Wasini Island

Wasini is a small, flat island a short boat ride from Shimoni, home to a fishing community that has lived off the sea for generations. There are no cars, just footpaths, coral-stone houses, a few small shops and a slow pace that contrasts sharply with the resort strip. Most visitors arrive as part of a dolphin and snorkeling day, stopping for lunch and a wander. Seafood is the main attraction: crab, lobster, prawns and fish cooked fresh in coconut and spices, served at local restaurants overlooking the water.

Beyond lunch, the island has things worth seeing. A short boardwalk crosses a stretch of coral rock and mangrove, with the ground carved by waves into sharp and strange shapes, often described as a coral garden. Guides explain the island's ecology and history, the fishing life, and how the community runs small tourism businesses.

The village has a few craft shops, and you may pass ruins of older buildings and tombs that hint at a longer history. Time on shore is usually short, between one and two hours, so you can't see everything, but it is enough for a slow walk and a good meal.

Eat well but check the details. Seafood prices are often bundled into the tour price, though extras such as drinks, crab claws or lobster upgrades may be charged separately. Vegetarian options exist but are limited, so mention dietary needs when you book. If you want an alternative to a crowded group lunch, ask your operator about the restaurant they use and the group size. The island is small and gets busy when several boats arrive together, so an earlier or later lunch slot is calmer.

A few ideas improve the stop on land. If you have time, walk past the main lunch spots to see the quieter side of the village, where fishermen mend nets and children play in the lanes, and say hello in Swahili with a simple jambo or habari. The coral garden boardwalk is best enjoyed slowly, as the formations make for striking photographs, especially when the light is low. If you buy crafts, look for items made locally and be willing to bargain gently.

Take a hat and sunscreen, since shade on the boardwalk is limited, and carry some cash for tips. After lunch, there is often a short rest before the boat returns, which is a good time to rinse off, hydrate and enjoy the view. Finally, remember that the island economy depends on visitors, so buying a drink, a craft item or a tip for your guide has a real effect, and a friendly greeting goes a long way.