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Sunrise over Mafia Island waters with traditional dhow boat
Eco-Certified Adventures Since 2025

Where Adventure Meets the Ocean

Experience the thrill of sport fishing in Tanzania's pristine Mafia Island Marine Park. Swim with whale sharks, explore vibrant coral reefs, and connect with Swahili coastal culture.

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4.9/5 from 127+ reviews
Marine Park Certified
Free cancellation up to 150 days
Local Swahili guide preparing traditional dhow boat at sunrise on Utende Beach, Mafia Island

"The ocean doesn't just give us fish—it gives us our story."

Our Story

Where Local Wisdom Meets Ocean Adventure

Mafia Island isn't just a destination—it's a living story. For generations, Swahili fishermen have read the tides, respected the reef, and shared the ocean's bounty with reverence.

We partner with these local experts to craft experiences that go beyond sport fishing: sunrise dhows gliding over turquoise waters, beachside barbecues under ancient baobab trees, and encounters with gentle whale sharks that leave you breathless.

Every trip supports marine conservation and local communities—because the best adventures leave places better than we found them.

Eco-Certified Operator
Local Guide Partnership
Marine Park Approved
Premium Experiences

Curated Ocean Adventures

Each tour is crafted with local expertise, sustainable practices, and unforgettable moments in mind.

Championship · Nov 2026 Limited capacity · 12 anglers

Dates

10–15 Nov 2026

Mafia Island Marine Park · Tanzania

Mafia Island Big Game Fishing Fishing Championship · 2026

10 Nov 15 Nov

Fully hosted · all-inclusive itinerary

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Premium big game fishing competition in Mafia Island

Trophy fish in one of East Africa's legendary sport fisheries

Target marlin, sailfish, giant trevally (GT), wahoo, dorado, and yellowfin tuna in the deep waters of the Mafia Island Marine Park—with professional crews and purpose-built offshore capability.

Every detail is managed for you: transfers, lodges, permits, boats, meals, and park fees—so you can focus purely on water time and hospitality at a championship level.

World-class fishing

GT, marlin, wahoo & more

Premium stay

Beachfront lodging

Full board

Three meals daily

Whale shark add-on

Snorkel excursion

Investment

Private charter Exclusive

$14,070

Exclusive use · one party

Two anglers Value

$7,848

$3,924 per person
Four anglers Group

$5,113

$1,278 per person

Included

  • Airport transfers

    Dar es Salaam / Zanzibar to Mafia Island

  • Premium accommodation

    Beachfront rooms · 5 nights

  • Licenses & permits

    Sport fishing coverage

  • Marine park fees

    MIMP conservation

  • Local transport

    Boats & island transfers

  • Daily dining

    Breakfast · lunch · dinner

  • Whale shark excursion

    Bonus snorkel outing

Reserve your championship place

Spaces are capped — we recommend confirming early after rates are finalized.

Swimming with whale sharks in the clear waters of Mafia Island Marine Park Most Popular
(42)

Whale Shark Encounter

Swim alongside the ocean's gentle giants in their natural habitat. Our expert guides ensure a respectful, unforgettable experience in the Mafia Island Marine Park.

4-5 hours
Max 6 guests
Easy
Snorkel gear
1 (Max 6)
Total: $100
$100/person
Book This Tour
Sport fishing boat on the Indian Ocean at sunset near Mafia Island Adventure

Deep Sea Fishing Expedition

Target giant trevally (GT), marlin, sailfish, wahoo, dorado, and tuna with professional gear and expert local captains. Includes lunch, refreshments, and catch cleaning.

6-8 hours
Max 4 anglers
Intermediate
All gear included
1 (Max 4)
Total: $780
$780/person
Book This Tour
Ocean adventure and island exploration in Mafia Island Family Friendly

Island & Reef Safari

Explore pristine beaches, snorkel vibrant reefs, and enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch on a secluded sandbank. Perfect for families and non-swimmers.

5-6 hours
Max 10 guests
All levels
Lunch included
1 (Max 10)
Total: $100
$100/person
Book This Tour
View all 8 tours
🏝️ Partner Eco-Resort

Where You'll Stay

Basecamp Mafia Island - A rare balance between adventure, comfort and conscious travel

Designed to harmonise with nature, Basecamp Mafia Island provides eco-friendly comfort while supporting the environment and local community.

🌊 Located Within Marine Park & Reserve

Basecamp Mafia is uniquely situated within the Marine Park & Reserve. A mandatory Park Fee of USD 23.60 per person per night is payable directly at the entrance gate (Visa or Mastercard accepted). This contribution plays a vital role in preserving our extraordinary marine environment.

The Marine Park comprises the archipelago's three largest islands: Chole, Juani, and Jibondo, along with other smaller coral islets.

