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Ras Mbisi Beach

Пляж Рас-Мбиси
Tanzania · Beach · Mafia Island
crystal clear
Best month: October

Best for

Ideal for seekers of solitude and luxurious off-the-grid holidays — 8 km of empty beach with white coral sand and palm trees. Suitable for divers, snorkelers and whale shark watching (October-February). Not suitable for those seeking a lively resort atmosphere.

Best month

October

Water
+27.5°C
Length
8 000 m
Ras Mbisi Beach is a remote beach with white sand and palms, ideal for a secluded retreat. It features calm water and scenic views, popular for swimming and birdwatching. Walks to the sandbanks can be arranged here.
Surface
sand
Waves
calm
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Ras Mbisi Beach is a remote beach with white sand and palms, ideal for a secluded retreat. It features calm water and scenic views, popular for swimming and birdwatching. Walks to the sandbanks can be arranged here.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • 8 km of secluded beach
  • White coral sand
  • Palm trees for natural shade
  • Swimming with whale sharks (October-February)
  • Excellent diving and snorkelling
  • Pristine coral reefs
  • Luxury lodge on the beach
  • Beautiful sunsets

Cons

  • No organised beach
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Remote from airstrip
  • No lifeguards
  • Few hotels
  • Beach not equipped
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for seekers of solitude and luxurious off-the-grid holidays — 8 km of empty beach with white coral sand and palm trees. Suitable for divers, snorkelers and whale shark watching (October-February). Not suitable for those seeking a lively resort atmosphere.
Features
What makes this beach unique
8 km of virtually empty beach with white coral sand and palm trees. Opportunity to swim with whale sharks from October to February — the seasonal migration of these giants attracts divers from around the world.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
required
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
8 000 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
crystal clear
Average Water Temp
+27.5 °C
Max Water Temp
+29.5 °C
Wave Type
calm
Wave Height
0.3 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
October November December
Season end
March
Best month
October
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
low
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
20.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. This is a protected marine reserve area.
Dangerous creatures
sea urchins
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
Yes
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
2 pcs
Best restaurants

Ras Mbisi Lodge Restaurant

Swahili and International

Lodge restaurant with fresh seafood and Swahili dishes

Nearby cuisines

Swahili

Traditional Swahili cuisine with seafood and coconut

Must try: Fresh grilled fish, pilau, samosa
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
sleepy
Crowd Level
wild
Silence Level
quiet
Sunset Quality
exceptional
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
much
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
Yes
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
No
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Hat Towel Swimsuit Water shoes Snorkel mask Cash Water
Best Time to Swim
Best time for swimming with whale sharks is October to February. Morning water is calmer and fewer people.
Local Rules
Do not touch corals or marine life. Do not get too close to whale sharks. Do not leave litter.
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Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Whale Sharks

From October to February you can swim with whale sharks in the waters off Ras Mbisi

Mafia Island Marine Park

One of East Africa-s largest marine reserves with coral reefs

Kitutia Sand Bank

Sandbank for snorkelling and relaxing by boat

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Ras Mbisi Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal clear, average temperature +27.5°C, warms up to +29.5°C in the warmest season. The water is so clear that the bottom is visible even at depth — ideal for snorkelling. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Ras Mbisi Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Ras Mbisi Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special water shoes (aqua shoes) are required — the bottom has rocks, corals or sea urchins. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Ras Mbisi Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 8 000 metres.
Ras Mbisi Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in October, November, December. It ends in March. The best month for a holiday is October. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Ras Mbisi Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Ras Mbisi Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sea urchins. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Ras Mbisi Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Ras Mbisi Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming. A first aid station is available.
Ras Mbisi Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Ras Mbisi Lodge Restaurant. Cuisines available: Swahili. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Ras Mbisi Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Hat, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Snorkel mask, Cash, Water.
Ras Mbisi Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Best time for swimming with whale sharks is October to February. Morning water is calmer and fewer people.
Ras Mbisi Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not touch corals or marine life. Do not get too close to whale sharks. Do not leave litter.
Ras Mbisi Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Ras Mbisi Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for seekers of solitude and luxurious off-the-grid holidays — 8 km of empty beach with white coral sand and palm trees. Suitable for divers, snorkelers and whale shark watching (October-February). Not suitable for those seeking a lively resort atmosphere.
Ras Mbisi Beach: what makes this beach unique?
8 km of virtually empty beach with white coral sand and palm trees. Opportunity to swim with whale sharks from October to February — the seasonal migration of these giants attracts divers from around the world.
Ras Mbisi Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: 8 km of secluded beach, White coral sand, Palm trees for natural shade, Swimming with whale sharks (October-February), Excellent diving and snorkelling, Pristine coral reefs, Luxury lodge on the beach, Beautiful sunsets. Cons: No organised beach, Limited infrastructure, Remote from airstrip, No lifeguards, Few hotels, Beach not equipped.
Ras Mbisi Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Whale Sharks, Mafia Island Marine Park, Kitutia Sand Bank. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Ras Mbisi Beach: how do I get to the city of Mafia Island?
The beach is located near the city of Mafia Island. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Mafia Island.

City

Mafia Island

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.