Mafia Island Marine Park (Hifadhi Bahari ya Taifa ya Kisiwa cha Mafia, in Swahili) is a protected marine park with the IUCN category VI around the Mafia Archipelago in the Indian Ocean's sea of Zanj. It is administratively located in the jurisdiction Mafia District of Pwani Region in Tanzania .

Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) is a pristine sanctuary off the coast of Tanzania, offering a unique blend of biodiversity and conservation. Established in 1995, it is the country’s first marine park, covering the southern half of Mafia Island and parts of the northeast.

Utende, a charming village on the southern coast of Mafia Island, serves as the gateway to the breathtaking Mafia Island Marine Park. This protected marine sanctuary is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering an array of activities amidst stunning natural beauty.

In 1995, the Mafia Island Marine Park was formed to protect the archipelago's reefs, for this is one of Tanzania's best areas for diving. From rainbow-coloured clownfish to octopus, rays and the odd gigantic grouper to sharks and dolphins in deeper waters, …

At around 822 sq km, Mafia Island Marine Park is the largest marine protected area in the Indian Ocean, sheltering a unique complex of estuarine, mangrove, coral reef and marine channel ecosystems. These include the only natural forest on the island and almost 400 fish species.

Mafia Island Marine Park is widely regarded to be East Africa’s best diving destination. Extending for 822km²/317mi² off the island’s south coast, the park provides an excellent introduction to the diverse marine life of the Indian Ocean.

Mafia Island has the most beautiful Marine Park of all East Africa. Here you can find the richest variety of fish and coral of the Wester Indian Ocean.

Jan 7, 2025 · This remarkable region features a diverse array of tropic marine habitats including vibrant coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and inter-tidal flats. the parks serve as a vital nesting ground for two species of sea turtles, earning …

Discover the paradise of Mafia Island, the hidden gem of Tanzania, where nature is still untouched and life is peaceful. The island is 50 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide. The protected marine park surrounding Mafia Island offers an environment rich in whales and other marine mammals.

The Park has pristine beaches with tourism development potential, particularly along the eastern shores of Mafia Island. Mafia has spectacular ruins that reveal ancient settlements and elevate them to the ranks of the ancient world, with cultural artefacts dating back to 600 B.C.