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Pilli Pipa Dhow: Snorkeling Experience in Kisite Marine Park, Kenya
4.7
208 Ratings
Diani Beach
Experience the best snorkeling and diving boat safari in Kenya’s Kisite Marine Park. Explore pristine coral reefs and encounter dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish and coral species. Enjoy a traditional Swahili seafood lunch on Wasini Island. Book now!
Experience the best snorkeling and diving boat safari in Kenya’s Kisite Marine Park. Explore pristine coral reefs and encounter dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish and coral species. Enjoy a traditional Swahili seafood lunch on Wasini Island. Book now!
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Pilli Pipa Dhow Safari - Guests will be picked up from their accommodations along the South Coast and transported via minivan to Shimoni, where they will embark on our dhow to visit Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. This tour is not recommended for pickups from hotels on the North Coast of Mombasa due to the extended travel time. Despite this, numerous…
- Pilli Pipa Dhow Safari - Guests will be picked up from their accommodations along the South Coast and transported via minivan to Shimoni, where they will embark on our dhow to visit Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. This tour is not recommended for pickups from hotels on the North Coast of Mombasa due to the extended travel time. Despite this, numerous visitors still choose to participate, though they may encounter significant delays at the Likoni ferry. Participants will have the opportunity to snorkel at two distinct diving locations and may spot dolphins during the journey or within the park. While dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, they are quite likely, as dolphins are frequently observed and the area is rich in marine life. The excursion continues with a trip to Wasini Island, where a sumptuous lunch featuring fish and crab will be served. Options for chicken or vegetarian meals are available upon prior request.
What's Included
- Carbonated beverages
- Morning tea and snacks
- National Park fees
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- All snorkelling equipment hire including: Snorkelling masks, prescription snorkelling masks, snorkels, fins, life jackets and buoyancy rings. All our equipment is imported from the Netherlands and regularly serviced and replaced.
- Tea and coffee…
- Carbonated beverages
- Morning tea and snacks
- National Park fees
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- All snorkelling equipment hire including: Snorkelling masks, prescription snorkelling masks, snorkels, fins, life jackets and buoyancy rings. All our equipment is imported from the Netherlands and regularly serviced and replaced.
- Tea and coffee
- White wine or beer included with lunch
- Pick up and drop off from your Diani Beach, Msambweni or Tiwi hotel
- Bottled water
- Cold soft drinks and water on board throughout the tour
- Buffet style seafood lunch (vegetarian or chicken option available if ordered in advance)
- Fully owned and licenced boat and captain
- Snacks
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Professional marine guides and snorkelling/ diving instructors
What's Not Included
- Your own beach towel
- Sunscreen
- Water friendly shoes
- Hat and sunglasses
- Camera
- Swim suit
- DIVING at extra cost. Pay on the day. 40 USD
- Your own beach towel
- Sunscreen
- Water friendly shoes
- Hat and sunglasses
- Camera
- Swim suit
- DIVING at extra cost. Pay on the day. 40 USD
Additional Information
Experience the excitement of Kenya’s most sought-after snorkelling and diving boat safari at the renowned Kisite Marine Park, situated just 50km away from Diani Beach. Diving is available at an additional charge, payable on the day.
Submerge yourself in the warm, clear waters brimming with untouched coral and diverse marine life, which includes dolphins,…
Experience the excitement of Kenya’s most sought-after snorkelling and diving boat safari at the renowned Kisite Marine Park, situated just 50km away from Diani Beach. Diving is available at an additional charge, payable on the day.
Submerge yourself in the warm, clear waters brimming with untouched coral and diverse marine life, which includes dolphins, turtles, stingrays, moray eels and a stunning array of fish and coral species.
Pilli Pipa has two sailing dhows in operation, thus ensuring limited crew members on each one for increased safety measures and personal attention.
You’ll get the opportunity to snorkel twice in Kisite Marine Park before heading to your exclusive Robinson Crusoe style restaurant on Wasini Island to relish in a fresh, traditional Swahili seafood lunch (options for vegetarians are also available).
