Snorkeling in Shimoni: Dolphins, reefs and Swahili lunch

Swim through coral reefs and spot dolphins in the Indian Ocean

A nine-hour snorkeling trip from Diani Beach to Shimoni and the Kisite Marine Reserve, with a live English-speaking guide, boat transport, snorkel equipment and a Swahili seafood lunch. You'll search for dolphin pods on the water, snorkel among colorful reefs and fish, then eat at Mpunguti Wa Chini before heading back to the coast.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Diani Beach hotel and a boat ride along the Indian Ocean shoreline toward Shimoni. As you motor along, the guide keeps watch for dolphin pods and Indo-Pacific humpbacks. The water here is home to huge groups that move through regularly. The boat carries you to the Kisite Marine Reserve, where the snorkeling begins: colorful reefs and plentiful fish fill the water, and you have time to explore with the equipment provided.

After snorkeling, you head to Mpunguti Wa Chini for lunch: a Swahili meal of fish, rice, chapatis, kachumbari and coconut sauce. The break gives you a chance to cool off and eat before heading back out on the water. On the return sail to Shimoni, there are more chances to spot dolphins or humpbacks as the boat makes its way back to the coast. The whole outing runs nine hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Diani Beach.
• boat transport to and from Shimoni and the Kisite Marine Reserve.
• snorkel equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• a live English-speaking guide.
• Swahili seafood lunch at Mpunguti Wa Chini with fish, rice, chapatis, kachumbari and coconut sauce.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (20 to 90 years) · Youth (12 to 19 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 49 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 problems

Operated by Cruzeiro Safaris Kenya

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you want a full day on the water that combines snorkeling with dolphin spotting and a proper meal, rather than a quick half-day outing. The nine-hour commitment gives you time to explore the reefs thoroughly and search for dolphins on both the outbound and return journeys.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 19 years); Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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 will I see when I snorkel at Kisite Marine Reserve?

Kisite Marine Reserve is home to colorful coral reefs and plentiful fish. The snorkeling spot sits in the Indian Ocean near Shimoni, and the guide will take you to areas where the reefs are most active.

Are dolphins guaranteed on this trip?

Dolphin spotting is part of the itinerary (you'll watch for pods and Indo-Pacific humpbacks as the boat travels along the shoreline), but sightings depend on where the animals are that day. The guide keeps an eye out during both the outbound and return journeys.

What's included in the Swahili lunch?

Lunch at Mpunguti Wa Chini includes fish, rice, chapatis, kachumbari and coconut sauce. It's served after the snorkeling session and is part of the full-day package.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join?

No prior experience is required. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and snorkel equipment is provided. Children can join from age four.

What time does the day end?

The full day runs nine hours from hotel pickup. You'll return to Diani Beach by late afternoon after the boat ride back from Shimoni.