Chekechea

Best months: Jun–Oct

Protected Area

Mangrove

Why dive here

With 165+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, sea turtles, sperm whales and whale sharks - Chekechea offers some of Mafia Island's richest reef diving. Water ranges 26-29°C, warmest February, March, April.

Best timeJun–Oct

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeHumpback Whales, Sea Turtles, Sperm Whales and Whale Sharks · 165+ species recorded

Water26-29°C · warmest February, March, April

CharacterReef dive

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Chekechea, which means 'Kindergarten' in Swahili, really lives up to its name. It’s a shallow spot, topping out at 16 meters, and often feels like a giant underwater nursery. We’ve spent some fantastic dives here just poking around the mud bottom, discovering juvenile fish species, pipefish, and even some unusual Indian walkman. It's a relaxed dive, usually with good light, making it perfect for newer divers, those of us honing our buoyancy, or anyone with a keen eye for macro life and a camera in hand. You might even catch a glimpse of a dusky shark cruising by in the deeper sections, or if you’re very lucky, a whale shark passing through the area.