Mafia

Mafia Island sees very few visitors, most of whom favour its neighbour, Zanzibar. Yet it is a true gem of the Indian Ocean, particularly renowned among divers for its exceptional underwater scenery, as well as for the tranquillity of its stays.
The Mafia Channel, between the island and the mainland, is one of the last sanctuaries for the dugong. This famous marine mammal and its cousin the manatee are behind many of the old sailors' legends of mermaids.
Chole Bay, to the southeast, is ringed by superb beaches where sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the small islands east of Mafia from March to December. The small fishing villages are picturesque, and the islet of Jibondo, south of the main island, still holds one of the last dhow-building workshops. Numerous ruins bear witness to the island's prosperity, dating back to the 13th century.
Vividly coloured coral gardens around the islets facing the island await discovery by keen divers, with or without scuba gear. Myriad reef fish swarm along the steep drop-offs, and in narrow caves, from November to March, larger species can also be found, such as sharks, whale sharks, dolphins, and hake.