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Zanzibar: Swim with Whale Sharks in Mafia Island & Flight
Features
- Free cancellation available
- 1d
- Mobile voucher
- Instant confirmation
- Selective hotel pickup
- Multiple languages
Overview
- Swim safely with the gentle whale sharks in their natural habitat
- Guided by professional, experienced instructors
- Includes snorkeling gear and life jackets
- Memorable photo opportunities and close encounters
- Ideal for beginners, families, and wildlife enthusiasts
Activity location
- Zanzibar City
- Zanzibar City, Mjini Magharibi Region, Tanzania
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Mafia Island Airport, Unnamed Road, 3MQ7+6HV, Kilindoni, Tanzania | Upon arrival at Mafia Airport, your tour guide will be waiting to receive you. You can recognize them by a sign displaying their name or the company name: FLITTERWOCHEN TOUR-ABDU
- Kilindoni, Pwani Region, Tanzania
Check availability
Tour with Meeting point with shared boat + Lunch –No Flight
- 1d
Activity duration is 1 day 1d - English
Guests will meet our team directly at the Mafia Airport which will serve as the meeting point before the tour begins. From there, the adventure will proceed as scheduled.
What's included, what's not
- Round-trip hotel transfers in Zanzibar
What's included What's included - Return flights Zanzibar ⇄ Mafia Island
What's included What's included - Whale Shark Adventure with a professional guide
What's included What's included - Snorkeling gear
What's included What's included - Visit to the Flying Foxes colony
What's included What's included - Optional Kilindoni City Tour (if time permits)
What's included What's included - Local lunch, snacks & drinks
What's included What's included - Conservation fees & all taxes
What's included What's included - Personal items (insurance, visa, etc.)
What's excluded What's excluded - Extra activities not listed in the itinerary
What's excluded What's excluded - Tips (optional)
What's excluded What's excluded
Know before you book
- Not allowed: Alcohol and drugs
- Not suitable for: People over 95 years
What you can expect
Escape Zanzibar for an unforgettable day and discover one of Tanzania’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. Fly to Mafia Island and swim alongside the gentle whale sharks the largest fish in the world in their natural habitat. With round-trip flights, hotel transfers, lunch, and expert local guides included, this all-inclusive adventure lets you relax while we take care of every detail.
Your journey begins with an early morning hotel pickup in Zanzibar between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM, depending on your hotel location. You'll be transferred to the airport for your morning flight to Mafia Island, a scenic journey of approximately 45–50 minutes over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by our professional local team and transferred to the departure point. Before heading out to sea, you'll receive a comprehensive safety briefing, learn about whale shark behavior and responsible wildlife interaction, and be provided with high-quality snorkeling equipment and life jackets.
Board a traditional local boat and cruise to the whale shark feeding area. Mafia Island is internationally recognized as one of the best places in the world to encounter these magnificent creatures during the season.
Accompanied by experienced guides, you'll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel alongside the whale sharks while respecting strict conservation guidelines. Small group sizes ensure a more personal, safe, and enjoyable experience, with plenty of opportunities for unforgettable photos and videos.
After your marine adventure, return to shore and enjoy a freshly prepared local lunch in a relaxed island setting.
The experience continues with a visit to see Mafia Island's famous Flying Foxes, the island's unique giant fruit bats. If time allows, you'll also explore Kilindoni Town, where you can experience the authentic culture and everyday life of the island.
Please Note: Whale sharks are wild animals living freely in their natural environment. While Mafia Island offers one of the highest chances of sightings during the season, encounters cannot be guaranteed. Every tour is conducted with the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and respect for marine wildlife, ensuring a responsible and memorable experience.
Location
Activity location
LOB_ACTIVITIES LOB_ACTIVITIES - Zanzibar City
- Zanzibar City, Mjini Magharibi Region, Tanzania
Meeting/Redemption Point
PEOPLE PEOPLE - Mafia Island Airport, Unnamed Road, 3MQ7+6HV, Kilindoni, Tanzania | Upon arrival at Mafia Airport, your tour guide will be waiting to receive you. You can recognize them by a sign displaying their name or the company name: FLITTERWOCHEN TOUR-ABDU
- Kilindoni, Pwani Region, Tanzania