(Posted 18th September 2026)
Whale Shark Season is calling. Mafia Island is waiting.
Every year, the waters surrounding Mafia Island become the setting for one of Tanzania’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences — the chance to swim alongside whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean.
And getting there is easy with Auric Air flying three times daily between Dar es Salaam and Mafia Island.
WHALE SHARK SEASON IN MAFIA ISLAND
Best time to visit: October – March
From around October through March, whale sharks are regularly sighted feeding near the surface in the plankton-rich waters around Mafia Island, particularly around Kilindoni Bay.
The heart of the season generally falls between November and February, making the coming months an excellent time to plan an island escape.
Unlike their name suggests, whale sharks aren’t whales at all — they’re sharks, and the largest fish species on Earth.
Despite their enormous size, these gentle giants are filter feeders, feeding mainly on plankton and other tiny marine organisms.
Swimming and snorkelling alongside them in the warm Indian Ocean is one of Mafia Island’s signature experiences.
DID YOU KNOW?
World’s largest fish
Whale sharks are the largest living fish species on the planet.
Gentle giants
Despite their impressive size, whale sharks are filter feeders and pose no predatory threat to swimmers.
Mafia is special
Research has shown unusually high residency among Mafia Island’s whale sharks, with some remaining around the island beyond the traditional sighting season.
Look for the spots
Every whale shark has its own unique pattern of spots and markings — much like a fingerprint.
A Tanzanian marine treasure
Mafia Island is internationally recognised for its whale shark encounters and rich marine biodiversity.
GET THERE WITH AURIC AIR
With 3 flights daily in each direction, planning your Mafia Island getaway couldn’t be easier.
DAR ES SALAAM ? MAFIA ISLAND
09:30 ? Mafia
15:00 ? Mafia
16:45 ? Mafia
MAFIA ISLAND ? DAR ES SALAAM
10:15 ? Dar es Salaam
15:45 ? Dar es Salaam
17:35 ? Dar es Salaam
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a few days of diving and snorkelling, or travelling specifically for the whale sharks, our multiple daily frequencies give you greater flexibility to plan your island experience.
MORE THAN WHALE SHARKS
Mafia Island is one of Tanzania’s most remarkable marine destinations.
Beyond the whale sharks, discover:
Peaceful island beaches
Snorkelling & scuba diving
Spectacular coral reefs and marine life
Mangroves and secluded islands
Traditional dhow experiences
Mafia Island Marine Park
A quieter, unspoilt side of the Tanzanian coast
The Mafia Island Marine Park protects an extraordinary marine environment of coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and intertidal ecosystems, making the island worth discovering well beyond whale shark season.
Fly Auric Air. . Meet the gentle giants.
