swim alongside one of these gentle giants, and the season when these magnificent animals aggregate here is longer than anywhere else on the East African coast.
They occur in Mafia waters year-round but when the conditions are right they feed on the surface in the shallow waters on the western side of the island, close to Kilindoni and they are therefore easy to find. In this 6-month season, sometime between October and March we visit to swim with them.
Whale sharks are fascinating creatures: some live more than 100 years, reaching lengths of up to 20m and weighing in at 15 tons, yet they are totally harmless, feeding on enormous quantities of plankton that they hoover up as they swim.
No previous experience necessary. Swimming or diving is easy with snorkels only.
The best time for whale sharks at Mafia Island is from October to March, with peak season typically considered November to February. During this time, the whale sharks migrate to the area to feed on plankton. While some sources say the season starts as early as September, others extend the season to March. Tours usually start in the early morning to take advantage of whale shark activity.
DAY TRIP MAFIA WHALE SHARK ADVENTURE
Humpback whales are one of the largest rorqual species; adults can grow up to 16 metres in length and weigh up to 36,000kg. They are found all over the world and can migrate up to 25,000km each year. Catch the seasonal migration of Humpback Whales as they move between the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the cooler feeding grounds of the Southern Ocean. They are magnificent creatures with surprising acrobatic moves! If you’re lucky, then you can see them breaching the water with a slap of the tail as they re-enter. Not to be missed! Duration: Half-day (can vary with sightings) Booking Conditions Includes: Boat trip, guide, water *Price based on minimum of 4 people Available seasonally (usually around July-September) Weather depend
1
Days
0
Nights
4
Max People
$1,750
Starting From
Tour Overview
Experience ZANZIBAR
Humpback whales are one of the largest rorqual species; adults can grow up to 16 metres in length and weigh up to 36,000kg. They are found all over the world and can migrate up to 25,000km each year. Catch the seasonal migration of Humpback Whales as they move between the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the cooler feeding grounds of the Southern Ocean. They are magnificent creatures with surprising acrobatic moves! If you’re lucky, then you can see them breaching the water with a slap of the tail as they re-enter. Not to be missed! Duration: Half-day (can vary with sightings) Booking Conditions Includes: Boat trip, guide, water *Price based on minimum of 4 people Available seasonally (usually around July-September) Weather depend
Destination
ZANZIBAR, Tanzania
Duration
1 Days / 0 Nights
Group Size
Max 4 Participants
Activity Level
Moderate - Perfect for Active Travelers
About This Journey
Visual Journey
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Key Experiences
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Highlight #1
Zanzibar Tanzania
Highlight #2
MAFIA ISLAND
Daily Schedule
Tour Itinerary
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1
ZANZIBAR TO MAFIA
Pick up from your hotel in Zanzibar between 4 am and 5 am depending on the location of your accom...
Pick up from your hotel in Zanzibar between 4 am and 5 am depending on the location of your accommodation for the morning flight (between 6am to 7am) direct to Mafia rnIsland (taking approx. 50 minutes). rn- Upon arrival at the Island, you will be met & greeted by our team and transfer to the excursion base (meeting point) for briefing and then board on our local boat heading to search for the whale sharks.rn- rnAfter the above tour, back to the excursion base (whale shark base) for local lunch, then you will be guided to see the flying foxes at the nearest place, afterward transfer to Kilindoni City for sightseeing if time permits. rnAfter the above tours, drive you to the airport for your flight back to Zanzibar, where your drivers will be waiting for you to transfer back to your respectivern
What's Covered
Inclusions & Exclusions
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What's Included
- Complimentary Return transfers from your Hotel in Zanzibar
- Return flight from Zanzibar
- Mafia Return Airport Transfers.
- Whale Shark Adventure
- Watching Flying Foxes
- Local lunch, snacks with soft drinks
- Snorkeling gears
- Conservation fees.
- All Taxes / VAT.
What's Excluded
- Personal items (travel insurance, visa fees
- Any other activities or excursion not mentioned above.
- Tipping
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