Our package includes round-trip transfers from your Diani/ Mombasa hotel, all Kisite Marine Park entrance fees, use of high-quality and well-maintained snorkelling gear, all snacks and beverages during your dhow trip as well as alcoholic drinks and seafood lunch on Wasini Island.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Evidence of dive certification is required from all divers wishing to participate in a certified dive (fun dives available for non-certified divers). Dives incur additional charges.
- Not normally possible to pick up from Mombasa or North Coast hotels but please ask first to see if we can make special arrangements.
Location
Pilli Pipa Dhow Safari
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(208 Ratings)
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Meod1981
Dec 30, 2024
Fantastic dives and food! - For a 40th birthday present Pila Pilpa Dhow safaris had been recommended to us by friends living in Kenya - it was magical from start to finish :) Even arranging this from the UK was made super easy and the team made the whole day feel special and effortless. The dives were incredible—we saw a white tip reef shark, octopus, turtle, loads of lobster, a big moray eel, and just so many beautiful fish! The water was so clear, and the whole experience was just breathtaking. After the dives, we headed to Wasini for an amazing crab lunch that was honestly one of the best meals we’ve ever had. Just when things seemed like they couldn’t get better the staff surprised us with a birthday cake after lunch! It was such a thoughtful touch, and my partner was completely blown away. The team was fantastic—so friendly, fun, and attentive. They made sure everything was perfect and created such a relaxed, happy atmosphere. If you’re looking for an incredible Dhow adventure, this is it. Between the diving, the food, and the amazing crew, it was an unforgettable day. Huge thanks to everyone who made the 40th birthday celebration so special!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jg_137
Dec 20, 2024
Wonderful, the real deal - I took a boat tour with 2 scuba dives and lunch on the island. The boat was pleasant, staff warm and invested in laying out safety and comfort. Scuba dives in the area were really lovely as I saw a huge range of marine life. The highlights for me included a pod of dolphins, and two octopus, both of which I’d never seen before, but there were also plentiful reef fish to admire. Selina who led my dive gave a full safety briefing and reminder of dive protocol and I felt in excellent hands. During the dive she pointed out oodles of interesting animals to look at and kept a reassuring eye on my sometimes errant dive technique.
Afterwards there was lunch on Kisite island. I had feared it would be a generic delivery of basic foodstuff, I was happily completely wrong. A lovely setting, a selection of well made dishes, drinks generously included, and the gourmet centrepiece of so much juicy seasoned crab. Also drinks and post dinner dessert and tea. I was happily stuffed.
I would definitely dive with them again and plan to also check out their home resort nearby too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachael
Nov 19, 2024
Amazing trip and crew. - What an amazing day.!!!!
My husband and I visited last week, and we could not recommend it enough. The staff were friendly and greeted us promptly.
Once settled on board the staff came round to each of us, to ask how comfortable we were with snoring and the sea. As a non swimmer I told them this, and was given a correctly fitted life jacket and a snorkel and mask.
We left to go out to the coral reef. We stopped as we saw a pair of dolphins.
As we neared the reef, a staff member came and told me he would be my one to one guide, he had a ring with a rope. He explained all I had to do was hold the ring, and he would guide me. He made me feel relaxed and safe.
Once in the water after a few minutes to calm myself I had a great time. My guide would point things out to me which I wouldn’t have seen by myself. We also stopped so he could explain about the reef and was very knowledgeable as were all the crew on board. I had the most amazing time, and would definitely recommend this for anyone. Especially if you are a nervous or beginner swimmer.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Manu910
Oct 23, 2024
A beautiful day! - We had a wonderful day, full of authenticity and discoveries! We had the chance to see a large group of dolphins and then swam in a beautiful coral reef. We then had lunch on the island of Wassini in a very intimate restaurant offering a unique menu made of fresh and typical products. We highly recommend this activity!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I2148bdmonicac
Oct 15, 2024
I would definitely do it again!!! - My husband and I did the day trip safari.
