Wasini Island & Kisite Marine Park

From Shimoni, south of Diani, dhows head out to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, one of the best-protected reefs on the Kenyan coast. Pods of dolphins often ride alongside the boat on the way, and the snorkelling stop is shallow, clear and busy with reef fish and turtles. Lunch is on Wasini, a car-free island where families walk the coral gardens and boardwalk between courses of Swahili seafood.

How a family visit works

1. 1This is a full day on the water. Get to Shimoni, south of Diani, in time for the dhow departure — operators run the Kisite–Mpunguti trip as a day outing.
2. 2On the crossing, watch for dolphin pods riding the bow. Stay seated; it is a working dhow, not a glass office.
3. 3Snorkel the marine park stop. The water is shallow and clear, with reef fish and often turtles. Use a long-sleeved top; the reef is protected.
4. 4Lunch is on Wasini, which has no cars. Walk the coral gardens and boardwalk between courses of Swahili seafood.
5. 5The return to Shimoni is late afternoon. Pack as for eight hours of sun, salt and a boat — hats, reef-safe sunscreen, a dry layer.
6. 6It sits in the high price band. Confirm with the operator what the day includes before you pay, rather than adding extras at the jetty.

What kids actually do here

• Dhow trip from Shimoni into Kisite–Mpunguti Marine Park
• Dolphins alongside the boat on many crossings
• Shallow snorkelling over coral, reef fish and turtles
• Lunch on car-free Wasini Island
• Coral gardens and a boardwalk between courses
• A full day, not a two-hour snorkel

What to pack

• Reef-safe sunscreen, hats and a long-sleeved snorkel top
• Motion-sickness tablets if anyone is boat-shy
• A dry bag for phones
• A light cover-up for lunch on Wasini

Parent questions

Is this suitable for young children?

It is a full day on the water, aimed at about seven and up. If you have toddlers, the dhow, snorkel stop and long sun exposure are a lot.

Do we drive onto Wasini?

No. Wasini is car-free. You walk the coral gardens and boardwalk after the boat comes in.

Hours, tickets and activity rules change. Confirm the current details on the official site or at the gate before you travel.