Wasini Island

Wasini Dolphin Tour

Dolphins, coral gardens and a Swahili lunch on a car-free island

Wasini Island · South Coast · Kwale CountyFull dayEasy — some swimming and uneven ground

A dolphin swimming underwater in Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park

A parrotfish over coral while snorkelling in Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park

Wind-sculpted coral rag in the coral garden on Wasini Island

Overview

A full day on Kenya’s far south coast: dolphin watching in the channel, snorkelling over the Kisite reefs, and lunch on Wasini Island.

This is the day most people picture when they think of the Kenya Coast. You travel south to Shimoni, board a boat, and spend the morning on the channel between the mainland and Wasini Island — an area where dolphins are regularly seen.

From there the boat continues out towards the reefs of the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area. The snorkelling here is over living coral rather than sand, in warm, shallow, sheltered water, so it suits confident swimmers and nervous first-timers alike. Equipment and a guide in the water are part of the day.

Lunch is on Wasini itself — a Swahili seafood meal in the village, followed by time to walk the coral garden boardwalk and see something of an island that has no cars on it at all. Many guests also visit the Shimoni slave caves beneath the mainland village, a sobering and important part of this coastline's history.

Highlights

Snorkelling
Dolphin watching
Coral gardens
Swahili seafood lunch
Village walk
Shimoni slave caves

Itinerary

Pickup
Collection from your hotel
We collect you from the Mombasa north or south coast and travel south along the coast road towards Shimoni.
On the water
Into the channel
Board the boat at Shimoni and head out into the channel between the mainland and Wasini Island — the stretch of water where dolphins are most often seen.
Reef
Snorkelling the Kisite reefs
Continue to the reefs of the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area for snorkelling over living coral, with equipment and a guide in the water with you.
Midday
Lunch on Wasini Island
Come ashore for a Swahili seafood lunch in the village, with time to sit in the shade before the afternoon.
Afternoon
Coral garden and village walk
Walk the coral garden boardwalk across the raised, wind-sculpted coral rag, and see something of village life and the baobabs behind it.
Return
Shimoni caves and the road home
Back on the mainland there is usually the option to visit the Shimoni slave caves before the drive back to your hotel.

What’s included

Included

Boat transport — Shimoni to Wasini and out to the reef
Snorkelling equipment — Mask, snorkel and fins
Local guide — In the water and on the island
Swahili seafood lunch — On Wasini Island
Drinking water on board
Road transfer — From coast hotels, by arrangement

Not included

Marine park entry fees — Set by Kenya Wildlife Service
Shimoni caves entry fee
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and souvenirs

Meeting point & pickup

Boats depart from Shimoni on the mainland. Most guests are collected from their hotel; if you prefer to meet us at Shimoni we will confirm the exact point in writing.

Hotel pickup can be arranged from the Mombasa north and south coast. Tell us where you are staying when you book and we will confirm the arrangement and timing.

What to bring

Swimwear and a towel
Reef-safe sun cream and a hat
A light cover-up for the boat
Cash for park fees, drinks and anything you buy in the village
A waterproof bag or case for anything you would rather not soak
Any medication you need, including motion sickness tablets if you are prone to it

Important information

Exact departure and return times are confirmed in writing when your booking is confirmed. Timings on this coast follow the tide, the sea state and the day’s conditions rather than a fixed timetable.
Wildlife is wild. We go to the places these animals are usually found and we give you the best chance we can, but no sighting can be guaranteed by us or by anyone else.
Marine park entry fees are set by Kenya Wildlife Service and are payable separately unless we confirm otherwise in writing.
The day involves getting in and out of a boat and a walk on uneven coral paths. Tell us about mobility needs when you book and we will tell you honestly whether this trip works for you.
What is and is not included is restated on your booking confirmation. If anything here is unclear, ask us before you pay anything.

Frequently asked questions

Will we definitely see dolphins?

No, and be careful of anyone who promises you otherwise. Dolphins are regularly seen in this channel and our crews know where to look, but they are wild animals moving through open water. We will give you the best chance we can.

Do I need to be able to swim?

You do not need to be a strong swimmer. The snorkelling is in shallow, sheltered water, buoyancy aids are available and a guide stays in the water with the group. If you would rather stay on the boat, that is completely fine.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes, families do this trip regularly. Tell us the ages of everyone travelling when you book so we can arrange the right equipment and the right boat.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Safety decides. If the sea state makes the crossing unsafe we will tell you before you travel and reschedule or refund according to the terms on your booking confirmation.

How much are the marine park fees?

Park fees are set by Kenya Wildlife Service and can change, so we will confirm the current amount for your date in writing rather than quote a figure here that might be out of date.