Wasini Island is a small coral island located on the south coast of Kenya, near the border with Tanzania. The island is known for its beautiful coral reefs and marine life, and it’s a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.

The island is part of the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve, which is known for its diverse marine life and coral reefs.

Wasini Island

Activities

Visitors to Wasini Island can enjoy a variety of activities, including:

Snorkeling and diving in Wasini Island

The waters around Wasini Island are teeming with marine life, including dolphins, humpback whales, and sea turtles. Visitors can go snorkeling or diving to explore the colorful coral reefs and spot a variety of fish species.

Boat tours

Visitors can take a boat tour of the surrounding marine park, which includes stops at several coral reefs and a chance to see dolphins and other marine animals.

Cultural tours

Wasini Island is also home to a small community of Swahili fishermen, and visitors can take a guided tour of the island to learn about their traditional way of life, visit a local village, and enjoy Swahili cuisine.

Relaxation

Wasini Island is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean. Visitors can enjoy the island’s beaches, take a nature walk, or simply soak up the sun and enjoy the views.

How to get there

To get to Wasini Island, visitors can take a dhow (traditional sailing boat) from the nearby town of Shimoni, which is about 75 km (46 miles) from Mombasa. The dhow ride takes about 30-45 minutes and offers scenic views of the coast and nearby islands. Visitors can also arrange for a tour operator to arrange transportation from Mombasa or Diani Beach to Shimoni.

Animals you can find in Wasini Island

Wasini Island is known for its abundant marine life, including coral reefs, tropical fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. The island is also located near a major migratory route for humpback whales and whale sharks, so there’s a good chance of spotting these magnificent creatures during certain times of the year.

Off the coast of Wasini Island, there is a protected marine park, the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. This is home to a variety of marine animals, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, as well as numerous species of fish and coral.

Snorkeling and diving tours are available for visitors to explore this underwater world and observe the animals in their natural habitat

Wasini Island Accommodation

There are several accommodation options on the Island, including guesthouses, lodges, and resorts. Some of the popular options include:

  • Wasini All Suites – a resort that offers luxury accommodation in spacious suites. Prices start from around $200 per night.
  • Charlie Claw’s – a guesthouse that offers simple, comfortable rooms. Prices start from around $50 per night.
  • Shimoni Reef Lodge – a lodge that offers beachfront accommodation in rustic chalets. Prices start from around $90 per night.
  • Pemba Channel Beach Resort – a resort that offers luxurious accommodation in spacious villas. Prices start from around $200 per night.

Note that prices may vary depending on the season and availability, and some accommodations may offer special packages or discounts. It’s recommended to check with each individual accommodation for their current rates and availability.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Wasini Island is during the dry season, which runs from December to March and from July to October. During these months, the weather is usually dry and sunny, with less chance of rain. The sea is also calmer and clearer, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving.