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Dhow Cruises & Island Trips in Kenya

Dhow Cruises & Island Trips in Kenya

Sail on a traditional wooden dhow: sunset cruises, island hopping and seafood lunches on the Swahili coast.

The dhow has sailed the Swahili coast for centuries and is still the best way to see it. Depending on where you stay, a dhow day can be a sunset sail around the Lamu archipelago, a trip from Shimoni to Wasini Island and Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, or an evening on Mida Creek.

Most full-day dhow trips include snorkeling and a seafood lunch. Dolphins are often seen on the Kisite trip from Diani.

Tips

  • Bring a hat, sunscreen and a dry bag.
  • Sunset dhows are the best photo light of the day.
  • Full-day trips run on calm-sea days, so stay flexible.

Where to do it

Diani
Full-day dhow trip from Shimoni to Wasini Island with dolphins and a seafood lunch.
Watamu
Sunset dhow on Mida Creek.
Mombasa
Evening dhow cruises around Mombasa island.
Lamu
Sunset dhow sails and day trips around the archipelago.
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Packages that include dhow cruises & island trips

Safari
Masai Mara Luxury Safari & Diani Beach
Masai Mara + Diani 路 4 days / 3 nights (add 3 nights in Diani)

Masai Mara Luxury Safari & Diani Beach

Three nights in a luxury or mid-luxury Masai Mara camp over Christmas and New Year, with park fees, transport and game drives included. Finish with three nights on Diani Beach.

From USD 3,248
per person sharing 路 4 hotels
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Beach
Diani Beach Holiday
Diani 路 3 days / 2 nights

Diani Beach Holiday

White sand, warm water and ten beach hotels to choose from, from cosy cottages to all-inclusive resorts. Add a dhow trip to Wasini Island for dolphins.

From KES 21,500
per person sharing 路 10 hotels
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Beach
Watamu Beach Holiday
Watamu 路 3 days / 2 nights

Watamu Beach Holiday

Kenya鈥檚 best snorkeling right off the beach, sunsets on Mida Creek and ten hotels from boutique to all inclusive.

From KES 20,800
per person sharing 路 10 hotels
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Beach
Mombasa Beach Holiday
Mombasa 路 3 days / 2 nights

Mombasa Beach Holiday

The easiest beach holiday from Nairobi: SGR to Mombasa, eleven north-coast hotels (many all inclusive) and a half-day at Fort Jesus.

From KES 20,800
per person sharing 路 11 hotels
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Beach
Lamu Holiday Houses & Hotels
Lamu 路 3 to 7 nights

Lamu Holiday Houses & Hotels

Boutique hotels for couples and whole Swahili houses for families and friends in Lamu and Shela. Prices are for the whole stay, not per person.

From USD 1,380
for 2 guests (3 nights) 路 9 hotels
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