Looking to get away for the weekend and head to the coastal area of Kenya? Then you better hope the roads lead you to this small island that will instantly have you swept away by its beauty.
Located about 70 km from Mombasa, Wasini Island is exactly what you need to wind down and relax, whether on a solo date, with family or even on a romantic getaway.
The area was previously inhabited by the Chinese, characterized by their small stature, hence the locals resolved to call them ‘Wasini Mpunguti’ directly translated to mean short Chinese.
The island is largely dominated by the Swahili tribe, although you are likely to encounter even foreign expatriates on holiday as well.
Due to its proximity to the Indian Ocean, the area is made up of corals and sand, hence isn’t accessible by vehicles or carts.
However, depending on your location, one can get to Shimoni, the nearest town centre, using a couple of means, or Diani, which is about 18 km away, and then navigate to the island.
Cab drives from Mombasa to Shimoni centre are available, and so is public transport, which is relatively affordable. Flights to the area are possible where you can connect at any of the airports and airstrips in the area.
Below is a list of activities to engage in while on Wasini Island, as well as surrounding places to visit.
1. Swimming in the waters
Despite the beauty of the white sands and blue waters, one thing that is likely to stand out for any visitor is the glaring temperature in the area, and what better way to cool off, than swimming on the shores of the Indian Ocean?
Not only is the experience mind-blowing, but it will do justice in helping you cool off. For beginners and children, a swim team, complete with floaters, is available to help you out.
Private beaches are available if you fancy some alone quality time. After swimming to your fill, bask in the sun as you soak in the sun rays, getting that tan that you so desire.
As you do this, sip some locally made drink that will help you cool off as you unwind.
The island is well known for its abundance of dolphins and whales, so why not spice up your experience by going on a dolphin tour?
The experience can be arranged by the tour agencies around. The prices are about USD 45 for children and USD 90 for adults.
Get the unbeatable experience of seeing the dolphins up close, and on a good day, you might just spot them jumping in and out of the water, quite like nothing you’ve seen before.
2. Go on a dhow cruise
This has to be one of the most popular activities on the island. What better way to cruise the waters of the Indian Ocean other than on a dhow? A traditional boat characterized by masts that help it to sail.
For a small fee of about USD 20, the skilled boatmen will take you on a tour through the waters, telling you the history of the place and about the locals.
Do this as you vibe to some local music and engage in heart conversations with the crew.
The peak of your tour has to be the sunset. Picture this, the golden horizon meets with the blue-green hue from the water, making the most breathtaking collision that is sure to sweep you away.
This is the kind of elegance that awaits you, so at dusk, be sure to take that cruise, and bring your sundowner with you, then top it up with some classical music.
3. Enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling and skydiving
These are the kind of activities cut out for adrenaline junkies, so why not add some thrill to your holiday by trying them out.
There is a thin line between snorkelling and scuba diving. Both activities will have you interacting with marine life, but with snorkelling, the interaction is closer to the water’s surface.
Snorkellers go underwater with complete gear called a snorkel, swimming fins and breathing tubes, then swim with the fish.
You also get to see coral reefs, lobsters, octopuses and any kind of marine creature you could think of.
Scuba diving lets you dive deeper into the waters, for a more in-depth interaction, and the whole experience is nothing short of exhilarating.
The price for these activities varies depending on the tour operators in charge, but most charge between USD 320 and USD 350.
Skydiving gives you the rare chance to be airborne, getting the perfect panoramic view of the beauty that lies beneath.
The activity basically involves safely jumping out of a plane and getting suspended in the air for a couple of minutes.
Paying for this might have you breaking the bank, but you are assured of getting value for your coin. At an extra fee, you can have yourself filmed, so you can stock up on the memory.
4. Visit Kisite Marine Park
Located just within the island, this marine park should have you more acquainted with marine life.
Navigate the mangroves and cruise the waters to get a glimpse of what beauty really is like. From the marine park, dolphins can be spotted jumping from the water.
Get to learn more about coral reefs and sea life from the well-versed guides who are not only kind but knowledgeable as well.
After a tour of the park, guests are taken to the caves located within. The caves tell a story of history, how slaves were chained there, and the different survival mechanisms they used to live.
You will be taken aback by how much evil humanity is capable of. After a tour through the park and caves, guests sit to savour tasty Swahili dishes cooked the traditional way.
Sample what biryani, pilau and wali taste like, and you will crave for second helpings. Wash this down with locally-made drinks that will have your taste buds swept away.
After meals, engage in heart conversations with the local crew and have them entertain you with stories and songs; and just like that, your day is made perfect.
5. Charlie Claw’s Restaurant
If you are looking to get pampered and lazy around the whole day relaxing and unwinding, then try this renowned restaurant.
Previously known as Wasini Island restaurant, the facility is well known for its exemplary services.
The facility is not your average kind of restaurant, and the architecture, mostly open plan, so guests sit under shades of palm trees, adds to the elegance of the place.
From there, tours to the island can be arranged, whether you want to engage in snorkelling, scuba diving and dolphin watches.
Recently, they introduced the sunset cruise for the hopeless romantics, so make sure you try it.
The Lazy Lagoon Pool, the only pool on the island, is easily accessible from the restaurant; be sure to take a dip, especially in the humid temperatures.
The hotel is well known for its delicacies, both Swahili and foreign cuisines. Ever wondered what seafood tastes like? This is your chance to indulge in crabs, lobsters, and octopuses, the list is endless.
As you unwind, try their non-alcoholic cocktails, enjoying the stunning views and fresh breeze.
6. Neptune Paradise Beach Spa and Lodge
Think of luxury, elegance, pomp and grandeur, this resort is all that and more, exactly what a guest would need for a good holiday.
The rooms are up to standard, clean, well-aerated and with free Wi-Fi. To top it up, you get a perfect view of the blue waters when you wake up, quite the way to spice up your morning.
From the facility, dhow cruises across the Indian Ocean can be arranged, and transport to and fro the places you’d wish as well.
If you fancy some privacy, enjoy unlimited swimming at their not-so-crowded pool, where you can bask as you sip your favourite ice-cold drink.
The nearby Diani beach is only a few kilometres away, so if you feel like exploring the surrounding areas, you might want to try it.
In the evening, take a stroll by the beach, surveying the surrounding area, feeling the sand beneath your feet and getting swept away by the magnificent sunset.
Indulge in tasty delicacies made by the most skilled hands at the hotel. If you like to try new dishes, this might be the perfect opportunity for that, especially foreign cuisines.
7. Dolphin-Divers Lodge
This guest house is your go-to place if you’re operating on a tight budget, but still looking to have the time of your life.
The lodge is relatively affordable, offered in cottages that overlook the ocean, giving you the most stunning view.
From the lodge, guests have easy access to the beach, so you can swim to your fill, and bask afterwards, the palm trees offering you ample shade.
Afterwards, take a stroll through the island, or go to the nearby Shimoni centre to interact with the locals.
This might be the perfect chance to get acquainted with the Swahili tradition and even learn their language.
Shop for souvenirs such as bracelets and wood carvings from the locals at affordable prices.
Indulge in local street food such as samosas cooked traditionally, you can never have enough of them.
Try local restaurants such as the Pika Pili restaurant which is about 10 kilometres from Shimoni. However, the lodge still offers different delicacies to its guests at affordable prices.
