Mangrove Boat Trip on Chole Bay

Aerial view of a paddle boarder gliding along a narrow channel through dense green mangroves on Chole Island

In the northeast of Chole Bay, a hidden, winding channel runs through the mangroves. Drift through it by boat, in the cool shade of trees that have stood here for centuries.Tell your crew which drinks you would like to bring along.

Kingfishers and the sounds of the village

As the boat rocks gently, listen for the blue and green kingfishers flying around you, and the distant laughter of village children carried on the breeze. It is one of the quietest ways to spend an hour or two on Chole Bay.

Why the mangroves matter

Chole Island is largely surrounded by mangroves. Their roots are nurseries for fish and other marine animals. They filter and clean the seawater and protect the island’s shores from erosion by waves and rain.

The trip runs for a minimum of two guests, and our managers plan the next day’s activities with you each evening.

See prices for this and all our activities (PDF)

 

Aerial view of a boat heading up a winding mangrove channel through dense forest towards the open sea, Chole Bay An African fish eagle perched at the top of a mangrove tree against a clear blue sky, Chole Bay, Mafia Island A mangrove bush grows out of clear turquoise water in front of a low coral-rock shore covered in green scrub View from the bow of a wooden dhow sailing up a wide mangrove channel under a clear blue sky, Chole Bay

Details

Duration: A few hours

Start Location: Chole Mjini

Departure Times: High tide only

Highlights

  • A hidden, winding channel through the mangroves
  • Blue and green kingfishers
  • The cool shade of centuries-old mangroves
  • Mangrove nurseries for fish and marine life
  • Drinks of your choice on board