The options compared
| Option | Price seen | What is included | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-day trip from Zanzibar | US$181 (US$202 crossed out) | flight, transfers, lunch, gear | Pickup 4 to 5 am; book at least 2 days ahead; free cancellation up to 24 h |
| Other one-day trips | about US$350 to US$550 | depends on the offer | Shared or private boat; some quote US$500 all-in |
| Private boat | from US$895 for 2 | flight and private outing | For a small group |
| 2 days, 1 night | US$522 to US$600 | flight, lodging, outings | More chances of an encounter |
| Stay in Mafia (diving) | from £2,445 from the UK | flights, diving | Whale shark snorkelling is arranged locally |
Our pick: the 2-day option if you want two outings (a single outing can come up empty), the US$181 day if budget matters. One traveller saw the sharks despite murky water and poor weather.
Season, ethics and tips
Sources contradict each other on the season: October to March for one operator, a November to February peak for another, August to March in an old listing (2022). The sharks are wild: keep your distance, do not touch them. Mafia's marine park charges an entry fee (one operator says US$23.60 per adult per day, not confirmed). For the island, diving and lodging, see Mafia Island; for diving closer to home, diving in Zanzibar.
FAQ
When can you see whale sharks in Mafia?
From October to March, with a peak from November to February according to one operator; no trip guarantees an encounter.
Can you do Mafia in a day from Zanzibar?
Yes, by plane: about US$181 with flight, transfers, lunch and gear, for a pickup between 4 and 5 am (October 2026).
Pour aller plus loin
Continue with Pemba and Zanzibar in October.
