Wasini Island & Kisite Marine Park Day Trip
Wild dolphins, snorkeling in a protected marine park, a traditional dhow sail and a long Swahili seafood lunch — the whole south-coast day, handled end to end.
The Wasini Island day trip, in a nutshell
What is the Wasini Island and Kisite Marine Park day trip?
It’s a full-day guided excursion from Kenya’s south coast that combines dolphin watching in the Pemba Channel, snorkeling over the coral gardens of Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, a traditional dhow sail, and a Swahili seafood lunch on Wasini Island. A typical day runs about 07:00 to 17:00 with hotel pickup from Diani, Mombasa or Shimoni, and includes transfers, the boat, snorkeling gear, a guide and lunch. You can join a shared group departure or book a private charter. The KWS marine-park conservation fee is paid separately, per person.
Prefer to compare options first? See all Wasini tours, or read the wider island guide.
Four experiences, one day
Your day on the Wasini trip
Times are approximate and shift with tides and your pickup point — but the shape of the day is reliably this.
- 6:30–7:30Hotel pickup and the scenic drive south to Shimoni.
- ~8:30Arrive Shimoni, safety briefing at the KWS jetty and board your dhow.
- ~9:00Dolphin search out in the Pemba Channel.
- ~10:00Snorkeling over the coral gardens inside Kisite Marine Park.
- ~12:30Cross to Wasini for the long Swahili seafood lunch.
- ~14:00Coral Gardens boardwalk and a village wander.
- ~15:00Optional Shimoni slave caves on the way back.
- ~17:00Return to your hotel.
Add-ons like the Shimoni slave caves vary by operator — ask when you book.
What’s included — and what’s extra
Included
- Return hotel transfers (Diani / Mombasa) or jetty meet (Shimoni)
- Dhow boat trip & dolphin search
- Snorkeling equipment & guide
- Swahili seafood lunch on Wasini
- Drinking water / soft drinks (operator-dependent)
Not included
- KWS marine-park conservation fee (~US$25 non-resident adult), paid per person
- Shimoni slave caves entry, if added
- Alcoholic drinks & personal extras
- Tips for crew and guide
- Scuba diving (a separate diving trip)
Full cost breakdown: Wasini trip costs · marine-park fees.
Shared or private — and what it costs
How much does the Wasini day trip cost?
The price depends on your pickup point, group size, and whether you choose a shared group tour or a private charter, and it usually bundles transfers, the dhow, snorkeling, a guide and lunch. The marine-park fee is added per person. For an accurate, current quote, send your date, group size and pickup point via the booking request below.
👥 Shared group tour
The budget-friendly option on a scheduled departure with other guests.
Shared dhow tour🛥️ Private charter
Your own boat and pace — ideal for families, groups and special occasions.
Private dhow charterPickup from Diani, Mombasa or Shimoni
| Pickup | Drive to Shimoni | Typical pickup | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diani Beach / Ukunda | ~2 hrs | ~06:30–07:00 | From Diani → |
| Mombasa / Nyali / Bamburi | ~2.5 hrs | ~06:00 (earlier) | From Mombasa → |
| Shimoni (at the jetty) | — | Meet ~08:30 | From Shimoni → |
Not sure how to reach the coast? See how to get to Wasini.
Is this trip right for you?
Great for
- Families, couples and first-time snorkelers
- Anyone wanting wildlife, culture and food in one day
- Confident and non-swimmers alike (life jackets provided)
Come prepared for
- An early start and a full, unhurried day
- Open-water boating — bring motion-sickness tablets if prone
- Sun and limited shade — see what to pack
- Wild dolphins — common but never guaranteed
Best conditions fall Dec–Mar and Jun–Oct — see best time to visit.
Check availability & request your booking
Tell us your preferred date, number of guests and pickup point, and whether you’d like a shared or private trip. We’ll confirm availability, the all-in price and the meeting details. Boat seats are limited, so booking ahead — especially December–March — is wise.
Request availabilityWasini day trip FAQ
How long is the Wasini Island day trip?
A full day — roughly 07:00 to 17:00 including hotel transfers. The time on the water and on the island is around five to six hours.
What’s included in the price?
Transfers, the dhow trip and dolphin search, snorkeling gear and a guide, and the Swahili seafood lunch. The marine-park fee, drinks and tips are extra.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — boat capacity is limited and the marine-park crossing is arranged ahead, especially in peak season (December–March) and around holidays. Use the booking request above.
Can non-swimmers join?
Yes. Life jackets are provided and the snorkeling happens in calm, shallow areas; you can stay on the boat during snorkel stops if you prefer.
Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
No — these are wild animals. Sightings are common in the Pemba Channel year-round, especially in the calm morning hours, but never guaranteed. See the dolphin guide.
Ready for your Wasini day?
Dolphins, Kisite snorkeling, a dhow sail and the seafood lunch — handled end to end.
Last verified: July 2026. Inclusions, timings and prices vary by operator — confirm when you book.