Mafia Island, Tanzania
    Mangrove

    Small Rock

    Best months: Jun–Oct

    Protected Area

    Mangrove

    Why dive here

    With 165+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, sea turtles, sperm whales and whale sharks - Small Rock offers some of Mafia Island's richest wall 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
    CharacterWall dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Small Rock, with its scattered coral bommies and a maximum depth of 16 metres, is a solid morning dive. We like to get there just as the sun is coming up, casting a warm light through the water that really makes the coral pop. You'll find plenty of smaller reef fish here, like stripy and parrotfish, along with the occasional black-tipped silver-biddy darting about. While it doesn't offer massive pelagic action, it's a calm spot to explore the reef at a relaxed pace. It suits divers looking for a mellow start to their day, perhaps keen on some macro if you've got a sharp eye.

    Today06:0118:1612h 15m daylightGolden hour 17:48

    Nearest Dive Centres to Small Rock

    Dive shops near Small Rock

    View all dive centres in Mafia Island

    Reviews for Small Rock

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Small Rock

    Small Rock Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Small Rock, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-8.12, 39.65) (37km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    27°C

    81°F · Range: 26.2–28.4°C

    Air Temperature

    26°C

    79°F

    Wind Speed

    7.33 m/s

    14.2 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1014 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Mafia Island, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Mafia Island

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Mafia Island.

    Search stays in Mafia Island

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near Small Rock

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Mafia Island