Butiama Marine Camp

Excellent for scuba diving and snorkling with whale sharks

The mosquitoes! Bring bug spray or you’ll regret it like I did. Also sunscreen, because there aren’t many shops nearby

My husband and I stayed at this hotel for a few days on our trip to Mafia Island. This review is not related to the staff at the hotel (they were great), nor the rooms (which were fine) but at the management and their blatant and horrible disregard for the safety of the endangered whale sharks that their company profits off of. On the second boat trip my husband and I did, there was an adult male tourist in his mid-50s on our boat with his family. He dove down and touched a whale shark on our last drop of the morning. At the beginning of the trip, the staff clearly outline a distance you are meant to keep away from the animals and explicitly state that you should not touch them. As a result, the animal left - not only ruining the trip for the rest of the people on the boat, but also causing harm to the animal, who happens to be on the endangered species list. The boat staff were not in the water with us at the time. Even though multiple patrons saw this happen, I was the only one who reported this man's behavior to the staff and nothing was done. The man was allowed to stay in the water, the trip was not canceled and the man was not even talked to about his disgusting and immature behavior. As a diver and someone who respects the wild animals who live on this planet, (especially when we are invading their space) I was also appalled by the lack of response from the present staff and this company as a whole. When speaking to other staff later that day, we were told by employees in the dive shop that this happens often and that there are no consequences to the people who disrespect the animals because (to paraphrase) "people come to the island to go on vacation, not to be punished." I am shocked by the lack of care taken by a company that says they care about the ocean. It makes one wonder if they care more about their profit margin than anything.

It was right on the beach and lounge was very nice also the food was good And we had 2 days of snorkeling, in spite of the weather that was a pity over the weather and rain quite a bit but still we had a good time

All was fine only the toilets for the tents was not so clean

Great location right on the marine park perfect for divers. The staff were super friendly and helpful. Breakfast was great. Very relaxed feel.

The set menu dinner wasnt my favourite, but was good value

We liked everything. We booked tents. It was better than we expected. we had normal and clean beds, the washroom was near to the tent and very clear, cleaned regularly. The food was very good, and it has reasonable price.

The tent is a bit uncomfortable for 2 people (no room to pack)

Value for money in the tents and we were surprised to find fans for each of the tents. Bathrooms and tents were cleaned daily. The food was good but served to us cold on a couple of evenings. The staff were very friendly and accommodating,

I am gluten intolerant and even though they tried to accommodate me, breakfast and lunch options were a bit lacking. The showers could do with having at least solar-powered warm water. After 2 very cold dives I could have done with a warmish shower. The dive centre attached to this resort is good, but in a busy period over New years, they seemed to be quite overwhelmed and very disorganised.

Place is located on the beach. Nice chilled atmosphere and very friendly staff. You can get all your meals through the lodge and they host multiple activities.

Nothing.

Butiama Marine Camp is the perfect place to stay in Utende. There are so many activities, Meals are amazing, and the Beach is very walkable and quiet. Would absolutely recommend to all. While it can be a bit pricey with Marine Park fees, it is absolutely worth the convenience and comfort.

Location is excellent, close to a lot of marine activities and boat trips. Breakfast was excellent. The tents were really comfortable as well.

Not much to criticise.