Mafia Island

Far quieter than Zanzibar, Mafia Island sits within a protected marine park renowned for some of the best diving and snorkelling on the Tanzanian coast. Between October and March, whale sharks gather in its waters, offering close encounters with the ocean's largest fish.

With little large-scale development, Mafia suits travellers looking to slow down after a safari, with barefoot lodges, healthy coral reefs, and long, uncrowded beaches.

• Seasonal whale shark encounters
• Protected marine park diving
• Uncrowded, low-key beaches
• Excellent snorkelling on healthy reefs