Marimbani

Best months: Jun–Oct

Protected Area

Mafia Island

Why dive here

With 165+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, sea turtles, sperm whales and whale sharks - Marimbani 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

Marimbani isn't about dramatic drop-offs or sweeping reefs. This site, just off a sandbank in Chole Bay, is a proper muck dive, shallow and perfect for slowing down. We're talking maximum 15 metres, usually less, with visibility around 12 metres. The real stars here are the small, odd creatures – think seahorses tucked into seagrass, pipefish, and frogfish camouflaged against the sandy bottom. It's a fantastic spot for photographers or anyone who enjoys the thrill of finding something truly peculiar, especially as a relaxed second dive after a morning exploring elsewhere in the bay. We've often combined it with a beach barbecue right on the sandbank, making for a pretty perfect Mafia Island day.