Jina Wall - Mafia Island

Mawan Komodo. Just the name makes us smile. This site is everything we look for in Komodo: a shallow, vibrant reef that always delivers, whether you're looking for big pelagics or tiny, weird critters. The maximum depth of 16 metres means plenty of bottom time, and the usually clear water, around 16 metres of visibility, lets you take it all in. We love Mawan for its sheer consistency. It’s one of our favourite spots to see reef manta rays, often hanging out at the cleaning stations. We've watched them for ages here, circling and swooping with an almost balletic grace. It's not just the mantas, though. We often spot white tip reef sharks cruising by, and if you have a keen eye, the sand patches hide bamboo sharks. The corals themselves are beautiful, with expansive fields of staghorn and brain coral, alongside more delicate fluorescence grass coral. Keep an eye out for cuttlefish trying to blend in, and the smaller stuff like nudibranchs and orang-utan crabs hidden amongst the branches. Mawan is a site that suits everyone, from snorkelers enjoying the shallow reef to divers keen on long, relaxed dives. It’s perfect for photographers too, offering both wide-angle opportunities with the mantas and macro possibilities with the smaller, often rare, critters. We'd suggest going in the morning; the light is usually best then and the mantas are often more active. Just be prepared for other boats – it’s a popular spot for good reason.

Location
Mafia Island, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-7.921800, 39.824500
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Mangrove

Best Time to Dive in Mafia Island

The warmest water temperatures in Mafia Island occur in January, averaging 28.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.8°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • February: 28.8°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • March: 28.8°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • April: 28.8°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • May: 28.8°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • June: 28.8°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • July: 28.8°C (air: 25.2°C)
  • August: 28.8°C (air: 25.0°C)
  • September: 28.8°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • October: 28.8°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • November: 28.8°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • December: 28.8°C (air: 27.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Mafia Island

Nearest Dive Centres to Jina Wall

Marine Life in Mafia Island

Home to 165 recorded species including 94 hard corals, 63 reef fish, 3 sharks & rays, 2 jellyfish, 1 other, 1 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Jina Wall

Based on average water temperature of 28.8°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at Jina Wall?
The maximum depth for diving at Jina Wall is 21 metres. The site itself ranges in depth from 8 to 26 metres, offering a good profile for various skill levels.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Jina Wall?
Divers at Jina Wall can expect to encounter a very large and friendly potato grouper who is known to dominate every dive. It's also possible to spot various pelagics here, making for exciting encounters. As a reef site, you'll find a diverse ecosystem supporting this marine life.
Is Jina Wall considered a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for all experience levels?
Jina Wall is considered an intermediate difficulty dive site. This means it is best suited for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. Its depth range and features make it an engaging dive for those comfortable with intermediate conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Jina Wall?
Given that Jina Wall is an intermediate difficulty dive site, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is generally recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for the site's depth and conditions. Always confirm specific requirements with your chosen local dive operator on Mafia Island.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Jina Wall?
The average visibility at Jina Wall is a good 16 metres, offering clear views of the site's features and marine life. Information regarding typical current conditions is not provided in our current data. It is always advisable to check with local dive operators on Mafia Island for real-time current updates.
When is the best time of year to dive Jina Wall for optimal conditions?
Our current data does not specify the best time of year to dive Jina Wall for optimal conditions. For general guidance on diving seasons in the Mafia Island area, you can consult our When to Dive resource. We recommend contacting local dive centers for the most current seasonal advice.