Shimoni

Swim with dolphins

Embark on an adventurous day trip with a dhow cruise along the Kenyan coast. Benefit from hotel transfers from Diani Beach, Tiwi, Mombasa, Shanzu, or Mtwapa. Enjoy a blend of natural beauty, marine life encounters, seafood flavors, cultural experiences, and historical insights. Begin your day with a dhow cruise, a traditional Arabian sailing vessel, to the waters of the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. As you glide through the azure waters, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins leaping alongside the boat, providing an exhilarating display of their aquatic prowess. Upon arrival at the marine park, be greeted by a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life and coral formations. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, experiencing the wonders beneath the surface. Swim among tropical fish and turtles, and encounter rays or reef sharks if you’re lucky. After your aquatic adventures, sail to Wasini Island. Savor a seafood lunch featuring the fresh catch of the day. Relish in the flavors of succulent seafood delicacies, prepared with local spices and culinary expertise, while enjoying the island’s tranquil ambiance and scenic views. Following lunch, take a stroll through the village on Wasini Island, interacting with the friendly residents and gaining insight into the local culture and way of life. You can also choose to take a tour of the Shimoni slave caves, a historical site offering a glimpse into the region's dark past. As the day draws to a close, board the dhow once again. On the cruise back to the mainland, relish the picturesque coastal scenery one last time, cherishing the beauty of the Kenyan coastline as the sun sets. Finally, get dropped off at your hotel.

Drive to Wasini Island along Mombasa – Lunga Lunga highway, a distance of 45 km to the south of Diani, arriving at around 8.30 am at the Shimoni KWS for ticketing then we start the boat ride for one hour searching for dolphins. We have a light breakfast, fruit, and some soft drinks onboard. Sail to Kisite Marine National Park where you will snorkel and swim for 1 to 2 hrs. Afterward, we sail back to Wasini Island for lunch mainly seafood and Swahili dishes (we have an option for the non-seafood that is vegetarian/ chicken). After lunch, you can have a village walk for about 30 minutes on the Island and then sail back to Shimoni jetty arriving at around 3:30 pm. We then proceed to Shimoni Slave caves just 200m from Shimoni jetty. Learn the history of slavery in the area while touring the cave. The cave stop takes between 20 and 30 minutes. Then you drive back to your hotel arriving at around 5:00 pm.

You will be collected from your hotel in Diani Beach and drive to Shimoni, a small fishing village. On the way, pass by small villages, sugar cane plantations and fields of cassava.  In Shimoni you will board a traditional Arabian Dhow to cruise to the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. Be sure to look out for dolphins as you head out to sea. Tea, coffee, mineral water, soft drinks, biscuits, mandazis and pizza bread will be served on the dhow. You'll go snorkeling at two different sites. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, so bring your camera. If you have an underwater one, even better. Lunch will be served on Wasini Island at a private cliff-top restaurant. Admire the views and enjoy a delicious meal of fish and crab, followed by citronella tea or fresh Kenyan coffee. After lunch, relax for a while and then head back to the mainland to take a bus back to your hotel.

Pickup and Morning Road Trip: You will be Pickup from Hotel/ Pickup piont in Diani or Mombasa early in the morning and embark on a road trip to Simoni Village Boat Excursion & Dolphin Watching: After checking in with (KWS) we'll Embark on a sailing trip on a traditional Arab dhow or fiber boat from Shimoni to Kisite Mpunguti National Park, during this sail, we'll be triyinng to look out for Dolphins in their natural habitat. Snorkeling at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park: You'll have a guided snorkeling adventure at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, exploring vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Island Cuisine: After the snorkeling activity we'll sail to wasini Island where a Sumptuous seafood lunch will be waiting. Village Walk: After lunch, you can opt to have a walk (stroll) in Wasini Island before we sailing back to shimoni mainland. Evening Road Trip and drop-off: You will embark on an evening road trip back to the pickup points in Diani or Mombasa.

