Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba -> Mafia Island -> Chole Bay

Chole Bay

Chole Bay Marine Park is Tanzania's first marine park, and is fantastic for diving. A handful of lodges surround the bay serviced by 4 dive centres, a couple attached to lodges, and a couple of independent ones.

There are many other things to do apart from diving around Chole Bay, such as sunset cruises, visiting the ruins and villages on Chole Mjini island, or just relaxing on the beach. You can still do trips to see the whale sharks from here if you wish.

The bay has two entrances between which lies Chole Mjini island. This island has extensive ruins dating back to the 11th century and was linked with the settlement in Kilwa around the same time. It was settled on by the Shirazi people and much later the Germans.

There are large currents entering and leaving the bay with the tides bringing lots of food in for fish and sea-life. Diving inside the bay is best at high tide for visibility (20-30m), though of course there are fast drift dives when the tide is flowing, but with much reduced visibility (5-10m). Outside the bay there are fantastic walls and clear waters.

For non divers, there is great snorkeling, sunset cruises or whale shark watching all easy to arrange.

Accommodation in Chole Bay

Chole Mjini     more info ->

Chole Mjini is the nicest and most expensive lodge on Mafia Island situated on the island of Chole Mjini in Mafia Island Marine Park.

Kinasi Lodge     more info ->

Kinasi Lodge is located on an old coconut plantation on the south east coast of Mafia Island, surrounded by pristine beaches and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Mafia Blue House     more info ->

Mafia Blue House is a small yet intimate lodge on the island of Mafia, just off the coast of Zanzibar. The pristine untouched waters make this the ideal place to experience the underwater adventures through diving.

Mafia Island Lodge     more info ->

Mafia Island Lodge is set amongst coastal groves of coconut palms along idyllic white sandy beaches. The lodge is located in the well-known Chole Bay, which lies within the Mafia Island Marine Park on the southern coast of Mafia island.

Pole Pole Bungalow Resort     more info ->

One of only a handful of resorts on Mafia Island, Pole Pole Pole Bungalow Resort is a luxurious lodge with accommodation in private bungalows. All the bungalows are built out of local materials and tastefully decorated, creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere and staffed by friendly people always willing to answer questions, arrange excursions or simply take an order for a drink or some delicious food.

Shamba Kilole     more info ->

Shamba Kilole is a beautifully designed and furnished lodge built in an eco friendly manner.

Tanzania Association of Tour Operators Member of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators.
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Photos of Chole Bay Photos of Chole Bay