Wasini Island, Kenya, is located at the southern end of Kenya’s coast and is a distance of around 1.5km from the small town of Shimoni on the mainland.
It’s a safari paradise that you absolutely have to explore if you are in Kenya, along with everything you need to know to visit the island.
For those who have ever visited Kenya on Kenya Safari before, Wasini might sound like Lamu’s or Diani’s little sister, but Wasini is actually a unique haven that is full of peace and tranquility. The hustle and bustle of Kenya’s coastal beaches seem a thousand miles away.
The best attractions in Wasini Island for tourists include Wasini’s Blue Whale Boat operators Wasini Island, Charlie Claw’s Wasini Island, Coral Spirit Wasini Island, Coral Gardens Wasini Island, Wasini Women’s group boardwalk (coral garden) Wasini Island, Wasini Island Shimoni.
Activities at Wasini Island, Kenya.
Visiting the Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park.
The tourists during their safari to Wasini Island can also visit the Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park, which is considered the most magnificent of all Kenya’s marine parks. The marine park covers an area of 39 square km, and you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere that can compete with the variety of beautiful fish species that can be found within the park’s boundaries.
The green sea turtles.
The green sea turtles are also frequently spotted by the snorkelers around the island. Another unique experience is the boat safari around the island, from which you can look for the dolphins and Humpback whales if you are lucky.
For activities on Wasini Island, you will also enjoy the ‘’coral garden,’’ which is made up of the mesmerizing fossilized coral structures, some of which reach about three meters in height. A boardwalk allows for easy access to the ‘’garden’’ even when the area is flooded at high tide.
Where to stay in Wasini Island.
There are several traditional cottages which are spread out in a wild garden along Wasini’s coa, such as the Blue Monkey Beach Cottages, where you can stay as you sound the waves crashing; you can also be served Swahili seafood dishes on a tree-top terrace with great views of the sea, and they will guide you on a private boat safari or walks around the island.
Other accommodation facilities provided to the tourists include the Mpunguti Lodge, Sunrise Guest House, Banda Mlimani, and many more.
Best time to visit Wasini Island.
The best months for a swim in Wasini Island, Kenya are January through December, with a perfect temperature varying between 250C (770 F) and 290 C (84.20 F) and scarce rainfall.
Entrance fees for Wasini Island.
For the entrance charges, Kenyans and East African citizens pay Ksh 200. The community-run projects are, however, charged separately at a small fee of Ksh 200 each, which is for the Wasini Women Group boardwalk and the Shimoni slave cave exploration.
How to get to Wasini Island.
Wasini Island can be reached using various means of transport from Mombasa city to Wasini Island.
By Car, coming from the south approximately 10km after the border crossing, or coming from the north shortly after the town of Ramisi, take the D543 to Shimoni; after 15km you will reach the small town of Shimoni at the end of the Shimoni Peninsula. Turn right at the T-junction, and you will find the boat jetty, including a guarded car park, on your left-hand side.
There you will be picked up to cross over to Wasini Island (10 minutes, 250 KSh per person during daytime, to be booked in advance)
From Mombasa/Diani Beach, take a matatu; cross Mombasa’s Likoni Ferry on foot to reach the Likoni Matatu station; there, just ask for the minibus or bus to Shimoni. It will only cost you approximately Ksh 250, but the travel time is approximately 3 hours.
From Diani Beach or Ukunda, catch the direct Shimoni minibus/bus at the Matatu stop near Ukunda Post Office, which costs approximately Ksh 200 and takes 2 hours to travel.
At the Shimoni bus stop, you will be welcomed by your host and ferried over to Wasini Island (10 minutes, 250 Ksh per person during the day, to be booked in advance)
By Bus, any overland bus travelling the high way A14 in either direction will drop you at Shimoni junction on request, for their, the Matatu the public minibus or Pikipikis small motorbike are regularly going back and forth on the D543 to Shimoni, a small settlement at the end of the Shimoni Peninsula approximately 15km. You will be welcomed at the bus stop and ferried over to Wasini Island, which takes 10 minutes, 250 KSh per person, daytime, to be booked in advance.
From Mombasa/ Diani Beach-by Taxi, taxi rides from the Mombasa bus stops (i.e., Nairobi/Malindi buses or Moi International Airport take 2 to 3 hours; transfers can be arranged from Ksh 5500.
From Diani Beach, the rates are from Ksh 4000. If you arrange your own taxi, please instruct your driver to drop you at Shimoni’s old boat jetty where you will be welcomed by your host and ferried over to Wasini Island; that is 10 minutes. 250 KSh per person during the daytime, to be booked in advance.