What if the real luxury is not 5-star hotels but places that make you feel something.
Wasini Island is one of those places that make your trip to the Kenyan Coast unforgettable.
Wasini island is a small coral island located on the Indian Ocean in south coast in Kwale County right next to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park known for snorkeling, scuba diving, and dhow tours just opposite the Shimoni Slave Caves.
Most travelers like visiting the Wasini Island also referred to as paradise on earth to because it feels like a mix of simplicity, nature especially the marine life and the coastal life.
In this piece, Adequate Safaris will take you through all you need to know about the Wasini Island and why it should not miss in your itinerary.
Interesting Facts about Wasini Island
- Wasini Island is made of ancient coral limestone, meaning it was once part of the ocean floor before becoming an Island that we see today.
- The Island is a home of dolphins often seen during boat trips.
- Wasini is located just next to the best marine park in Kenya, Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park.
- Apart from the corals the Island also has a mangrove forest ecosystem that helps in preventing erosion and supports marine life like fish and crabs.
- Wasini Island clearly shows that traditional wooden dhows are still a common mode of travel.
Why go for the Wasini Island Tour
- Wasini Island offers you more than a beach experience with thousands of fish species including dolphins and coral reefs that you can see through water activities like snorkeling and diving.
- Wasini Island gives you a golden opportunity to forget about everything and just pause and let life take its course.
At Wasini you get to experience the real Swahili culture especially through their Swahili cuisine.
Wasini Island History
In the 18th and 19th century during the East Africa slave trade as the Arabs, Persians, and the Portuguese were being enslaved in the Shimoni Slave Caves then they were transported to the Middle East through the Wasini Island.
Where is Wasini Island Located?
Wasini Island is a small coral Island that is located along the southern coast of Kenya near Shimoni Slave Caves and the famous Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park.
How to get to wasini Island
Most travelers visit the Wasini Island as part of their excursion in Mombasa for a full-day or half-day tour. In most cases their journey starts in Mombasa. From Mombasa you will take a taxi that will take you to Kisite Mpunguti marine National Park floating boat jetty where you will be welcomed by your tour guide then a boat ride to Wasini Island.
Best Wasini Island Attractions
What most people love about the Wasini Island is the presence of various natural attractions presenting you into another world.
Here are some of the attractions that you can explore when you visit the Wasini Island.
Coral Gardens
The coral gardens at Wasini Island are a community conservation project funded by the Biodiversity Conservation Program to help in preserving the corals on Wasini Island while providing a livelihood to the local community. For many years the corals have been a tourist attraction.
Wasini Women’s Group Boardwalk
The Wasini Women’s Group Boardwalk is a project built by women in the village. The Wasini women group was formed in 19978 by women living in Wasini Island with the aim of venturing into income generating activities. The Wasini women’s group boardwalk is used by tourists to view the beautiful coral gardens into the fascinating mangrove species then into the community fund operated by the women.
Also, during your tour, you will get the chance to purchase souvenirs at the women’s group curio shop.
Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is one of the best destinations in Kenya because of exceptional marine life commonly referred to as the “Home of dolphins.” t and visitors get to enjoy diving, snorkeling, boat safaris which takes about an hour, coral viewing, sun bathing and watching dolphins.
Shimoni Slave Caves
The Shimoni Slave Caves is one of the best tourist attractions in the Kenyan Coast located just few minutes from the Wasini Island. These caves play a big historical role, in that visitors get to learn about what happened in the 18th and 19th centuries where the Arabs were enslaved before being transported to the Middle East via through the Indian Ocean.
Fun Things to do in Wasini Island
Wasini Island is where life pauses for a moment and all you are needed to do is live and enjoy the moment connecting water. Here every wave whisper in your ears that you are exactly where you need to be.
Below are some of the fun things you can do when you visit the Wasini Island.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a very exciting experience that takes place underwater where you get to explore marine life close-up.
Swimming at Wasini Island
Imagine swimming and you see dolphins moving freely through their own world.
At Wasini Island swimming is one of the fun activities on the island perfect for beginners who are afraid of scuba diving and snorkeling. Note that you can take chances to swim when the boat stops and the waters are calm.
For most visitors the most important part is not about the swimming activity itself it’s the feeling.
Swahili Seafood Feast
After a whole day of fun activities like swimming, diving, snorkeling and watching dolphins, you can end the day feeding your stomach some grilled fish, prawns or calamari and coconut rice full of coastal flavor.
Here you get to relax and enjoy a meal with the locals making your Wasini experience unforgettable.
Wasini Island Accommodations
Wasini Island offers a variety of accommodations including guest houses, eco-lodges, Airbnb and beachfront cottages catering to different budgets and preferences.
