Wasini Island: Snorkeling, Coral Garden & Seafood Lunch Tour

Summary

Swim Wasini’s reefs taste Swahili flavors and wander coral gardens

You’ll sip Swahili tea at sunrise, watch dolphins from a boat near Wasini Island, snorkel coral reefs with all gear provided, and share fresh seafood lunch by the water. Explore local history in the Slave Caves and wander coral gardens before heading back—leaving you with salt on your skin and new stories in your head.

What’s the experience like?

Salim handed me a mug of sweet chai before sunrise even finished warming Diani Beach. He grinned when I tried to greet him in Swahili — “Pole pole,” he said, which I think means take it easy. The van smelled like coffee and salt air as we passed sugarcane fields on the way to Shimoni. I didn’t expect to see so many kids waving at us along the road, or the colobus monkeys darting through the trees near Colobus Conservation. That part felt oddly peaceful, like Kenya was waking up with us.

The boat ride out to Wasini Island was louder than I thought — music playing, people laughing over flippers that never seem to fit right. Our guide, Amina, pointed out dolphins in the distance (I nearly missed them; she just laughed). The water around Kisite was clear enough you could count every ripple of sand below. When I finally got my mask sorted (they even had prescription ones — lifesaver), snorkeling felt almost too easy. Fish everywhere, flashes of blue and yellow — and then this sudden quiet under the surface that made me forget about everything else for a minute.

Lunch was on Wasini itself: grilled seafood with coconut rice if you wanted it (or chicken/veggie for some folks), plus two cold beers that tasted better than any beer I’ve had at home. There’s something about eating with your hands while watching boats bob in the tide that just sticks with you. Afterward we wandered through the Coral Garden — spiky coral underfoot, little crabs scuttling away — and then into the Slave Caves museum. Amina talked about local history without sugarcoating it; her voice echoed off damp stone walls. It wasn’t what I expected from a “day trip Wasini Island” but I’m glad they included it.

I still think about that first salty breath underwater and how quiet everything felt for those few minutes. Not everything went smoothly — my fins kept slipping off, and I definitely butchered a few Swahili words — but honestly that’s half the fun. If you’re after a Wasini Island tour from Diani Beach that feels real (and includes pickup plus all your gear), this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wasini Island tour with snorkeling and lunch

• Pickup from Diani Beach
• Drive past large sugar plantations
• Snorkel and dive at marine park
• Spot dolphins and whale sharks
• Visit Slave Caves with free entrance
• Lunch on Wasini Island
• Visit Coral Garden on island

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Wasini Island tour?

Yes, pickup from South Coast accommodations like Diani Beach is included.

What meals are provided during the day trip to Wasini Island?

A Swahili breakfast is served onboard plus a seafood (or chicken/vegetarian) lunch with drinks.

Are snorkeling equipment and prescription masks available?

All snorkeling gear is included—flippers and prescription masks are available on request.

Does this tour include entrance fees for attractions?

Yes, entry to both the Coral Garden and Slave Caves/Museum is included free of charge.

Is this Wasini Island tour suitable for beginners or non-swimmers?

The tour welcomes all fitness levels; guides assist beginners during snorkeling.

How many people are there per boat on this tour?

The group size is limited to 6–12 guests per boat for comfort.

Are soft drinks or alcoholic beverages provided?

Soft drinks and water are included throughout; lunch comes with two beers or glasses of wine per person.

Can infants or small children join this day trip?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller during transfers; families are welcome.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Diani Beach or nearby areas, breakfast with tea or coffee onboard as you cruise toward Wasini Island, all snorkeling equipment (even prescription masks if you need them), free entry to both Coral Garden and Slave Caves Museum, plus a fresh seafood—or chicken/vegetarian—lunch served with two drinks before returning comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle.