Wasini Island — Local services in Pongwe Kikoneni ward

Mass tourism, dangerous snorkeling, little service and ecologically not sutainable. The island and the reef at the smaller islands may be very pretty, but also a bad example how mass tourism destroys both nature and community:

We booked a tour for about $100 per person for December 2018. The year before in this price there was breakfast snorkeling gear, drinks and a great lunch included. Moreover there were only about 10 guests in a boat.

This year: flippers are charged extra @200 KSH, only water for drinking on the boat, no breakfast on the boat, seafood like octopus for lunch cost extra, "fresh juices" were made of lemonade and water. More than 40 passengers per boat (8-10 boats) were transported to a reef - hence it was very crowded. We almost got run over by 2 boats driving through the snorkeling persons (less then 2 meters away). After about 45 minutes the snorkeling was finished and we went to lunch sitting on unstable plastic chairs like chicken. Afterwards the tried to guide us through the village, a human zoo where the smallest local kids were swarming out to beg for money.

It is very sad to see how unregulated tourism is destroying a beautiful place like this.

First star is for being able to write this review. Second star for the nice outer reef that will most likely be gone in a couple of year.

We are doing many tours during our holidays and this was one of the worst we ever attended.

Really nice and responsible tours can be found on Zanzibar (Chumbwe Island - eco tour) or at Sail away in Vilanculos, Mozambique. I hope Kenya will...

Wasini Island is a small, idyllic paradise located off the coast of Kenya in East Africa. This beautiful and secluded island offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and is an excellent destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.

One of the main attractions on the island is its stunning coral reefs. The clear, turquoise waters surrounding the island are home to a vibrant and diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. Visitors can explore these reefs by snorkeling or scuba diving, and are sure to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of the underwater world.

In addition to the coral reefs, Wasini Island is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The island is home to the Wasini people, who have lived on the island for generations and have preserved many of their traditional customs and practices. Visitors can experience this unique culture by taking a tour of the island's villages, where they can see local handicrafts being made and learn about the history and traditions of the Wasini people.

Overall, Wasini Island is a beautiful and unique destination that offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an immersive cultural experience, this island is sure to leave a...

Took a boat trip to Wasini island. The boat trip takes 7 minutes to cross. We used a boat called Al Jazeera. The crossing was uneventful and our boat captain gave us a little information on what each colour meant in terms of how deep the water was. We had a great lunch at the Coral restaurant and enjoyed delicious cassava..fish..crab..and rice and chapati. We also enjoyed their special 🍹 cocktail. We took a short tour of the island and visited the Coral gardens. The island is 7 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide. There is no electricity or water on the island and inhabitants rely on rain harvesting. There is a primary school and dispensary but no secondary school. Children have to be transported by boat to and from school for those attending secondary schools on the mainland. There is no church on the island and christians have to cross by boat to the mainland for worship. There is no alcohol or police on the island and the community policing is the model. Everybody knows everybody and work together as a community. The Vumba people who inhabit this island are friendly. Our guide was very knowledgeable and patient. It was a worthwhile tour not just for the food but for...