Mafia Island is served by small-plane flights from Dar es Salaam, operated by Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Tropical Air. The flight takes 30–40 minutes. Flights are small (Cessna Caravan size) and luggage limits are strict — most airlines allow 15 kg total, including hand luggage. Book well in advance during whale shark season (October–March).
By sea, the journey from mainland Tanzania is possible via boat from Nyamisati to Kilindoni, but the crossing takes about 4.5 hours each way and the boat service is irregular. Most visitors fly both ways.
The island has no ATM. Bring cash — US dollars are widely accepted at lodges, Tanzanian shillings everywhere else. Credit cards are not accepted at most places. The internet is slow and intermittent.