Good news first: the bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins of Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park live here all year round. On most of our trips we spot them on the way out from Shimoni, often within the first hour.

Calm months: October to March

The north-east monsoon (kaskazi) brings flat, clear water and warm sunshine. This is the easiest time to watch the dolphins from the dhow and the best time to snorkel, with visibility often above 15 metres.

Windy months: June to September

The south-east monsoon (kusi) makes the sea choppier. The dolphins are still there, but the ride is bumpier. We plan around the tides and the wind so guests stay safe and comfortable.

Morning is magic

Dolphins are most active early in the day. That is why our shared tour leaves the jetty at 09:00, and why we pick up from Diani at 07:15.

Crew tips

• Bring a hat, reef-safe sunscreen and a light jacket for the boat.
• Ask us about tide times when you book on WhatsApp.
• We never chase or feed the dolphins. Calm boats get the best sightings.

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Half our guests have never snorkeled before. By the end of the day, most do not want to get out of the water.

What we give you

Every guest gets a mask, snorkel, fins and a life jacket. Your guide swims with you the whole time and points out turtles, parrotfish, moray eels and colourful corals.

Five easy tips

1. Practise breathing through the snorkel on the boat before you get in.
2. Keep your face relaxed so the mask stays sealed.
3. Float, do not kick hard — slow movement means more fish.
4. Never stand on or touch the coral.
5. Raise your hand if you need a rest. A guide will come to you.

Can children snorkel?

Yes. We have small masks and life jackets, and kids usually love it. Non-swimmers can hold a float ring with a guide beside them.

You get around two hours in the water inside the marine park, so take your time and enjoy it.

Mkwiro sits on the eastern tip of Wasini Island. It is home to Kifundi and Shirazi families who have fished these waters for generations.

Meet the fishermen

In the morning the dhows come back with the catch. You can see how nets and traditional fish traps are made and mended, and hear how the tides decide the rhythm of the day.

Women’s crafts

Local women weave mats and baskets from palm leaves. Buying a piece goes straight back to the family who made it.

Cook and eat together

Join a Swahili cooking class: coconut rice, fresh fish in spiced sauce and chapati. Then sit down for lunch with your hosts.

Visit with respect

• Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
• Ask before taking photos of people.
• Learn a few words: Jambo (hello), Asante (thank you).

A visit to Mkwiro is the warmest welcome on the coast — and a side of Kenya most travellers never see.

A full day on the water is easy when you pack right. Here is the list our crew gives every guest.

Must-haves

• Swimsuit — wear it under your clothes
• Towel and a dry change of clothes
• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
• Sunglasses
• Drinking water (we also have soft drinks for sale)

Nice to have

• Waterproof phone pouch or action camera
• Light long-sleeve top to stop sunburn while snorkeling
• Sea-sickness tablets if you are sensitive
• Some Kenyan shillings for crafts and tips

Leave at the hotel

Expensive jewellery and anything that cannot get wet.

Already included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off, park fees guidance, snorkel gear, guides and a Swahili seafood lunch on Wasini Island. Just bring your smile.

Shimoni means “inside the hole” in Swahili, and the name comes from a network of coral caves near the village jetty.

What happened here

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the caves are believed to have been used to hold captured people before they were shipped to Zanzibar’s slave markets. Iron rings and chains can still be seen on the walls.

The visit today

A local guide walks you through the cool, dim caves and tells the story passed down through the community. The visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Bring a torch or use your phone light.

Why it matters

Entrance fees support local community projects, and the stories keep an important history alive.

How to include it

The Shimoni Slave Cave tour is included in our Private Dolphin Tour and the Diani – Shimoni – Wasini Island trip. Ask us on WhatsApp to add it to any other day.