Ways to travel
Scuba diving and dolphins on the coast
Kenya's marine parks, reefs and wild dolphins
- Where
- Kisite-Mpunguti and the Diani reefs
- Best time
- Oct – Mar for calm, clear water
- Levels
- Snorkellers, beginners, certified divers
- Pairs with
- Safari and beach trips
Kenya's south coast has coral reefs, turtles and pods of wild dolphins. Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, south of Diani, is one of the best places in East Africa to see dolphins from a traditional dhow, with snorkelling and lunch on Wasini Island.
Certified divers can dive the reefs, and beginners can take a discovery dive or a full open water course with a PADI dive centre. We fit it into the beach end of your trip.
The Kisite dhow trip
The day starts with a drive to Shimoni and a dhow out into the marine park, where bottlenose and spinner dolphins are often seen riding alongside. You stop to snorkel over the coral gardens among turtles and reef fish, then land on Wasini Island for a seafood lunch and a walk through the village and coral gardens.
Between July and October, humpback whales pass along the coast on their migration and are sometimes seen from the boat.
Diving the south coast
The reefs off Diani and around Kisite offer coral walls, caves and plenty of fish life, with turtles, rays and the occasional whale shark in season. PADI dive centres on Diani Beach run guided dives for certified divers, try-dives in the pool and sea for beginners, and full open water courses over three to four days.
What we arrange
- Dhow trips to Kisite-Mpunguti for dolphins and snorkelling
- Reef dives for certified divers
- Discovery dives and PADI courses for beginners
- Lunch on Wasini Island
- Transfers from your beach hotel
Dolphin day at Kisite
- 7:30
Pick-up from your Diani hotel and drive south to Shimoni.
- 9:00
Board the dhow and head out into the marine park to look for dolphins.
- 11:00
Snorkel over the coral gardens.
- 13:00
Seafood lunch on Wasini Island.
- 16:30
Back at your hotel in time for sunset.
Routes to build on
Our existing itineraries, ready to adapt. Tell us which appeals and we'll tailor it to you.
Good to know
Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
No. The dolphins are wild, but sightings in Kisite-Mpunguti are frequent, and the snorkelling is good either way.
When is the best time to dive?
October to March usually brings the calmest sea and best visibility. The long rains from April to June can make the water rougher.
Do I need to be certified?
Not for snorkelling or a discovery dive. For independent reef dives you need an open water certification, or you can complete the course during your stay.
Can non-swimmers come on the dhow trip?
Yes. Life jackets are provided, and the dolphins and island can be enjoyed without getting in the water.
Tell us when you can travel. We'll do the rest.
Send your dates and a rough idea of what you want to see. We come back with a day-by-day route and a quote, usually within one working day.