Rose Garden - Mafia Island

Tanjung Bakau 3 is a solid little site, just a quick boat ride southwest of Nabucco Spice Island. It's mostly a sloping coral garden, gradually giving way to a sandy seabed around 25 meters, though we usually top out at about 22m here. Visibility tends to sit around 12 meters, which is enough to pick out the nudibranchs tucked away and the occasional giant moray peeking from its hidey-hole. We’ve found plenty of staghorn coral here, and it's a good spot to patiently search for the tiny blackbelly pygmygoby. It’s a nice, relaxed dive for anyone looking for a chill afternoon drift.

Location
Mafia Island, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-10.230900, 40.162200
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 Rose Garden

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 Rose Garden

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 typical depth range for diving at the Rose Garden dive site?
The Rose Garden dive site offers a maximum depth of 24m for divers. While its beautiful Foliose or Rose coral extends from 15m down to below 40m, the recreational diving limit for this site is set at 24m. This allows divers to explore the vibrant reef structure and its inhabitants safely.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can I expect to see at the Rose Garden dive site?
At the Rose Garden, you can expect to encounter stunning Foliose or Rose coral formations that cover the site from 15m. Keep an eye out for magnificent Green Turtles, which are frequently spotted here, along with groupers and large schools of surgeonfish. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Rose Garden dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Rose Garden dive site is classified as intermediate, but it is specifically recommended for experienced divers only due to the presence of strong currents. Beginner divers may find the conditions challenging and should consider other sites in Mafia Island.
What is the best time of year to dive the Rose Garden for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the Rose Garden for optimal conditions is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might find our When to Dive section helpful.
Are there any specific certifications or experience levels required to dive the Rose Garden?
Yes, due to the strong currents prevalent at the Rose Garden, this dive site is suitable for experienced divers only. It is crucial to have the necessary experience to safely navigate these conditions. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Rose Garden dive site?
The Rose Garden is known for its strong currents, making it a site recommended for experienced divers. Despite the currents, divers can typically enjoy good visibility, with an average of 18m, offering clear views of the vibrant reef and marine life.