400+

Fish Species

48

Coral Genera

~200

Whale Sharks

246

Bird Species

Superior Rooms - Direct Beach Access

Locally sourced interiors and stunning ocean views

Ghuba Ocean View Family Room
Ghuba Room Interior
Ghuba Room View
Ghuba Room Details
FAMILY

Ghuba Ocean View

Four fully renovated family rooms featuring modern style with African aesthetic. 40 m² with king-size bed and separate bunk bed.

4 Persons
40 m²
Sea Views

✓ Direct beach access ✓ Private veranda ✓ Locally sourced furniture

Book Rooms
Kisiwa Ocean View Double Room
Kisiwa Room Interior
Kisiwa Room View
Kisiwa Room Details
SUPERIOR

Kisiwa Ocean View

Six spacious double rooms decorated with locally produced African-style furniture. Enjoy morning coffee or sundowner on your private veranda.

2 Persons
40 m²
Sea Views

✓ Direct beach access ✓ Private veranda ✓ African decor

Book Rooms
Pwani Ocean View Room
Pwani Room Interior
Pwani Room View
Pwani Room Balcony
Pwani Room Details
ROMANTIC

Pwani Ocean View

Three spacious beachfront rooms with king-size bed and panoramic views of lush green gardens. Ideal for couples seeking romantic escape.

2 Persons (Couples)
35 m²
Panoramic Ocean Views

✓ Beachfront ✓ King bed ✓ Garden views

Book Rooms

Standard Rooms - Great Value

Comfortable accommodation delivering great value for money

Bahari Ocean View Standard Room
Bahari Room Interior
Bahari Room View
Bahari Room Details
OCEAN VIEW

Bahari Ocean View

Seven double rooms with cosy queen bed and mesmerising views of the Indian Ocean. Wake up to the sound of waves.

2 Persons Ocean Views
Book Rooms
Ufuo Garden View Standard Room
Ufuo Room Interior
Ufuo Room Details
GARDEN VIEW

Ufuo Garden View

Seven cosy yet elegant rooms with queen bed and stunning views over lush green gardens. Surrounded by palm and cashew trees.

2 Persons Garden Views
Book Rooms

Come and Visit Us

With its tranquil, laid-back atmosphere, the island is perfect for unwinding. We invite you to experience the island at its purest.

Book Your Stay Visit Basecamp Website
🌊 Our Conservation Mission

More Than Fishing: Protecting Our Ocean Heritage

Every fishing tour supports marine conservation, empowers local communities, and protects Mafia Island's extraordinary biodiversity for future generations.

The Story of Mafia Island

From Fishing Grounds to Marine Sanctuary

The Crisis (1980s-1990s)

Rising demand for marine resources led to destructive fishing practices—dynamite fishing shattered coral reefs, pull-nets captured juvenile fish, and the 1998 El Niño bleached large sections of coral. Mafia Island's extraordinary biodiversity was under threat.

The Solution (1995)

In April 1995, Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) became Tanzania's first marine park, spanning 822 km². A collaborative effort between the Government of Tanzania, WWF, international agencies, and local communities—who provided essential traditional knowledge.

Three Core Objectives

Conserve Biodiversity

Protect one of eastern Africa's most marine-diverse regions

Sustainable Livelihoods

Support local communities through responsible resource use

Eco-Tourism

Develop alternative economic engines for the community

🎣 How Sport Fishing Drives Conservation

Every booking you make creates a ripple effect of positive change across Mafia Island

Direct Conservation Funding

5% of every booking goes to marine protection

  • Supports Marine Megafauna Foundation research programs
  • Funds coral reef restoration and monitoring projects
  • Contributes to whale shark acoustic telemetry studies
  • Supports "go-slow zones" for boat traffic management

Raising Community Awareness

Education programs that transform mindsets

  • Workshops on reef ecology and long-term conservation value
  • Teaching sustainable fishing practices to local fishers
  • Demonstrating how eco-tourism outperforms destructive fishing
  • Community-led monitoring and rule-making participation

Empowering the Next Generation of Ocean Guardians

We're working directly with Mafia Island's youth to provide employment opportunities so they can lead marine conservation efforts themselves

Youth Training Programs

Comprehensive training in eco-tourism, marine biology basics, and sustainable fishing practices

  • Boat handling & safety certification
  • Marine life identification
  • Customer service excellence
  • First aid & emergency response

Direct Employment

Creating sustainable jobs that keep youth engaged in protecting their ocean heritage

  • Tour guides & boat captains
  • Equipment maintenance crew
  • Marine park rangers
  • Conservation research assistants

Community Leadership

Empowering youth to become ambassadors for marine conservation in their communities

  • School education programs
  • Beach cleanup initiatives
  • Coral reef monitoring
  • Whale shark research support

The Impact

When local youth see viable career paths in conservation and eco-tourism, they become the strongest advocates against destructive practices. Our programs have helped reduce illegal fishing by 60% in participating communities, proving that economic empowerment and environmental protection go hand in hand.

