Wasini Island and Kisite at a glance
Wasini is a small island off Shimoni, at the far south of the Kenya coast. Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve lies in the water around it and is known for coral reefs and snorkeling. Most visitors reach it on a dhow day trip from Diani. A road transfer takes you to Shimoni, and the boat does the rest.
Two things are easy to mix up. Visiting Wasini on land and entering the marine park are separate parts of the day, and the park fee is charged separately unless your operator includes it. Always ask what the price covers.
How the day usually runs
The steps below follow one published dhow day trip from Diani. Other operators differ.
Morning pickup
Pickup in Diani is between 07:00 and 07:30. A road transfer takes you to Shimoni, where the boat leaves.
Dhow to the marine park
The dhow takes you out into Kisite-Mpunguti. You snorkel over the reef, with equipment provided in this example. A cave visit is described as a possibility, so ask whether it is offered and whether it costs extra.
Lunch on Wasini
Lunch is on Wasini Island in this example. This is the land part of the day.
Return to Diani
The return to Diani is expected around 17:30. Leave the evening free and do not book a dinner for an early hour.
Our picks: Wasini Island trips
Two boat days, one from Diani and one from Mombasa.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Wasini Island from Mombasa
Hotel transfer, marine park tickets, boat, snorkelling gear, a light breakfast and a seafood lunch with a chicken or vegetarian option.
Check availability →
Dhow trip to Wasini Island and Kisite
Pickup on the south coast, fins and masks (also with prescription lenses), breakfast, lunch and drinks, including two beers or two glasses of wine.
Check availability →Wasini, Kisite and south coast boat trips
Dhow day trips to Kisite-Mpunguti, snorkeling and other south coast tours, with live prices and availability.
Park fees
The Kenya Wildlife Service list for Kisite-Mpunguti shows the entry rates below. They come from the price list of October 2025. A court stop was reported soon after the roll-out, so confirm the current rate with your operator or with KWS before you pay.
| Visitor | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | $25 | $15 |
| Other African citizen | $15 | $10 |
| Kenya resident | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| East African citizen | KES 500 | KES 250 |
The published day trip above lists $137 for adults and $66 for children or Kenyan citizens, with transfers and marine park fees included. Ask which ages count for the child price.
Dolphins: what to expect
A dolphin trip is an observation trip, not a promise.
No guarantee
Encounters with marine animals are unpredictable. Operators cannot guarantee a sighting, and swimming with dolphins is not something to expect or ask for.
A good operator's code of conduct
One operator's published code asks boats not to chase or crowd dolphins, to avoid gatherings of many boats, not to change speed or direction suddenly, to take extra care with calves and to withdraw if the animals show signs of stress. This is an operator's code, not a legal distance in meters.
Ask before you book
Ask the operator how many boats share a sighting and what the crew does if dolphins avoid the boat. If the answer is to follow them, choose another operator.
Rules for the reef
The Kenya Wildlife Service has a marine wildlife code for the park. The main points are simple.
- Do not take coral, shells or other sea animals.
- Do not feed fish.
- Do not touch or disturb marine animals.
- Check the weather and the sea before you go out, and ask your operator what happens if the sea is too rough.
Bring a hat and sun protection for the boat, and a waterproof bag for your phone. Take only photos and leave the reef as you found it.
What to compare before you book
Prices only compare when the contents are the same. Use this list with every operator.
| Item | In the published example | Ask your operator |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer from Diani | Included, pickup 07:00–07:30 | Which hotels and areas are covered |
| Marine park fee | Included | If not included, the current KWS rate |
| Snorkel equipment | Included | Fit and sizes for children |
| Lunch on Wasini | Included | Options for allergies and special diets |
| Cave visit | Described as possible | Whether it is offered and any extra fee |
| Private or shared boat | – | Group size and price |
| Weather cancellation | – | Refund or new date |
Plan the rest of your trip
Wasini fits well with the other days around Diani.
Diani Beach
Getting there, tides, kitesurfing seasons and beach safety.
Shimba Hills
Forest, antelope and Sheldrick Falls as a land-based day out.
Safari and beach
Day trip or overnight: how to add Tsavo East to your coast stay.
Wasini is a dhow trip. If you also like traditional sailing boats, Lamu has its own guide to dhow trips in Lamu. Check the weather and travel seasons before you pick your date, and read safety on the coast for the current official advisories.
Wasini Island and Kisite: frequently asked questions
Will we see dolphins?
Maybe, but nobody can guarantee it. Marine encounters are unpredictable, and the operator's code of conduct asks boats not to chase dolphins.
Can I swim with dolphins?
Do not expect it. Treat a dolphin trip as an observation trip from the boat.
How much does the marine park cost?
The KWS list from October 2025 shows $25 for adult non-residents and $15 for children. A court stop was reported soon after, so confirm the current rate. The published day trip of $137 for adults includes the park fee.
How long is the day trip from Diani?
In the published example, pickup is between 07:00 and 07:30, and the return to Diani is expected around 17:30. That is a full day, so plan nothing for the evening.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Child prices exist. Ask the operator which ages count as children and whether life jackets and small snorkel masks are provided.
Do I need to book in advance?
Ask about availability when you plan your dates, and ask what happens if the weather cancels the trip. Cancellation terms differ by operator.