Snorkeling in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park from Diani Beach

Nine hours in the water and ashore: dolphins, coral reefs, island culture and a cave that holds history

Snorkel Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park on a full-day excursion from Diani Beach with a live guide, traveling by traditional dhow or motorboat to spot dolphins and explore vibrant coral reefs. The day includes a Swahili seafood lunch on Wasini Island, a guided walk through the village, a visit to the Shimoni Slave Caves, and all snorkeling equipment. Transport from Diani is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park excursion

• Drive from Diani Beach to Shimoni
• Cruise by dhow or motorboat to marine park
• Watch dolphins and snorkel coral reefs
• Enjoy Swahili seafood lunch on Wasini Island
• Take guided village walk in Wasini
• Visit historic Shimoni Slave Caves
• Return to Diani Beach

The experience

The boat leaves Shimoni and crosses turquoise water into the protected marine park, where you enter the water with snorkeling gear to swim among tropical fish and coral reefs. Dolphins often appear in these waters, and the guide watches for them while you're in the boat between dives. The reef itself is the draw: colorful fish, sea turtles and the structure of the coral are what you come to see, and the clarity of the water lets you see them. You'll spend several hours in and out of the water across the morning and early afternoon, with the boat as your base.

Lunch is a Swahili-style seafood meal served on Wasini Island with ocean views, prepared fresh with local ingredients, typically fish, coconut rice, chapati and tropical fruit. After eating, a guide leads a walk through Wasini Village, a small coastal community where you see traditional coral-built houses, local shops and meet residents going about their day. The village walk is short and unhurried, built into the schedule so you're not rushed back to the boat.

The final stop is the Shimoni Slave Caves, natural caverns beneath the coastal village that were used as holding cells during the Arab and Swahili slave trade. A local guide walks you through the dimly lit tunnels, points out iron rings fixed into the walls where captives were chained, and explains the history of the trade routes, British abolition efforts and how the community preserves the site today. A small museum and memorial area sit outside the caves. The visit is sobering and educational, and it rounds out a day that mixes marine life, island culture and difficult history. Transport back to Diani closes the day.

What’s included

• Transport from Diani Beach to Shimoni and back.
• boat ride by traditional dhow or motorboat.
• snorkeling equipment.
• marine park entry fees.
• Swahili-style seafood lunch on Wasini Island with your choice of fish, chicken or vegetarian.
• water during the day.
• guided walk through Wasini Village.
• Shimoni Slave Caves entry and guided tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 05:00 and 06:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (16 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 75 years) · Youth (4 to 15 years) · Child (2 to 3 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Audio guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Awesome tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, French or German, so you'll follow the commentary in your language. The day suits families, couples and groups of mixed fitness levels, though it involves several hours in the water and walking on uneven coral paths, so comfort in the ocean and basic mobility matter.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 15 years); Child (2 to 3 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like for snorkeling in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park?

The water is clear and turquoise, and the coral reefs are vibrant with tropical fish and sea turtles. Dolphins are often spotted in the area, though sightings are not guaranteed. You'll snorkel in the protected marine park itself, where the reef structure and marine life are the main attractions.

How much time do I actually spend snorkeling versus traveling and eating?

The full day is nine hours from pickup to return. Several hours are spent in the water snorkeling across the morning and early afternoon, with breaks between dives. The rest of the time covers the drive to Shimoni, the boat cruise to the park, lunch on Wasini Island, the village walk and the Shimoni Slave Caves visit.

Is the Shimoni Slave Caves visit required, or can I skip it?

The caves are part of the standard itinerary for the full-day excursion. The visit includes a guided tour through the tunnels with historical context about the slave trade era, and a museum and memorial area outside. It's a significant part of the day's cultural component.

What's included in the lunch on Wasini Island?

Lunch is a Swahili-style seafood meal served oceanfront with local ingredients, typically fish, coconut rice, chapati and tropical fruit. You can choose fish, chicken or vegetarian options. Water is included. The meal is freshly prepared and eaten with views of the Indian Ocean.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear, or is it provided?

All snorkeling equipment is included and provided by the operator. You don't need to bring your own gear.