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Pilli Pipa Dhow: Snorkeling Experience in Kisite Marine Park, Kenya
4.6
217 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
4.6
(217 Ratings)
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N9421lsannemarieb
Mar 21, 2025
Pilli Pipa Dhow Fantastic Snorkeling Adventure - We stopped off from our World Cruise and took a snorkeling trip as a shore excursion with Pillip Pipa Dhow (through Pullman tour agency) and it was fantastic! The dhow was fabulous, we were protected from the sun and enjoyed learning about the islands off the coast of Kenya (close to the Tanzania border). Our crew were enthusiastic, knowledgeable (including a former biochemistry teacher who taught us a lot about the marine life), and very focused on making sure we had a great time. They know the coral reefs and marine life well and clearly take fantastic care of this gem marine sanctuary park. They lent us snorkeling equipment and worked with each of us to optimize mask, snorkel, and flipper fits. We had an outstanding lunch at Pilli Pipa. The primary meal was focused on seafood and crab, but there was a chicken option I heard rave reviews about and my vegetarian option (samosas, chapathi, and another vegetable dish) were delicious. Honestly, the region is beautiful but it was the kindness and professionalism of the crew that made this so special. This was one of the best times I've had on vacation and I highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tony
Mar 10, 2025
Visit to shimoni and wasini islands - From warm welcoming to great adventures of the sea, pili Pipa is the best partner at shimoni, great entertainment, great food and professional guides. Experienced captain. Big thanks to oduor who made sure my snorkeling fun, I saw octopus, turtles, jelly fish, star fish and many more, my colleagues enjoyed the lunch, and I can't fail to comment about the entertainment during service
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Epnewyork
Feb 16, 2025
A fantastic day trip from Diani Beach - A great way to spend a day from Diani Beach! They take care of everything - transport from your hotel, a snorkeling trip at Kisite Marine Park, lunch at Wasini Island, and an impactful tour of the slave caves at Shimoni. Not experienced snorkelers, we felt safe and taken care of in the water. The ocean was pretty choppy, at least when we went in February, so keep that in mind if that's a concern. But Pilli Pipa is a great team!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Berneenf
Feb 5, 2025
Pilli Pipa day trip to Wasini Island - A totally slick operation. From the collection at our hotel to the provision and organization of diver gear, the staff were friendly and professional. The diving and snorkeling (one of each) were amazing. Fantastic viz and variety. The meal supplied was fun, tasty and varied. Even their punctuality was spot on!
Very fair value for money and a good day out.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hfish010
Jan 24, 2025
Brilliant day trip! - Had a brilliant time. Well organised, very friendly professional local staff, one of whom spoke a little English, French, Italian and German. Saw many different types of colourful fish, in a safe environment. The meal at the restaurant on Wasini Island was delicious, cooked by local women. They even made a birthday cake as we were celebrating a birthday! Thank you for a wonderful day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
Explore08592525088
Mar 23, 2025
Adventurous excursion with good food - We were picked up on time at the hotel.
The organization was good and professional, the crew on the ship very helpful, friendly and in a good mood. The crew was extremely accommodating and attentive, friendly and dedicated. At the beginning of the ride there was coffee, tea and cookies. During the whole trip you could get water and soft drinks. There were two stops for snorkeling (together about 2.5 hours), each accompanied by two crew members and were able to watch the reef and fish. Those who felt unsafe in the water could wear a life jacket and hold on to the lifebuoy (pulled by the crew member). After snorkeling, lemons were even offered against the salty taste.
We have seen many dolphins swimming around the boat.
After an adventurous translation to Wasini Island we were able to enjoy an excellent lunch in the restaurant.
Overall, the crew was very competent and attentive and the equipment very good.
The translation by dinghy (low water level) to the larger boat at the jetty and on Wasini Island was adventurous because of the swell. The crew had it safely and well under control.
We would make this trip again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cora
Feb 28, 2025
Beautiful snorkel tour - We were picked up on time and could experience two snorkel spots where we could watch beautiful fish. The crew was very friendly and we always felt comfortable. Lunch was very delicious. However, it should be kept in mind that the boat trip is not suitable for people who tend to seasickness quickly. Also we have only seen two dolphins - but this is nature and you have to be aware that you have to be lucky. Overall, we can recommend the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travellingcreativees
Feb 12, 2025
Wonderful day on and under the water - We had an unforgettable day.
The driver was on time to pick us up, kept us informed of where we were going next and what to expect (bumpy road, national parks registration etc)
The show ride to Kisite was lovely. The wonderful staff efficiently kitted us out with snorkeling gear and kept us fed and hydrated.
The highlight was the snorkeling and seeing the magic of the beautiful underwater world. What made it even better was the guides pointing out all sorts of special creatures like a sea turtle and a sting ray as well as gorgeous starfish on the bottom.
The food was fine and a relaxed break. The end of a fantastic day, with special thanks to all the staff at PiliPan.
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