Mafia Island Chole Bay | Dar es Salaam

Chole Bay – The Marine Heart of Mafia Island

Chole Bay is the largest bay in Mafia Island Marine Park, located on the southeastern coast of Mafia Island, Tanzania. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and incredible marine biodiversity, making it a top destination for diving, snorkeling, and eco-tourism.

1. Location & How to Get There

• Location: Southeastern Mafia Island, inside the Mafia Island Marine Park.
• Nearest Village: Utende, the main access point for the bay.
• How to Get There:
  • By Air: 30–45 min flights from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island Airport (served by Coastal Aviation, Auric Air).
  • By Road: Short drive from Mafia Island Airport to Utende Beach.
  • By Boat: Local boats from Utende Beach to the islands and reefs in Chole Bay.

2. Attractions & Activities

A. Diving & Snorkeling

Chole Bay is home to some of Tanzania’s best diving and snorkeling sites, offering over 50 coral species and 400+ fish species.

✔ Top Dive Sites:

1. Kinasi Pass – A drift dive with strong currents, barracudas, and giant groupers.
2. Coral Gardens – A shallow reef, perfect for snorkelers and beginner divers.
3. Milimani Reef – Features large coral bommies, lionfish, and moray eels.
4. Dindini Wall – A deep diving site (up to 28m) with colorful coral formations and reef sharks.
5. Jina Reef – Ideal for spotting turtles, stingrays, and nudibranchs.

B. Whale Shark Watching (October–March)

• Chole Bay is a prime location to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean.
• Ethical tours are available from Utende Beach.

C. Chole Island & Historical Ruins

• Chole Island is a small island in Chole Bay, once an important Swahili trading post.
• Chole Ruins (12th–19th century) feature old mosques, tombs, and abandoned Swahili-Arab settlements.
• Visitors can also see the Chole Island Boat-Building Workshops.

D. Juani Island & Blue Lagoon

• Juani Island (near Chole Bay) is famous for:
  ✔ Kua Ruins – A 13th-century Swahili settlement.
  ✔ Blue Lagoon – A stunning tidal lagoon surrounded by mangroves.

3. Wildlife & Marine Biodiversity

Chole Bay is part of Mafia Island Marine Park, home to:
✔ Sea turtles (Green & Hawksbill).
✔ Dolphins and dugongs (rare but possible sightings).
✔ Reef sharks, rays, and octopuses.
✔ More than 50 coral species and 400 fish species.

4. Best Time to Visit Chole Bay

✔ June–October – Best for diving, snorkeling, and general travel.
✔ October–March – Best for whale shark encounters.
✔ April–May – Rainy season, but the bay remains beautiful.

5. Where to Stay

• Luxury: Pole Pole Bungalows, Kinasi Lodge.
• Mid-Range: Butiama Lodge, Mafia Beach Bungalows.
• Budget: Local guesthouses in Utende Village.

6. Why Visit Chole Bay?

✔ Some of the best coral reefs in East Africa.
✔ Famous for whale shark snorkeling and diving.
✔ Rich Swahili history with ancient ruins on Chole Island.
✔ Uncrowded, peaceful, and eco-friendly tourism.

Conclusion

Chole Bay is a must-visit destination for divers, snorkelers, and nature lovers. With its incredible marine life, stunning coral reefs, and historical charm, it offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in Mafia Island Marine Park.