Snorkeling at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park from Diani Beach

Dolphins, coral reefs, a Swahili lunch, and centuries of history in one day

A full-day snorkeling tour from Diani Beach to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, where you board a traditional dhow or motorboat at Shimoni Jetty, spend the morning in the water among dolphins and coral, then move to Wasini Island for seafood lunch and a village walk before exploring the Shimoni Slave Caves. Hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, professional marine guides, and park entry are included; the day runs nine hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin safari, snorkeling, and cultural tour

• Transfer from Diani Beach to Shimoni
• Arrive at Shimoni Jetty
• Boat trip to Kisite Marine Park
• Snorkel among dolphins and coral reefs
• Boat transfer to Wasini Island
• Enjoy seafood lunch on Wasini Island
• Guided walk in Wasini village
• Explore mangrove forests and viewpoints
• Return to Shimoni
• Guided tour of Shimoni Slave Caves
• Transfer back to hotel

The Experience

The morning starts with a transfer from your Diani Beach, Mombasa or Tiwi hotel to Shimoni Village, where you board either a traditional dhow or a fiber motorboat. The boat crosses the Indian Ocean toward Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, and dolphins often appear on the crossing. Once you reach the park, you enter the water with full snorkeling equipment—mask, fins, wetsuit if you want one—and a professional marine guide. The morning is spent among the coral reefs and tropical fish the park is known for, with the guide pointing out what moves below and keeping watch on the group.

After snorkeling, the boat carries you to Wasini Island for lunch. A local restaurant serves fresh Swahili seafood—crabs and fish caught that morning, or chicken and vegetables if you prefer—with views across the Indian Ocean. The afternoon includes a guided walk through Wasini village, where the guide explains local coastal culture and the everyday rhythms of life on the island. You'll see how people live and work in a place most visitors pass through without stopping.

Before heading back to your hotel, the tour includes a guided visit to the Shimoni Slave Caves, chambers carved into coral rock where enslaved Africans were held before being shipped across the ocean in the 18th and 19th centuries. A local guide walks you through the narrow passages and explains the history. The day ends with a transfer back to your hotel, nine hours after it began.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Mombasa, Diani Beach or Tiwi.
• transfer to Shimoni Jetty.
• boat transport to Kisite Marine Park and Wasini Island.
• all snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit).
• professional marine guide and diving instructor.
• Kisite Mpunguti National Park entry fees.
• Swahili seafood lunch on Wasini Island with your choice of fresh fish and crabs or chicken and vegetables.
• guided walk through Wasini village.
• guided tour of the Shimoni Slave Caves.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Awesome tours

Is this one for you?The nine-hour commitment means you leave early and return mid-afternoon, which works if your day is free but rules out a morning activity elsewhere or a late departure. The tour is led by a professional guide in English, French, German or Polish, so language is not a barrier; book your preferred language at checkout.

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Top questions

What's the snorkeling like at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park?

Kisite Mpunguti is a protected marine park known for colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and dolphins. The water is warm and clear, and you'll be in the water for the morning hours with a professional marine guide who knows where to find the best spots and keeps the group together.

Will I see dolphins on this snorkeling tour?

Dolphins are often spotted during the boat crossing to Kisite Marine Park, though sightings are not guaranteed. The guide keeps watch and will point them out if they appear, but the main focus of the morning is snorkeling among the coral and fish.

What's included in the lunch on Wasini Island?

Lunch is a Swahili seafood meal served at a local restaurant on Wasini Island. You can choose freshly caught crabs and fish, or chicken and vegetables. The meal comes with views of the Indian Ocean, and the restaurant is part of the island experience.

How long is the full day, and what time does it start?

The tour runs nine hours from pickup at your hotel. The transfer to Shimoni happens first, then the boat departure, snorkeling, lunch on Wasini, the village walk, and the Shimoni Slave Caves visit before you return to your hotel.

What should I bring for snorkeling?

All snorkeling equipment—mask, fins, and wetsuit—is provided. The operator suggests you bring a beach towel, sunscreen, water-friendly shoes, a swim suit and a hat; these are not included, so carry your own if you want them.

Is this tour suitable if I've never snorkeled before?

Yes. The professional marine guide is trained to work with snorkelers of all levels, and the equipment is provided. The guide stays with the group and explains what you're seeing underwater. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.