About This Tour
A specialized aquatic journey from the whale sharks of Mafia Island to the “Living Fossil” (Coelacanth) habitat in Tanga, and the untouched coral reefs of Mnazi Bay near the Mozambique border. Activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, dhow cruises, and visiting historic Swahili ruins.
Trip Highlights
- Bypass the infamous multi-hour queues with our exclusive priority access.
- Spend more time admiring masterpieces, not waiting for hours outside.
- Perfect for art lovers who want to maximize their time.
Itinerary
09:00: Flight from Dar Es Salaam to Mafia Island.
11:00: Transfer to Utende (the heart of Mafia Island Marine Park).
14:30: Afternoon dhow cruise to Chole Island to see ancient ruins and giant fruit bats.
18:00: Sunset at the beach.
10:00: Flight from Mafia to Mtwara (via Dar).
14:00: Drive to Mnazi Bay – Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park.
16:00: Visit the Ruvula Peninsula for a beach walk and sunset overlooking the Ruvuma River estuary (the border with Mozambique).
10:00: Flight from Mafia to Mtwara (via Dar).
14:00: Drive to Mnazi Bay – Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park.
16:00: Visit the Ruvula Peninsula for a beach walk and sunset overlooking the Ruvuma River estuary (the border with Mozambique).
08:30: Boat safari to the inner reefs of Mnazi Bay, known for some of the highest coral diversity in East Africa.
13:00: Local Swahili lunch at a fishing village.
15:00: Bird watching in the mangrove forests (spotting migratory waders).
- 09:00: Flight from Mtwara to Tanga (via Dar).
- 14:30: Arrival in Tanga and transfer to a coastal lodge.
- 16:00: Evening visit to the Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park headquarters to learn about the "Living Fossil" fish caught in deep-sea canyons here.
- 09:00: Boat trip to Toten Island or Yambe Island. Exploration of ruins and snorkeling in the TACMP reefs.
- 13:00: Sandbank picnic lunch.
- 15:30: Optional visit to the Amboni Caves (terrestrial) or a sunset dhow cruise in Tanga Bay.
- 09:00: Last morning swim or souvenir shopping in Tanga town.
- 12:00: Drive or fly back to Dar Es Salaam.
- 17:00: Drop off at your hotel or airport.
Included/Exclude
The Cost Includes
- Internal Flights: Dar – Mafia, Mafia – Mtwara, Mtwara – Tanga, Tanga – Dar.
- Marine Park Fees: Daily conservation fees for MIMP, Mnazi Bay, and TACMP.
- Activities: Boat hires for snorkeling, Whale Shark excursions, and sandbank picnics.
- Meals: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- Transport: All airport transfers and ground transport in a private van.
- Gear: Snorkeling masks, fins, and snorkels.
The Cost Excludes
- Scuba Diving: Supplement of approx. $70–$120 per dive.
- International Flights: To/from Tanzania. * Tips: For boat captains and guides.
- Alcohol: Except in specific Luxury tier packages.
- Visa: $50 - $100 depending on nationality.
Tour Plan
Yes, a very strict dress code is enforced for both men and women. All visitors must have their shoulders and knees completely covered to enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Entry may be refused for anyone wearing shorts, miniskirts, or sleeveless tops. We strongly recommend dressing modestly to ensure you are not denied entry on the day.
Our “Skip the Line” access allows you to bypass the main ticket-purchasing line, which can often stretch for several hours, saving you a significant amount of your valuable time. Please note, however, that all visitors must pass through a mandatory airport-style security check. There may be a short queue for this security screening, which cannot be skipped.
Small backpacks and standard handbags are generally permitted inside after the security check. However, large bags, luggage, tripods, large umbrellas, and other bulky items are not allowed and must be checked. You will be required to leave these items at the complimentary cloakroom near the entrance before your tour begins and collect them upon exiting the museum complex.
Photography without the use of a flash is permitted throughout most areas of the Vatican Museums for your personal use. However, please be aware that photography and video recording of any kind are strictly forbidden inside the Sistine Chapel. This rule is rigorously enforced by the guards to protect the delicate frescoes, and we ask all guests to respect it.
