Oasis - Mafia Island

Forget what you think you know about river dives. Settlement Point isn't about grand vistas; it's about getting close, really close, to the small stuff. We love the feeling of slipping into the water here, calm like a swimming pool, especially when the tide's high. You’re not fighting current, just drifting gently over the sandy bottom, spotting flathead, bream, and the occasional octopus tucked into a crevice. The real show, though, is in the rocks. Our favourite is hunting for nudibranchs – we’ve found some absolute beauties here, tiny jewels of colour. There’s always a cloud of bait fish swirling around too, which brings in bigger hunters if you’re patient. Visibility averages 6m, which is decent for a river, but pick your tides carefully to get the best of it. It’s a cracker for new divers working on buoyancy, or experienced eyes wanting a relaxed critter hunt. Just keep an ear out for boat traffic, especially near the surface.

Location
Mafia Island, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-10.237100, 40.160100

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 Oasis

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 Oasis

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 are the typical diving depths at The Oasis dive site in Marsa Alam?
At the Oasis dive site in Mafia Island, Tanzania, divers can expect typical depths ranging from 8m to a maximum of 17m. This makes it a perfect shallow dive, suitable for beginners or as a relaxed dive after a deeper excursion.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at The Oasis house reef and surrounding dive sites?
The Oasis dive site boasts a pristine coral reef with a huge number of coral species and vibrant anemone fields, creating a very diverse underwater landscape. Divers can encounter small coral reef fish, Scorpionfish, Leaf fish, Nudibranches, and schools of Surgeonfish. It is also a renowned hot spot for spotting both Green and Hawksbill Turtles.
How challenging are the dives at The Oasis, and are there options suitable for both beginner and experienced divers?
While officially rated as intermediate, the Oasis dive site is described as a perfect shallow dive, starting at 8m and reaching no deeper than 18m. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners, offering a gentle slope and manageable depths. Experienced divers will also appreciate its diverse coral reef and abundant marine life for a relaxed exploration.
What is the best time of year to dive at The Oasis in Marsa Alam for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions and specific marine life encounters at the Oasis dive site in Mafia Island, Tanzania is not available in our current data. For general guidance on seasonality, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive at The Oasis, and are there courses available for new divers?
Our current data for the Oasis dive site does not specify the exact diving certifications required or if courses are available for new divers directly at this location. Given its suitability for beginners with depths from 8m to 18m, an Open Water Diver certification would typically be appropriate.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at The Oasis dive sites in Marsa Alam?
At the Oasis dive site in Mafia Island, Tanzania, divers can expect excellent average visibility of 20m. The site features a gentle slope, contributing to a generally calm and enjoyable diving experience. Specific information regarding typical current strengths is not detailed in our current data.