🏆 Conservation Success Stories

Thanks to community collaboration and sustainable tourism, Mafia Island has achieved remarkable conservation milestones

Whale Shark Protection

Legal protection secured in Tanzanian waters since 2012

IUCN Important Shark & Ray Area

Biodiversity Protected

400+ fish species and vibrant coral reefs safeguarded

822 km² Marine Park

Sea Turtle Conservation

Endangered green, hawksbill & leatherback turtles nesting

Protected Nesting Beaches

Habitat Restoration

Mangrove forests and seagrass beds serving as marine nurseries

Active Restoration Programs

🤝 A Model for Africa: Community-Centered Conservation

Unlike many protected areas that exclude local people, MIMP was designed with 18,000–23,000 residents living within its boundaries

Collaborative Management

Local fishers participate in rule-making and monitoring of marine resources

Alternative Livelihoods

Training in eco-tourism, guiding, and sustainable crafts reduced destructive fishing

Education & Awareness

Programs teaching communities about reef ecology and long-term conservation value

Research Partnerships

Marine Megafauna Foundation and other institutions provide data-driven management

Join Us in Protecting This Extraordinary Ecosystem

When you book a tour with us, you're not just going fishing—you're becoming part of a conservation success story that's protecting Mafia Island for generations to come.

Book a Conservation-Focused Tour Learn About Our Research Partners
🗺️ Explore Location

Discover Mafia Island

Located off the coast of Tanzania, Mafia Island is a pristine paradise waiting to be explored. Click on the markers to discover our tour spots.

📍 How to Get There

  • 1-hour flight from Dar es Salaam
  • Ferry from Nyamisati (2 hours)
  • Private boat transfers available

🎯 Tour Spots

🌊 Best Time to Visit

Whale Sharks Jun - Oct
Deep Sea Fishing Oct - Apr
Reef Snorkeling Year-round
Guest voices

What travelers say

Recent feedback from anglers and marine tour guests hosted on Mafia Island.

“Impeccable crew, respectful whale-shark briefing, and a smooth day on the water. Exactly the professional standard we hoped for.”
— Couple · Germany · Marine tour
“GT fishing was relentless—in the best way. Lodging and meals were seamless; the team communicated clearly every step.”
— Charter group · UK · Deep sea
“Conservation messaging felt genuine—not marketing. Small groups, calm guides, and a stunning reef safari day.”
— Family · USA · Island safari
Common Questions

Mafia Fishing Competition – Frequently Asked Questions

Your complete guide to planning an unforgettable eco-adventure on Mafia Island, Tanzania

General Questions

Booking & Payment

Accommodation (Basecamp Mafia Island)

Conservation & Sustainability

Getting There & Logistics

What to Bring & Prepare

Ready for Your Ocean Adventure?

Fill out the form and our team will contact you within 24 hours to confirm your tour details and answer any questions.

UTENDE BEACH, P.O.BOX 85, MAFIA
+255 798 524 039
info@mafiafishingcompetition.co.tz

✨ Booking Benefits

  • Free cancellation up to 150 days before trip
  • Secure payment via Stripe or bank transfer
  • All equipment, permits, and local guides included

💡 Whale shark season: June-Oct

💡 Price will be calculated automatically

We'll respond within 24 hours. No payment required to reserve your spot.

Our Commitment to You

Flexible Cancellation: Full refund (minus $700 admin fee) for cancellations received 150+ days before arrival.

Weather Protection: If our captain cancels due to unsafe conditions, you'll receive a credit for a future booking.

Force Majeure: For travel bans or pandemics, we'll reschedule within 12 months at no extra charge.

We recommend travel insurance through our partner Global Rescue for comprehensive coverage.

🌤️ Live Weather

Current Conditions in Mafia Island

Real-time weather updates to help you plan your perfect fishing adventure

Mafia Island, Tanzania

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⛅

Temperature

28°C

Feels like 30°C

Wind Speed

12 km/h

NE Direction

Humidity

75%

Comfortable

Sea Conditions

Calm

Great for tours

📅 5-Day Forecast

Mon

☀️

29°

Tue

⛅

28°

Wed

☀️

30°

Thu

🌤️

27°

Fri

☀️

29°

✅ Perfect conditions for fishing tours today!

📱 Follow Our Adventures

Latest from Social Media

See real-time updates from our fishing expeditions and island adventures

@mafiafishingcompetition_

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Youth training
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Community work
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Sunset view
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Competition day
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Reef safari
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Island paradise
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🎣 Latest Update

Amazing day on the water! Our guests caught a magnificent 150kg Marlin yesterday. Book your adventure today! 🐟🌊

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