Wasini Island
Know Before You Go
Quick IntelEstimated Cost
Group excursions typically range from KSH 5,000 to 10,000 per person, including lunch and snorkeling.
Best For
Perfect for adventurous travelers, ocean lovers, and groups looking for a full-day marine excursion.
Access & Logistics
Access is exclusively by boat from Shimoni; cash or M-Pesa is preferred for local boat operators and village guides.
Operating Hours
Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (dependent on tide and weather conditions).
Editor's Review
Wasini Island is a serene, car-free sanctuary located off the coast of Shimoni, south of Mombasa. Reaching the island requires a boat transfer, which is best arranged through reputable local guides or hotels to ensure safety and fair pricing. The journey itself is part of the adventure, often featuring dolphin sightings, though visitors should be prepared for potential sea swells during the 40-minute crossing.
For those looking for a budget-friendly way to enjoy the area, skip the full-day luxury packages and hire a local boat captain directly from the Shimoni pier for a shorter, customized trip to the coral reef, then enjoy a simple, authentic meal of fresh catch at one of the village's smaller, non-tourist eateries.
The Cost: Expect to pay between KSH 5,000 and 10,000 per person for a comprehensive package including boat transfers, snorkeling gear, and lunch. Private boat hires can be more expensive if not shared among a group, and individual meal prices at village restaurants vary depending on the seafood platter selected.
The Experience: Visiting Wasini is a physically engaging experience that involves boarding small boats, walking through rugged, unpaved village paths, and spending significant time in the water. The terrain is natural and uneven, so comfortable footwear is essential for the village tour, while the snorkeling requires basic swimming confidence and the use of life-saver tubes if you are not a strong swimmer.
What you can see: Highlights include the breathtaking, vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, the fascinating and eerie dead coral forest, and the opportunity to spot wild dolphins and turtles in their natural habitat. The island also offers a unique, intimate look at local Swahili village life in a tranquil setting devoid of modern traffic.
Final Verdict: Wasini Island offers an unforgettable marine adventure that balances natural beauty with local culture. While the boat ride can be demanding and the food prices sometimes lean toward the tourist-premium side, the combination of pristine snorkeling and the peaceful, car-free environment makes it a quintessential coastal excursion worth the effort.
More Details
Explorer Ken's Advice
"Bring your own high-quality snorkel gear to ensure comfort and hygiene, as shared equipment is often the only option provided."
Things to Consider
The boat ride from the mainland can be quite bumpy and windy; if you are prone to seasickness, take medication before departure.
Feedback
Top Google Reviews
Stay at Friends Betty's Bay
Wasini island and the Mpunguti iland was awesome. We saw dolphins on our way to the iland. The Mpunguti iland is snow white. Dont be afraid of the reeve, make use of the lifesavers tube, if you are afraid. I was afraid, used a tube and saw beautiful tropical fish. What a wonderful experience. The boatrip was a fantastic. adventure. We booked through Rama from Southern Palms Beach hotel. The snorkeling was an amazing experience, seeing the beautiful tropical fish on coral reefs. We would have liked to snorkeling for a longer period. The ship crew Bla Bla was polite and informed
Philip WB
Took a private boat to the island and maybe see the dolphins. It's a great trip, though expensive if you don't go in a group. Food at the restaurant is OK, pricey for what it is, but part of the deal. Did some snorkeling, which was excellent, but didn't see any dolphins. The trip in the boat out to the reef is 40 minutes one way against the wind, so quite bumpy, be prepared!
Tofu Bytes
Amazing experience! We rented a private boat from Omar and had the best experience! Our tour stopped in the village to have fantastic lunch and visit the island. The dead coral forest was very interesting to see. The corals were breathtaking, I strongly suggest bringing your own snorkel if you can, we didn’t have ours with us and couldn’t find a place to buy. However they provide you snorkels if you are okay using a shared one. I survived with the googles but still enjoyed it to the fullest.
Enid Kathambi
I visited the island a while back and I really enjoyed the experience. Watching the dolphins was such an highlight. Besides the dolphins, there’s the magnificent coral reef and the snorkeling. After these activities, later in the afternoon, we had lunch at the local eateries. The food was okay-ish, hence the lack of a 4*. My family and I ordered a platter is extra sea food since but I’d honestly say the price was not worth it. Just have what’s already prepped for the group, which you also do get to choose what to eat. After lunch, was a small tour of the village. It’s tiny and the tour took us less than 10-20 minutes to finish. All in all, great experience!
ZS Cerpas
Nice excursion by ship. Experience includes dolfin and turtle watching. Snorkeling is also an option from the ship.
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