Coral Islands

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 - Coral Islands 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

Coral Islands is one of those Mafia sites that just feels right for a relaxed morning dive. You drop in, and the reef starts at around 9 metres, unfolding into these three distinct, healthy coral patches. We love how the sand channels separate them, they really brighten the whole place, bouncing the light around the corals. It’s a low-stress dive, rarely deeper than 16 metres, perfect for just cruising along and taking it all in. We’ve spent ages here just watching the garden eels. There are so many of them, swaying in the current, then popping back into the sand as you get a little too close. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too: Hotlips Triplefins perched on the coral, Big Long-nosed Butterflyfish poking around, and the ubiquitous Six-line Wrasse zipping past. Visibility averages about 12 metres, which is plenty to appreciate the details of the reef. It’s a great spot for photographers looking for macro subjects or anyone who wants a chill dive without strong currents.