Robert August Surfboards

Robert August Surfboards

Shimoni & Wasini Vacation Island

The village of Shimoni sits at the tip of a peninsula about 76km south of Likoni. Dhow trips to Wasini Island and Kisite Marine National Park have become a big industry here, and every morning in high season a convoy of coaches arrives carrying tourists from the resorts at Diani Beach. The trips are well run, but you can easily organise your own trip directly with the boat men.

It's worth waiting until the day trippers have gone home to explore Shimoni, as the dusty streets have their own unique atmosphere outside tourist times. Villagers have opened up the old slave caves as a tourist attraction with a custodian who'll take you around the dark caverns to illustrate this little-discussed part of east African history.

Actual evidence that slaves were kept here is a little thin, but as the pile of empty votive rose water bottles indicates, even today the site definitely has significance for more superstitious locals.

Wasini Island, too, becomes even more appealing in the peace of the evening. There are no roads or running water and the only electricity comes from generators. There are several worthwhile things to see, including some ancient Swahili ruins and the coral gardens, a bizarre landscape of exposed coral reefs with board walk for viewing. Most people come here on organised dhow trips from Diani.

Kisite Marine National Park

Just off the south coast of Wasini Island, this marine park is one of the best in Kenya, also incorporating the Mpunguti Marine national Reserve. The park covers 28 sq km of pristine coral reefs and offers excellent diving and snorkeling. You have a reasonable chance of seeing dolphins in the Shimoni channel, and the humpback whales are sometimes spotted between august and October.

There are various organised trips to the marine park but these tend to be outside ventures and don't always contribute a great deal to the local community. Its easy to organise your own boat trip with a local captain-the going rate is Kshs 1500 per person or 6,000 per boat including lunch and a walk in the coral gardens on Wasini Island.

Masks and snorkels can be hired for Kshs 200 (fins are discouraged as they may damage the coral reef).

A good place to start looking for a boat-man is at the office of KWS which is about 200m south of the main pier, where you'll also have to come to pay the entry fee. The best time to dive and snorkel is between October and March. Avoid diving in July and August because of rough seas and poor visibility.

5 Top Kenya Water Safari Sports and Activities

1. Snorkeling and Diving

Masks and snorkels are available for rent on the beach for Kshs 100. You'll need a boat to get out to the reef. Most trips to the park provide their own snorkeling gear. Certified divers can take dives with local tour companies, or more expensively at the coral reef Lodge or Pemba channel fishing club. Dive courses and longer scuba safaris are also possible in the Pemba channel.

2. Deep sea fishing

The Pemba channel is famous for deep-sea fishing, and Pemba channel fishing club holds over 50% of Kenya's marlin- fishing records. Boats cost from USD 500 for nine hours (valid for up to four fishers). This company promotes tag and release which I strongly encourage as an eco-friendly measure.

3. Diving Tours in Shimoni on Kenya coast

Various companies offer organised dhow tours for snorkeling, all leaving Shimoni by 9am. Transfers from North -and south- coast hotels are available. (US$10 TO 20), and longer trips with overnights stays can also be arranged. Children pay half the adult price. Certified divers can take one/two scuba dives for an extra US$30/50 with any of these companies.

4. Swimming with Dolphins in Kenya Coast

The friends of Kenya Dolphins have set up the Dolphin Dhow, a dolphin -spotting and snorkeling trip around Wasini Island. The dhow leaves from Shimoni jetty at 8.45am daily and costs US$75. The price includes snorkeling equipment, drinks, a Swahili seafood lunch and the marine park fees.

5. Kisite Dhow Tours

The Kisite dhow tours runs a popular eco-tourist snorkeling trips to the marine park, including a nature walk on Wasini and a very good seafood lunch at Charlie's claw's original Wasini Island restaurant. Trips cost US$ 55 from Shimoni jetty, or US$ 75 with breakfast, drinks and visits to the coral gardens and slave caves.

6. Pilli-Pipa

This is another expat-owned company offering full day trips. The price is US$80 from Shimoni, including lunch, park fees, snorkeling and drinks. Diving trips are available at US$ 130/$145 for one/two dives.

7. Paradise Divers

Based in Diani also offers similar trips for US$ 80.

Robert is a travel expert with Landmarksafaris.com Degreed in tourism management, he has authored more than 1000 articles on Kenya East Africa travel. Dig out other bizarre Kenya water sports here: http://www.landmarksafaris.com/tours/beach.php

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