Tanzania, Mafia Island, Mafia Island Diving
The owners, Danielle and David, clearly share a passion for exploring the little paradise that is Mafia Island and especially its Marine Park, in a way that is respectful and sustainable. We interacted mostly with David who is also a passionate underwater photographer and amateur biologist (check out their facebook page!)
They're a diving centre but also provide day trips to various parts of Mafia Island - on water and on land - don't miss the trip to nearby Chole Island! Or the whale spotting, or the other nice excursions they have on the menu! If you stay at the nearby Pole Pole, David comes by every night and chats with each of the guests to plan the next day - in their own language as he speaks 6 of them!
The service was always excellent and everything ran smoothly and seamlessly. We met two divemasters (David and Yusuf) plus the crews of the boats we were on - everyone was friendly, helpful and just great people to be around. The gear is good and well maintained. I brought my own prescription mask but after 2 days I managed to lose it (DUH!!!) but they found a mask with reading diopters, which worked for me for the rest of the dives.
We brought some issues with us to the island (my wife had sustained a nose injury in the safari before, which made it difficult for her to dive) and David went out of his way to accommodate us and adapt our pre-booked package to the reality of my wife's condition.
David told us on the first day, "you are on holiday and we have no plans to change that". Him and his staff took care of us every minute we were together - no gear maintenance, no worries, we just had to show up and be ready to have fun.
They own wooden boats which sail when the conditions are right and have small engines for the rest of the time. Each boat is manned by two "captains" for backup.
My 14 year old son dives for the fun of it and I dive to take photos, and each of us got what we wanted (especially me - David really took time to tutor and help me).
These nice people love their coral, the island and its people. In the few years we've been diving, this was the best experience we've had with a dive centre, hands down. Warmly recommended!
