Diani to Wasini Island: An Honest Day Trip Review

Okay, so you are thinking about escaping the oh-so-gorgeous beaches of Diani for a bit? Maybe you fancy something more, a small adventure, a little jaunt to an idyllic island? Then, too, a day trip to Wasini Island from Diani could be just the thing. Wasini, is that this little gem south of Diani, close to the Tanzanian border, is kinda famed for its chilled vibe, excellent seafood, and, of course, its proximity to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park – is that one awesome place to see dolphins and, too, some brightly colored fish. I recently went on this excursion, and I figured I would just lay out the experience for you, I mean the good, the slightly bumpy, and things that are worth keeping in mind.

What to Expect on Your Wasini Island Tour

Right, so usually, the day actually starts pretty early, like your tour operator will most likely swing by your accommodation in Diani somewhere around 7:00 AM-8:00 AM. First up is that drive to Shimoni, and that is where, too it’s almost, all the Wasini tours kick off. It’s like this scenic drive down south, that you see those local villages and waving kids along the way; I do advise keeping your eyes peeled.

From Shimoni, usually, you hop onto a traditional dhow, that it is the sailing boat, and head out to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. What you do need to know is that the dhow trip could be anything from 45 minutes to about an hour and a half, you know depending on, very, the wind and the tides. This is not like this boring boat ride. Keep an eye out for dolphins; the tour guides, those guys are normally really skilled at spotting them, that it’s almost their job. So, too, that moment when you spot those first fins is actually exciting.

Snorkeling in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park

Arguably, the highlight for tons of people is the snorkeling in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. The park, well, too, that’s a protected area, so, in some respects, the marine life is really flourishing. Now, when you are in the water, expect, well you tend to see some coral reefs, and then too there are a load of brightly colored fish. Honestly, it really is another world under there. Just a heads up though, the snorkeling gear – so sometimes it’s provided, arguably, but it is usually in variable condition, in a way. Maybe you fancy bringing your own if you’ve got it, too; that will ensure a good fit and hygiene, potentially.

Water conditions might vary, as a matter of fact, too, from crystal clear to a bit cloudy depending on the season and tides. Now, you should know that if you are not actually that confident in the water, then too, there are life jackets available, and the crew are, very, normally pretty good at keeping an eye on everyone. It’s really a breathtaking experience swimming around that coral; you should be aware that you might glimpse turtles. It really depends on the time of year and if you’re quite lucky.

Lunch on Wasini Island

Alright, so, after your snorkeling adventure, normally the dhow will, too it’s almost, head to Wasini Island, I mean that is where lunch will happen. And you know what to expect, the restaurants there, typically, those are quite simple, open-air places, and I do recommend that they dish out a feast of seafood. You got it: think grilled fish, crab, and lobster (depending on availability and the price – always confirm this). Vegetarian options could be limited, by the way, in a way, too it’s almost, that’s pretty much a given, actually, but do check with your tour people beforehand if you fancy that option.

Now, a bit about the island itself; Wasini is quite a small place, virtually, with a relaxed atmosphere. Most of the locals are, actually, fishermen, and it gives you a proper glimpse into a totally different way of life, in short. Is that walking around that village and is that engaging with some people is alright, but I do advise remembering to respect their privacy and their culture. I will say this too: some tours might include a short tour around that island to see that mangrove forest and those local communities, so maybe it is a bonus that is well worth it.

Dolphin Spotting

Alright, let’s talk dolphins! Arguably, Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is rather known for its dolphin population, even if sightings, usually, are never actually guaranteed, really. Your dhow crew will try their best to spot them. They know these waters well and the dolphins rather tend to hang out; you know they talk to each other. Seeing a pod of dolphins playing in that waves? Well that’s just purely amazing. Remember to bring your camera because these are photos you are going to want.

Now, as I was saying, spotting is not something that is a given, and in some respects, the ocean can be rather unpredictable, alright. Keep your expectations realistic, but also keep your eyes peeled, you. In any case, just spending time on that water and soaking up the atmosphere? It’s well worth the price anyway, right?

The Shimoni Slave Caves

Alright, so, some tours will probably include a visit to that Shimoni Slave Caves; actually, those caves carry a totally heavy history. Now, the caves were actually used to hold slaves before they got shipped off to, that Zanzibar slave market in a way. It’s like this somber reminder of, very, the slave trade, and a trip there really does offer you the opportunity to, literally, just pay your respects and to, literally, actually think about the past.

Going to the caves? Honestly, too it’s almost, it does put things into context; it makes you just think about the culture and is that history of the Kenyan coast, basically. Your guides typically do an alright job of telling the stories sensitively, and it adds depth to the Wasini Island day trip. Now, bear in mind the caves themselves could be a bit claustrophobic for some people. I suggest giving them a miss if that’s the case.

Tips for Planning Your Trip

Right, so, feeling motivated to take a trip? These are a few things that I feel I should keep in mind before you book your Wasini excursion:

• Book with a reputable tour operator: That’s kind of key, sort of. Do your homework and is that you read reviews and just that you make sure that they’re a properly ethical and a licensed bunch. Actually, look for people with good environmental practices and a great attitude.
• Pack Smart: Now you want to slap on that sunscreen. Hats, sunglasses, swimwear, maybe some reef-safe sunscreen (because is that we want to protect that coral!), that is all part of the fun. If you tend to get seasick, take your stuff and take the medicine; get yourself covered before you set off.
• Cash is King: Seriously, things, kind of, operate on cash there, usually. While the tour may have paid your meals, potentially, those are all the souvenirs and perhaps also extra drinks where you can just wave money around, sort of. Make sure that you’ve got a load of small notes for tips.
• Respect that marine environment: Resist all temptation to touch that coral or, maybe, also to collect shells; what you should do is you should admire the marine life, and you should actually let it do its thing. Now if you see plastic rubbish, pick it up where you can, very.
• Confirm the inclusions: So check, like your snorkeling gear, lunch, that all park fees? I advise that you know what’s in the price and also what is probably not included; then, well too, there are zero surprise costs at the end, typically.
• Dress Accordingly: Modest clothing for village visits (if included), and maybe, you will want something that you can slip on over swimwear is usually very beneficial. I propose some waterproof shoes are awesome. Also, is that boat decks could get slippery and those sea urchins do bite!

Common FAQs About Wasini Island Day Trips