Kenya · Snorkelling

Full-Day Diani Beach to Shimoni Marine Park Tour with Dhow Snorkelling

1 Hour Round trip from Diani Beach Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Snorkel vibrant coral reefs among exotic fish and protected marine life
02 Cruise to Kisite Marine Park aboard a traditional Arab dhow
03 Spot Green and Hawksbill turtles, dolphins, and seasonal humpback whales
04 Explore the historic Shimoni slave caves with cultural insight

Embark on a captivating exploration of Shimoni's coastal wonders, passing through picturesque landscapes and historic fishing villages before cruising to Kisite Marine Park aboard a traditional dhow. Encounter a diverse marine ecosystem, including turtles, dolphins, and, between July and December, humpback whales. Guided snorkelling reveals vibrant coral reefs, exotic fish, and protected sea plants, while a visit to the historic Shimoni slave caves offers poignant insight into the region's past. Return enriched with memories of the coast's natural beauty and historical significance.

Embark on a captivating exploration of Shimoni's coastal wonders, passing through picturesque landscapes and historic fishing villages before cruising to Kisite Marine Park aboard a traditional dhow.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Hour

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Cities Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, Wasini Island

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Wasini Island, Kisite Marine Park and Shimoni Slave Caves

Pick-up is from the coastal areas, Diani Beach, and surrounding areas between 07.00 am and 08.00 am.
If you are staying in Mombasa or the North Coast, pick-up time will be 05.30 am.
The drive from Mombasa to Shimoni is about two hours, depending on ferry traffic.
The drive from Diani Beach to Shimoni takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Enjoy a drive past the Ramisi sugar plantation.
Along the way, you can see rural villages, tall palm trees, and lush greenery.
Arrive at Shimoni's historic small fishing village at around 08.30 am.
On arrival at Shimoni Pier, board a traditional Arab dhow for a cruise to Kisite Marine Park.
The park is famous for its turtle population, and Green and Hawksbill turtles are normally spotted in their hangouts around the park.
The reef offers sanctuary to over 200 dolphins, including spinner, humpback, and bottlenose dolphins, seen as single individuals or, more commonly, in pods of 2-25 breaking above the waves.
If you are fortunate enough to visit between July and December, you may also spot humpback whales, which raise their calves in these warm waters during this period.
As you sail out on the Indian Ocean, there is a high chance of spotting dolphins.
The boat ride to the Marine Park takes about an hour.
You will then snorkel and marvel at the rich marine life, where corals, exotic fish, and sea plants are protected.
Masks and snorkels are provided, and you will be accompanied by a certified and experienced guide.
Assistance is also available for first-timers.
Snorkelling takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, after which you can get back on board and refresh yourself with fruits and soft drinks.
During low tide, a sandbank appears where you can relax and sunbathe.
Lunch follows at noon and is served from 12.30 pm. Sail to the mainland, where a tropical seafood lunch awaits you.
The menu includes crab, fish, and rice with coconut sauce.
You can also opt for a chicken or vegetarian menu.
After lunch, visit the Shimoni slave caves, where a guide will lead you through the caves where enslaved people were "stored" during the old slave trading days before shipment to the Zanzibar slave market. This is a 15-minute tour.
Departure from Shimoni is at 3.30 pm, followed by drop-off at your respective hotel or villa.