Funzi Island day trip: Mangroves, sandbanks, sea turtles

Mangrove forests, tidal sandbanks and a working village in one morning or afternoon

A day trip to Funzi Island, off Kenya's southeastern coast, combines a boat ride through mangrove habitat, a walk across exposed sandbanks at low tide, a visit to the island village, and a seafood lunch. The tour runs 8 to 18 hours depending on tides and your schedule. A live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language leads the group, and shared transport with hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Funzi Island and surroundings

• Boat ride at Ramisi River
• Sandbank tour
• Marine sightseeing
• Funzi Village walk
• Crocodile spotting
• Swimming
• Seafood lunch
• Birdwatching
• Sundowner
• Explore mangrove forest
• Sunbathe and swim at sandbanks

The experience

Funzi Island sits in a tidal zone where the rhythm of the ocean shapes what you see. The mangrove forest that rings the island is a nursery for sea turtles (the animals are the main draw here), and at low tide the sandbanks emerge to give you open views across the Indian Ocean. You swim and sunbathe on the exposed sand. When the tide returns, the landscape changes entirely. The boat ride up the Ramisi River is where you spot crocodiles and watch for birds. The village walk puts you on foot through the settlement itself, and lunch is fresh seafood caught locally.

The day unfolds around tidal timing, which is why the duration varies. You'll ride in a shared boat with other travelers and return by shared transport to your hotel. A guide who speaks your language stays with the group throughout, pointing out wildlife and explaining how the island works: the mangroves, the turtles, the seasonal patterns that govern life here. Water and lunch are provided. You bring your own sun protection and swimwear.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport.
• boat ride on the Ramisi River.
• sandbank tour.
• village walk.
• marine sightseeing and birdwatching.
• crocodile spotting.
• swimming.
• seafood lunch.
• bottled water.
• live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 21

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 41 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Elky Diani Beach Holiday

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day exploring the island's ecosystem with other travelers, and you're flexible with departure times that shift with the tides.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What is the mangrove forest on Funzi Island used for?

The mangrove forest provides a natural habitat and breeding ground for sea turtles, which are protected here and considered a source of pride for Kenya's marine conservation.

Can I swim and sunbathe during this day trip?

Yes, swimming and sunbathing happen on the sandbanks that emerge at low tide, when the Indian Ocean views are clearest and the sand is exposed and firm.

What animals might I see on the boat ride?

Crocodiles are spotted along the Ramisi River during the boat ride, and birdwatching is part of the day. The guide will point out species as you travel.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, a seafood lunch is included and prepared with catch from local waters. Bottled water is also provided throughout the day.

How does the shared transport work?

Hotel pickup is included, and you travel to and from Funzi Island with other travelers in shared transport. The boat itself is also shared with other groups on the day.