Mafia Island and Chole Bay

Inside Chole Bay, dive shops select tides for manageable current. Kinasi Pass can involve drift diving, while Mafia Island Diving treats its exposed outside-bay reefs as Advanced-only, with maximum depths reported around 26 m. Require a diver-level check, current briefing, site exit plan, buddy check, alternate site, oxygen and first-aid provisions, and suitable emergency communications. A PADI operator listing verifies a business category, not the quality of every departure. Avoid unexplored penetrations, fishing gear, loose surface swims away from boats and uncontrolled breath-hold dives. Never snorkel or freedive alone. For no-fly planning, CDC advises at least 12 hours after one no-decompression dive, at least 18 hours after repetitive diving and 24 to 48 hours after decompression dives; more conservative intervals can be prudent before short light-aircraft flights.

The Tanzanian Ministry of Health facility registry lists Mafia District Hospital as operating, but that does not establish specialist dive-medicine, trauma or evacuation capability. No on-island recompression chamber was independently verified. ZanAid in Zanzibar describes a functioning diving-medicine/chamber service, but its current operational status, suitability for a particular case and transfer route must be confirmed by clinicians. In a dive emergency, activate local emergency response and the operator's oxygen/first aid plan, then call DAN's 24-hour dive emergency hotline for medical coordination. Do not arrange a self-directed low-altitude or high-altitude transfer without physician advice. CDC lists malaria risk in low-elevation Tanzania and recommends individualized prophylaxis and vaccine review. Carry health records, medications and adequate specialist diving/evacuation insurance.

The MPRU 2026 profile describes core, specified-use and general-use park zones supporting reefs, mangroves, seagrass, fishing livelihoods and community stewardship. Confirm the active park map and permits with a local licensed guide before diving, anchoring, fishing, kayaking, landing, taking a drone or approaching cultural sites. Keep clear of live coral, do not collect shells or coral, and do not disturb nesting beaches or heritage ruins. Sea Sense uses community officers for turtle viewing. MMF reports that the whale-shark code calls for at most ten snorkelers near one shark and slow boat approach; no chasing, feeding, touching, pursuit by freediving or obstructing the animal. Tourism benefits should reach resident guides and conservation programs where possible.