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Speedboat transfer
Speedboat Transfer — Mombasa to Pemba Island
A private crossing to the green island
Pemba Island · Zanzibar ArchipelagoOpen-water crossing
Overview
A private speedboat crossing from the Kenya Coast to Pemba Island in the Zanzibar archipelago, arranged directly with our team.
Pemba is the northern island of the Zanzibar archipelago, and the sea route from the Kenya Coast is the direct way to reach it.
This is a private transfer. The boat is chartered for your group, which means the arrangement is made around your travel plans rather than a published timetable.
Dolphins are seen in these waters, and humpback whales pass through the wider channel during their migration season. Neither is guaranteed, and we will not pretend otherwise — but it is an open-water crossing through good water, and people do see things.
This is an international crossing between Kenya and Tanzania. Passports and current Tanzanian entry requirements apply. Check them well before you travel; we will tell you what we know, but immigration rules are set by governments and they change.
The route
- From
- Kenya Coast (Mombasa area)
- To
- Pemba Island, Tanzania
- Vessel
- Private speedboat
- Crossing time
- Confirmed for your crossing
Departure times
No fixed timetable is published for this route. Departures are arranged directly with you and confirmed in writing, because sea state, tide and immigration processing all affect the crossing.
Documents you need
- Valid passport
- Any visa or entry permission currently required by Tanzania for your nationality
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended
Baggage
Baggage capacity on a speedboat is limited and depends on the number of passengers. Tell us what you are travelling with when you enquire and we will confirm what the boat can carry.
What you might see on the way
- Dolphins
- Humpback whales (seasonal)
These are wild animals in open water. Sightings happen — they are never guaranteed.
Highlights
- Private speedboat charter
- Kenya Coast to Pemba Island
- Open-ocean crossing
- Possible dolphin and seasonal whale sightings
How the crossing works
Before you travel
Documents and confirmation
We confirm the crossing in writing, along with the departure point, the baggage the boat can carry and the documents you will need at immigration.
Departure
Board on the Kenya Coast
Meet the crew at the agreed departure point for the safety brief and boarding.
Crossing
Open water
The run south across open ocean. Keep an eye out — dolphins are seen on this water, and humpback whales pass through seasonally.
Arrival
Pemba Island
Arrival on Pemba and clearance through the arrival formalities.
What’s included
Included
- Private speedboat charter
- Skipper and crew
- Safety equipment and briefing
- Drinking water on board
Not included
- Visas and immigration fees
- Port, harbour or immigration charges — Confirmed in writing if they apply
- Road transfers at either end — Can be arranged
- Travel insurance
- Meals
Departure point
The departure point on the Kenya Coast is confirmed in writing once your crossing is arranged.
Road transfer to the departure point can be arranged from coast hotels. Tell us where you are staying when you enquire.
What to bring
- Your passport and any visa or entry documents required for Tanzania
- A waterproof bag for cameras, phones and documents
- Sun protection and a light windproof layer
- Motion sickness tablets if you are prone to it, taken before boarding
- Only the baggage agreed with us in advance
Important information
- This is an international crossing. A valid passport is required, and Tanzanian entry requirements are set by the Tanzanian government — please check the current rules for your nationality before you travel.
- We do not publish a fixed timetable for this route. Departure is arranged with you directly and confirmed in writing, because sea state and immigration processing both affect it.
- Crossings depend on weather and sea conditions. If it is not safe, we will not run it, and we will tell you as early as we can.
- Baggage is limited on a speedboat. Tell us what you are travelling with when you enquire so we can confirm what the boat can carry.
- Dolphin and whale sightings are possible but never guaranteed.
- 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
How long does the crossing take?
It depends on the sea state and on the exact departure and arrival points, so we confirm a realistic time for your specific crossing in writing rather than publish a figure that would be wrong on half the days of the year.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. This is an international crossing from Kenya into Tanzania. You need a valid passport and whatever entry permission Tanzania currently requires for your nationality.
Will we see whales or dolphins?
Possibly. Dolphins are seen in these waters and humpback whales pass through the region seasonally. Nobody can guarantee a sighting on a crossing and we will not try.
What if the weather is bad?
We do not run crossings in unsafe conditions. If the sea state means the transfer cannot go, we will tell you as early as possible and reschedule or refund according to the terms on your confirmation.
How much baggage can I bring?
A speedboat has real limits. Tell us what you are travelling with when you enquire and we will confirm exactly what can come aboard.
Read before you go
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