Wasini Mpunguti Lodge
The Wasini Mpunguti Lodge is one of the first lodges on wasini Island that started off when Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park was gazetted. Many tourists visited the destination showcasing a need of accommodating these tourists when they visit offering amazing views of the Wasini Island
Wasini Raha
Wasini Raha is one of the best lodges in Wasini Island boasting amazing lake views with a garden terrace located around 300 meters from Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and just 1 km from the center of Wasini Island, a perfect place to unwind an relax after a long day of exploration.
Blue Monkey Beach Cottage
The Blue Monkey Beach Cottage is a simple place to stay located on the edge of the Wasini Island offering perfect views of the Indian Ocean.
Other places to stay in Wasini Island include;
Shimoni Reef Lodge
Wasini Island Bandas
Mwazaro Beach Lodge
Wasini House Mkwiro Village
Kisite Haven Suites
Wasini View Hotel
Wasini Dolphin Lodge
Wasini Island Full-Day Itinerary
In the morning around 7:00 AM after your breakfast, you will be picked by Adequate Safaris representative from your hotel of residence and kick off to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. You will be briefed about the day’s activities, register then meet your guide who will take you through, storytelling about the Wasini Island.
Later, you will board a wooden boat from Kisite Mpunguti to Wasini Island. On the way you will get the opportunity to spot dolphins.
Note that as you go the water becomes deeper and clear.
In the afternoon, you will pause to have lunch either on the boat or at the Wasini Island. You can choose to have fresh fish, coconut rice, tropical fruits or the local Swahili cuisine.
Later, you can enjoy swimming in the island then proceed for a short walk exploring the mangrove boardwalk that highlights the island’s unique ecosystem.
In the evening, you will return back to the starting point at Kisite Mpunguti.
If time allows, you can go explore the Shimoni Caves which is few minutes from Wasini Island. Shimoni Caves is a historic site where the Arabs were enslaved in dark, narrow chambers before being transported to Zanzibar then to the Middle East through the Indian Ocean trade routes during the Arab Slave Trade in East Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Wasini Island Entrance Fee
The entrance fee at Wasini Island is as follows:
Residents: Ksh. 200
Non-residents: $ 20 for adults and $10 for children
Note that if you would like to participate in the community run projects, they are charged separately Ksh. 200 per person that includes the Wasini Women Group Boardwalk and the Shimoni Slave Cave exploration.
Best Time to Visit the Wasini Island
Do you want to know when is the best time to visit the Wasini Island?
High Season
The high season or the dry season is the best time to visit the Wasini Island from June to October which are known to having better weather conditions, clear skies for underwater visibility ideal for activities like snorkeling, scuba diving and dolphin watching.
Low Season
The low season or rather the rainy season usually from the months of April to May and November to February is usually not the best time to visit the Wasini Island because the Island experiences tough conditions limiting your experience in Wasini.
Travelers are recommended to avoid these months and consider traveling during the dry season for a fun and a well relaxed experience.
However, the best time to visit the Wasini Island depends on the kind of experience you are looking for.
Travel Tips to Wasini Island
- When exploring the corals just observe them, learn about them but don’t touch them.
- Respect the Marine life, do not chase dolphins when you see them.
- During your Wasini tour follow your guide’s instructions.
- If you have dietary need let your tour operator know in advance for better planning.
- No vehicles are allowed in the Island.
- Carry some extra cash for tips, small purchases.
What to Carry to Wasini
- Swim suit & snorkeling gear if you have your own. If you don’t the gear will be provided.
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Light and comfortable clothes, sandals and water shoes
- Extra cash
- Personal effects
- Seasickness tablets
- Beach hat
- Extra dry clothes to change after swimming
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Wasini Island is one of the best destinations in Kenya for those looking to disconnect and relax. Here, nothing feels rushed, you get to experience clear waters, dolphin encounters, coral reefs, quiet village life and fresh coastal food all in one place.
Are you looking to forward to turning your travel dream into a real adventure?
Book with Adequate Safaris today and get more than just a trip but a package full of unforgettable experiences. Contact +254768555444 or email info@adequatesafaris.com.
Here are some of the best Mombasa packages:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I book my trip to Wasini Island?
You can book your trip through a tour operator like Adequate Safaris who will ensure you have a well-planned trip to Wasini from transport, meals, accommodation, activities and excellent guidance all in one package. Moreover, they can customize your package to fit your budget and style.
2. How long is the Wasini tour?
A Wasini Island tour takes about 6 to 8 hours whereby it starts in the morning hours and ends late in the afternoon.
3. What is the best time to see dolphins in action in Wasini Island?
The chances to see the spinner dolphins or bottlenose dolphins in Wasini Island are high especially in the morning hours when the waters are calm, and boat traffic is lower making it easier to spot them. Timing is very key if not you will not get the chance to see any.
However, you are advised to stay flexible since nature does not follow a schedule.
4. Is Wasini suitable for kids?
Absolutely, Wasini Island is perfect for kids. However, kids should be under supervision at all cost.
