Mafia Island Whale Shark Project - A Volunteers Review!

Mafia Island Whale Shark Project - A Volunteers Review!

Posted by Michael Starbuck on 5th Sep 2016

Today we have been lucky enough to get a volunteer review of the Mafia Island Whale Shark Conservation Project from one of our most dedicated volunteers Simone, who is currently planning her sixth trip with us to Victoria Falls! Simone has been there and done it all when it comes to animal volunteering, so let’s see what she thought of her time in Tanzania!

This project was such a great experience! Seeing the beautiful fish in its own environment was absolutely amazing and I am so thankful for the unforgettable time I spent on Mafia Island.

Mafia Island Monkey

I stayed for three weeks in the camp and worked alongside the staff members. During the project we helped out on the boat tours for other non-volunteer guests.

There were so many moments when we were able to swim freely with the whale sharks and watch them cruising along in the water. I will never forget the first time I got to swim with the whale shark, which was both crazy and exciting at the same time! My favourite moment was at one point when I got the chance to swim right between two of them, and that is when I realised that there was another one right beneath me! This is a moment I will never forget.

Mafia Island

Going to the whale sharks with these experienced staff members was a responsible way to do so. They approach the animals with patience, knowledge, and respect which creates a stress-free environment for both the animals and the people.

I can really recommend this project because I learnt a lot about marine conservation. The staff members were all very friendly and helpful too, so it made the trip all the better! I also really enjoyed the family atmosphere with my host family Jean, Anne and Maya!! They ensured that I was well looked after throughout my stay.

If you would like to take a trip over to Mafia Island to see the whale sharks first hand, then check out the website today!


Share this Article...

Share this article with your friends and followers by using the social media buttons below.


Leave a Comment...

Wanting to add something to this story or just let us know your thoughts? Just leave your comments below. Please be aware that all comments will be moderated: abusive behaviour or self-promotion will not be allowed.

500 characters remaining

Has this blog inspired you to volunteer? If so, why not enquire today? Simply fill out an enquiry form, and allow a member of our travel team to assist with your query! Please note that blog comments are not monitored by the travel team, so any questions related to bookings may be missed.


Featured Blog Arcticles


Featured Videos


Experience The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! This volunteer project offers you the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species.

Discover The Great White Shark Project

Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation. As a volunteer, not only will you get the incredible opportunity to dive with sharks, but you will also assist the team in raising awareness of the great white as you work alongside tourists and local school children to provide them with knowledge of the local environment and the importance of living in harmony with South Africa’s marine life.

Volunteers Review Their Experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteers talk about their recent experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.

Latest Blog Arcticles


It’s Orangutan Release Time!

It’s Orangutan Release Time!

12 more orangutans have been successfully released back...

Meet 12 orangutan candidates up for release!

Meet 12 orangutan candidates up for release!

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Borneo...

Linda's Samboja Lestari Orangutan Adventure

Linda's Samboja Lestari Orangutan Adventure

Linda Duchin volunteered at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan...

Two Rewilded Cheetahs, Two Years On - A Remarkable Rewilding Story

Two Rewilded Cheetahs, Two Years On - A Remarkable Rewilding Story

Join us on a remarkable rewilding journey as we revisit the...

Janet & Mick's Unforgettable Gorilla Adventure

Janet & Mick's Unforgettable Gorilla Adventure

Janet and Mick joined The Great Gorilla Project last year...

The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

Lauren and James have returned and are ready to relay tales...

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

Team members Lauren and James, joined colleague Georgia to...

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteer Lynne Coe shares her valuable tips on what to...


Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987