It was the first time for us and a bit challenging, but the professional crew took good care of us. Every moment was carefully arranged for, from the pick up service with Benson the driver who showed us around while driving, the fantastic fresh mandazis (like donuts) on the dhow, and gourmet food at lunch, to Jason and Calvin "Nyati", hands-on management. Special thanks to Melvin who converted a challenging snorkeling experience into magical moments.  Thank you Pili Pipa!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E8863ldcarolineb
Oct 7, 2024
Excellent Day Trip - I would highly recommend this snorkelling tour, even if you are not a strong swimmer or experienced at snorkelling. It was a full day trip, we were picked up from our hotel at 7.30am, and returned at 5pm. I have done many boat trips and can honestly say that this was one of the best organised and professional that I have experienced. The whole team were committed to giving everyone the best experience possible. I am not a strong swimmer so one of the team members (thank you Salem) looked after me so well and allowed me to experience the same as everyone else with the confidence that I wasn't going to get into any trouble in the water. We saw so many wonderful fish, a sea turtle. I loved the fact that the team were so respectful of the sea life. Refreshments were provided on the boat. The lunch stop at Wasini Island was a special experience. The ladies who provided the lunch were informative, proud of their food and happy to help. Whilst it is a lunch of fish, there is the option to have chicken or vegetarian for those who do not eat fish. It was a really beautiful setting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Weclayson
Sep 27, 2024
Wonderful experience - Our time with the team of Pilli Pipa was amazing. They were able to explain about the area and worked hard to give us a best experience. Our group had a variety of abilities and they were patient and helpful with all of us. I ended up getting seasick and they attended graciously to my needs.
Our lunch on the Wasini island was delicious and served with pomp and ceremony by local people.
Overall, I highly recommend this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Justine_o
Sep 9, 2024
AMAZING TRIP, HIGHLY RECOMMEND! - We booked this late the night before, knowing it would be a risk, but the Viator team assured us we were on the pickup list. The following morning, we were ready to go but had not heard anything from the Pilli Pipa Dhow team, so I sent a message to see if they were on their way. Sadly, we were not on the pickup list, but they had made some calls and managed to pick us up and get us to the bus on time! The trip itself was remarkable, and we were well taken care of by every single person on the team.
Review provided by Viator
Christiankr6430in
Nov 25, 2024
Beautiful boat day and lunch on wasini island - Group of 8, we rented a very nice and spacious wooden boat to visit the reserve, snorkeling with dolphins for part of the group and 2 bottling dives for the others.
Very friendly and welcoming staff.
However do not necessarily expect to swim with dolphins and where whales .. We only saw dolphins swimming around the boat for a few minutes, no whales or turtles or swimming with dolphins as shown in the photos and on the website. Disappointing gift on this point.
The two dives of 50mn were nice without more, do not expect a breathtaking spectacle... Some moray eels, big multicolored fish , octopus and lobsters, and corals but nothing exceptional. The water is not as clear and clear as in Mexico (Cozumel, Isla Mujeres) so visibility not at the top.
Max depth 15 meters also
The highlight of the day is the restaurant on Wasini Island where we had lunch. Just wonderful. Just for that it's worth it and it was delicious too (local soups and crabs on the menu) served by locals singing. Nice experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anoukvl6882fl
Jan 10, 2025
Beautiful, but also some tips - Pick up from hotel went smoothly, then drove to Shimoni in an hour (there is no water in the bus). There via smaller boats to the dhow where we were with 19 tourists. There was 1 guest who went diving, he had a dive guide with him. With the other guests 2 guides went into the water. Unfortunately the coral was paler than 12 years ago, but underwater it is really beautiful!!!
Even seen dolphins, sea turtle, moray and stingray!
We were with 3 small children. Emailed in advance asking if there were enough snorkel gear in children's sizes or if I had to bring it myself from the Netherlands. The answer after a week was that there was enough. Unfortunately on the boat it turned out that there was only 1 suitable mask for our 3 children, and there were no flippers in her size for the youngest of 7. Luckily we brought swimming goggles so they saw something. Unfortunately there was no information on board which fish we saw, it would still be picked up during the lunch break, but after lunch they appeared to have the information about the coral instead of the fish. We still don't know what we've all seen.
The children could hold on to a floating ring well while snorkeling that was very handy even though they are good swimmers. The guide explained little this time and did not mention much of what we saw, I found that less than last time.
All in all really beautiful to see and a delicious lunch, but equipment for the children and information about what we saw could be better.
Review provided by Tripadvisor