WATAMU marine park & CATAPILAR island Private Excursion
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Visit the Watamu marine park
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Snorkeling
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Coral/marine life
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Dolphins spotting
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Seafood & traditional Swahili dishes
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Local cultures
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Island Mangrove Canoe tour
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Swimming
Watamu Marine park Excursion Highlights
Enjoy our Day trip excursion to one of the finest Kenyan Beach Safari, located north of Mombasa, the small coastal village of Watamu is renowned for the Watamu Marine National Park. The park boasts three sparkling bays, white-sandy beaches and an underwater coral wonderland offering one of the best snorkeling and diving experiences on the East African coast. This charming paradise is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty; fringed by lush tropical rainforests and mangroves
Our driver guide will picked you from your hotel or desired pick up point early in the morning, then drive North towards Watamu via the Mombasa Malindi road. Its 100 kilometers from Mombasa and it will take roughly one and a half hours to reach watamu. On your way you will be able see different land scape and plantations along the road.
At around 9:30 am arrive at the Watamu Marine park .Your driver will hand you over to the captain/guide who will make sure your marine park fees is paid, you will board a motorized 2 décor boat so you can choose to lay on the top deck and bask in the sun or just relax on the lower deck and enjoy the underwater life as you cruise towards the Marine park.
Your excursion will begin with dolphin sighting where your captain/guide will take you to the hotspots where according to his experience you will be able to see them do their signature dive in their natural habitat, if you are lucky enough to spot them at the marine park you can have the pleasure of swimming with the gentle creatures. (Kindly note that dolphins can only be spotted from the Month of October to May)
After the mad fun, once again board the boat and continue towards the marine park. The Pristine white-sand beaches and reef protected lagoons line the Watamu National Marine Park and Reserves, which are the oldest in East Africa and cover over 229 kmsq. It is one of the best kept secrets in the world with only the Great Barrier Reef itself having a bigger species list and that only in a far greater expanse!
The marine protected area in Watamu is also recognized internationally as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This means that the area is designated as a site of natural excellence, and should demonstrate how local people and the environment can coexist through careful stewardship of our natural marine resources and human assets.
The Marine Park and Reserve is renowned world wide for its natural beauty and boasts a rich marine life. It is virtually impossible to snorkel
without seeing at least a few dozen species inside the main reef; divers outside the fringe reef stand an excellent chance of viewing the magnificent whale shark and Manta Rays that are seasonal visitors. November is best for spotting these animals. The Park is also home to three species of sea turtle who also nest on the Marine Park beaches.
After a morning of diving and snorkeling, you will head over to the Wasini Island Restaurant where lunch will be served.
The Wasini mangrove and Coral Garden conservation project was set up and funded by the Biodiversity Conservation Program, a joint venture between the Kenyan government and the European Commission, as part of an income generating eco-tourism project to help preserve the giant coral rocks on the island and the mangrove forest while providing a livelihood for the village community
For years, the fossil coral gardens had been a tourist attraction with local and foreign visitors intrigued by the mere presence of the giant rocks. However, there was no organized guide for visitors to the site, or pathways to get around the gardens. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) came up with the idea of constructing a board walk around the site and it was finally constructed by KWS staff and villagers, with technical help from an experienced construction engineer and financial support from the governments of the Netherlands and Germany.
The 70-member Wasini Women Group is directly responsible for its operation and management, collecting visitors’ fees, and providing guiding services. The proceeds are allocated to several village welfare projects.
You may also choose to rejuvenate with a nap or just relax on the beach front and watch the ocean waves splashing against the rocky corals. After a short reflective siesta, board your boat for the sail back to the mainland jetty at Shimoni
once the you will visit the shimoni slaves cave where you will get to learn a little history of the slave holding port,' for east Africa's coastal slave trade which reached from South Africa to the Middle East. These slave holding pens were located in the natural cave systems that exist in Shimoni.
After the short historical tour you will meet your driver who will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel or desired drop off point in time for dinner.
Prices are inclusive of:
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​Private transportation
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Private Boat
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Private Guide
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Private Driver
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Marine park Entry fee
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Coral garden Entry fee
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Local swahili break fast
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Lunch (Sea food /Chicken/Vegetarian)
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Soft drink (during Lunch)
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Bottled Water (During the tour)
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Snorkeling equipment
Prices are exclusive of:
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Soft drinks & snacks during the tour
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Tips and gratuities
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Items of personal nature
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personal travel insurance
Rates
5 Pax €125 pp
7 Pax €125 pp
7 Pax €120 pp
3 Pax €130 pp
3 Pax €125 pp
4 Pax €130 pp
5 Pax €125 pp
5 Pax €130 pp
6 Pax €125 pp
6 Pax €120 pp
1 Pax €190 pp
2 Pax €130 pp
2 Pax €130 pp
1 Pax €190 pp
From North coast Hotels
From South Coast Hotels
What to carry on the trip
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Beachwear/Swimming costume
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Beach sandals
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Towel
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Sunscreen