Kasa - Mafia Island

Middle Arch is a site we always make time for at the Poor Knights, and it’s a good one to hit early in the day before other boats crowd the space. Drop in at the northern side, and you’re instantly in the twilight, the arch opening up below you. We love the feeling of being funnelled through, the rock walls rising on either side, often draped with orange jewel anemones. Look up sometimes, and you’ll see the sunlight filtering through the kelp at the shallower parts. You’ll usually find big schools of snapper and kingfish hanging in the current, and we’ve often seen short-tail stingrays cruising the sandy bottom at about 18 meters. The really cool part is the small cave near the southwestern exit. It’s a tight squeeze in, but once you’re inside, there’s an air pocket, and you can surface and hear the shearwaters calling from outside. It’s an ethereal, almost ancient sound, really making you feel connected to this wild place. This site suits divers who appreciate a bit of overhead environment, comfortable navigating through a well-lit arch. Expect to be surrounded by schools of fish, and keep an eye out for those impressive stingrays.

Location
Mafia Island, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-7.963000, 39.813900
Type
cave

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 Kasa

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 Kasa

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 scuba diving at the Kasa dive site?
The maximum depth for scuba diving at the Kasa dive site is 19 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow reef, perfect for extended bottom times and enjoying the vibrant marine life.
What marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Kasa?
Divers at Kasa can expect to encounter an extremely colorful and lively reef, teeming with marine life. It is an excellent site to observe mature green turtles grazing in the seagrass, along with hawksbill turtles. Due to its location, divers also have a good chance of coming across various pelagic species. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dives at Kasa, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Dives at Kasa are rated as intermediate difficulty. While it is a beautiful site, it can experience some strong currents, which might be challenging for novice divers. Therefore, it is generally more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
When is the best time of year to go diving at Kasa for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to go diving at Kasa for optimal conditions. We recommend checking our When to Dive section for general information on diving seasons in Mafia Island.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Kasa?
The provided data does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required to dive at Kasa. Given its intermediate difficulty and potential for strong currents, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is often recommended for such sites. Please consult with local dive operators in Mafia Island for specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and water visibility like at the Kasa dive site?
At the Kasa dive site, divers can expect to encounter strong currents at times. The average water visibility is typically around 14 meters, offering good viewing opportunities despite the potential for currents.