The Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, located off the coast of Kenya near Shimoni, is renowned for its pristine coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and opportunities to spot dolphins. This day trip from Diani Beach or Mombasa offers an adventure-filled day of snorkeling, diving, dolphin spotting, and relaxation in a beautiful marine sanctuary. Perfect for sea lovers, this excursion combines natural beauty with cultural experiences.
Early Morning: Departure and Scenic Drive to Shimoni
6:30 AM – Pickup and Transfer from Diani Beach or Mombasa
- Hotel Pickup: Begin your day with an early pickup from your hotel in Diani Beach (about a 1-hour drive) or Mombasa (about a 2-hour drive). Meet your guide, who will brief you on the day’s activities and ensure you have everything you need for a day on the water.
- Scenic Coastal Drive to Shimoni: Enjoy a picturesque drive along the coastline, passing through small villages, coconut palms, and baobab trees. This drive is an opportunity to see local life along the Kenyan coast.
8:00 AM – Arrival at Shimoni Village
- Check-In and Briefing: Arrive at Shimoni, where you’ll be greeted by the excursion team. Receive a briefing about marine park regulations, snorkeling/diving guidelines, and safety measures. Your guide will also inform you about the marine life you may encounter, including dolphins, turtles, and various fish species.
Morning: Dolphin Spotting and Snorkeling
8:30 AM – Departure by Dhow to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
- Boarding the Traditional Dhow: Board a traditional wooden dhow, specially outfitted for marine excursions. The crew will provide you with snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) and, for divers, the necessary equipment. Set sail toward Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, with a scenic view of the Indian Ocean.
9:30 AM – Dolphin Spotting near Kisite Island
- Dolphin Watching: The channel between Shimoni and Kisite Island is often visited by pods of bottlenose and humpback dolphins. The dhow crew will keep a lookout and gently approach any pods for optimal viewing. Watch the dolphins swim, play, and jump alongside the boat—a highlight of the trip.
10:00 AM – Snorkeling at Kisite Marine Park
- Snorkeling in the Coral Reefs: Arrive at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and start your snorkeling adventure. Jump into the warm, clear waters to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. You’ll see angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, sea urchins, and possibly even sea turtles. The visibility is excellent, allowing you to fully appreciate the underwater beauty.
- Guided Snorkeling: Experienced guides will accompany you, ensuring safety and pointing out interesting sea creatures. They may also provide information on coral conservation and marine ecology.
Optional Diving (If Pre-Arranged):
- Diving Experience: For certified divers, this is an ideal spot for diving with reefs and underwater channels. Kisite Marine Park is known for its rich coral gardens and underwater diversity, and diving allows you to explore these habitats up close.
Late Morning to Early Afternoon: Marine Exploration and Beach Picnic
11:30 AM – Beach Picnic on a Sandbar or Kisite Island
- Relax on a Sandbar or Small Island Beach: If the tide is low, the dhow will anchor near a sandbar where you can relax on soft sands and enjoy the ocean views. Here, you’ll have some free time to take photos, sunbathe, or wade in the shallow waters.
- Light Refreshments: Enjoy light snacks and refreshments provided by the crew as you relax on the sand.
12:00 PM – Second Snorkeling Session (Optional)
- Additional Snorkeling or Swimming: For those wanting more underwater time, a second snorkeling session is available. This is a great opportunity to explore different parts of the reef and spot more species. If you prefer to relax, you can stay on the dhow or on the beach.
Afternoon: Lunch and Cultural Visit to Wasini Island
1:00 PM – Traditional Swahili Lunch on Wasini Island
- Sail to Wasini Island: After snorkeling, sail to nearby Wasini Island, a small island known for its traditional Swahili culture and coral gardens. Here, you’ll be treated to a delicious Swahili-style lunch at a local restaurant or guesthouse.
- Lunch Menu: The lunch typically features freshly caught seafood (such as crab, fish, or prawns), coconut rice, chapati, seasonal fruits, and vegetarian options. Savor the rich flavors of coastal Swahili cuisine while enjoying views of the ocean.
2:00 PM – Wasini Island Village Tour and Optional Coral Garden Walk
- Explore Wasini Village: After lunch, take a guided tour of Wasini village to experience the unique Swahili culture. Walk through narrow paths, learn about the local way of life, and see traditional Swahili architecture.
- Visit the Coral Garden and Mangroves (Optional): For an additional small fee, you can visit Wasini’s coral garden and mangrove forest. The coral garden, accessible via wooden boardwalks, offers a fascinating glimpse of fossilized coral formations and resilient mangrove forests that thrive along the shore.
Late Afternoon: Return Journey to Shimoni and Hotel Drop-Off
3:30 PM – Board Dhow and Return to Shimoni
- Scenic Sail Back to Shimoni: Board the dhow for the sail back to Shimoni. Reflect on the day’s experiences as you enjoy the sea breeze and picturesque views of the Indian Ocean.
4:00 PM – Arrival in Shimoni and Transfer Back to Hotel
- Disembark and Refresh: Arrive back at Shimoni, where you’ll have a chance to refresh before beginning the drive back to your hotel.
- Visit the Shimoni Slave Caves (Optional): If time permits, take a quick visit to the Shimoni Slave Caves, a historical site that sheds light on Kenya’s slave trade history. The caves were used as holding areas for enslaved people before they were shipped overseas. This brief but powerful tour can add cultural and historical depth to your day.
5:00 PM – Drive Back to Hotel
- Return Drive: Begin the drive back to your hotel in Diani Beach or Mombasa, reflecting on the day’s adventures in the marine park.
6:30 PM – Arrival at Hotel
- Drop-Off at Hotel: Arrive back at your hotel, marking the end of your Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park excursion.
End of Day Trip
This Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park day excursion combines thrilling marine activities, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. From dolphin sightings and vibrant coral reefs to the scenic charm of Wasini Island, this day trip offers an immersive and memorable way to experience Kenya’s coastal wonders.