Embark on a budget-friendly Wasini Island excursion from Diani. Sail on an Arabic dhow cruise, spot dolphins, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a seafood lunch and visit the Shimoni slave caves. Start your day with a pick-up from your hotel in Diani at 7:30 AM. Drive to Shimoni, where you will board a boat and set sail to Wasini Island. Enjoy a light breakfast and soft drinks on board as you take in the stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins as you cruise along the coast. Once you arrive at Wasini Island, swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Spot colorful fish, beautiful marine life, and sea turtles. Enjoy a seafood lunch in a private restaurant on the island. After lunch, take a guided tour of Wasini Village and learn about the local culture. Visit the Shimoni slave caves and learn about the history of slavery in Kenya. After a day of adventure, sail back to the mainland and be dropped off back at your hotel in Diani.

After breakfast, you will be picked up and drive to Wasini Islands which is located Just 20 km south of the Island lies the Wasini Marine Reserve. The reserve is endowed with several marine animals. Your guide will then introduce you to this experienced seafarer who will welcome you to Shimoni and their Dhows. They will sail you through this cool blue Indian ocean waters en route to Mupunguti Island to see Dolphins. Over the years these experienced sea guides have been operating dhow safaris & have a wealth of knowledge about the region. During your day on the Wasini Island Tour from Diani, information will be shared about the 3 Islands, the Origin of the inhabitants of Wasini Island, Slave caves, Dolphin sporting points, and the Marine-life watching site on Kisite Island. It is so much fun when whistles feel the air as your Wasini island tour guides try to draw the Dolphin's attention, who emerge from the deeper waters and swim towards your boat. Some time shall be spent here on Mupunguti island while watching these amazing sea creatures as they make fun of you. After that/ before the water levels start going up, Sail to Kisite Island. This is one of the best attractions point Kenya’s marine Waters. Snorkelers and experienced divers frequent the island due to its richness of colorful aquatic life. Swimmers and those seeking sun birthing shall take delight in the shallow waters around this Kisite Island. Here snorkelers will marvel at the incredible variety of marine life in the warm waters of Kisite Island. It’s also a venue for numerous ocean birds. We escort Scuba divers to explore several excellent dive sites, also teeming with an astounding variety of Marine life that inhabit the magnificent coral reefs in and around the Marine Park. After snorkeling, diving, swimming, and sunbathing sail to Wasini Island. A sumptuous Swahili-style seafood lunch shall be served in Wasini Island restaurant. Thereafter visit the traditional village and the island caves.

Start your day with a pickup from your hotel in the early morning. As you journey through the beautiful coastal landscape, enjoy views of charming properties and lush palm plantations. Arrive around 8:00 AM and board a boat to sail along the stunning Wasini Canal. Snorkel at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park. Here, you’ll have a chance to spot dolphins (95% chance), vibrant marine life, and maybe even sea turtles. After enjoying the vibrant underwater world, take a short tour of Mkwiro Village on Wasini Island. This is an opportunity to learn about life on the island and connect with the community. If you have small donations like books, sanitary towels, or gently used clothes, they’ll be warmly received by local families. Following the village visit, head back to Shimoni for a delicious Swahili lunch. The meal is prepared by local women, giving you the chance to support their work while indulging in the rich flavors of authentic coastal cuisine. Finally, visit the Shimoni Slave Caves, a community-run historical site. Here, you’ll learn about the dark history of the slave trade and its abolition while supporting a meaningful local initiative. By joining this tour, you not only enjoy a memorable experience but also contribute directly to the communities of Wasini and Shimoni.

07h15: Diani hotel pick up in a shared van towards Shimoni Village an hour ride down south of Diani. 08h30: At Shimoni kws offices for ticketing and exchange if clothes. There are locals selling some crafts, plastic shoes to walk in the water, swim costumes, bottled water as plastic bottles are not allowed. Can carry yours or buy from there. 09h00: Board the boat towards kisite island marine park. An hour boat ride to the park whole looking for dolphins in the way. When seen boat gets closer and allow you enjoy them and take closer pictures. 1030: At kisite marine park for 2 wonderful hours for guided Snorkeling, swim with dolphins when seen in the park area, okay Ng at the sanbank (tide allowing) 1230: Ride to Wasini island for lunch...cooked rice with fish or crabs or both, potatoes,chapati, fruits and vegetables. Lobster, Prawns or drinks you buy direct at the restaurant if need. Optional walk to the village and walk on the board walk to the mangrove and old corals..pay direct entrance 400 per person. 15h00: Boat to Shimoni Village mainland Later ride back to the hotel. Full day full of fun!!