Have you ever been extremely anxious and yet so excited at the same time? Well, that was me in Wasini Island off Diani Kenyan coast. Story of my life! stick around as I divulge into my amazing Kenyan coast escapades.
I travelled with a group of friends and acquaintances. After an early morning breakfast, we set off for Wasini island, from our lovely hotel in Diani. we were staying at the lovely Diani Reef hotel. Safari vans picked us up from the hotel and off we went. We were advised to carry our swimsuits, towels and a change of clothes. Briefing was done before boarding the vans and we were informed it was going to be a day packed with water activities, from snorkeling, swimming in the clear ocean waters and if we were lucky swim with the dolphins.
We were so pumped; you could literally smell the aural of excitement all around the entire group. The journey from Diani Reef to Wasini meet up point lasted roughly one hour, and it was such a joyous ride. Once we got to Wasini boats tickets offices, we were advised to use the bathrooms to change into our swimsuits as there were no bathroom facilities at the Marine Park. the only option would be to change from the dhow boats which would provide less privacy and comfort.
After suiting up, we boarded the dhow boats and off the voyage of a lifetime started. Each boat carried roughly 10 to 13 people. I so happened to end up on one of the boats with funky people, so someone had carried music with a mini loudspeaker. The journey started off very lively with music blaring out. Soft drinks were passed around by the boat crew.
The Dhow Boats
The Dhow boats are unique, nothing like your average speed boat. These are a special kind. They have this rustic feel, with wooden seats and sisal like embroidery on the side. They give you the feel of Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean set up ha-ha. However, they are very comfortable, and they are just so artistic, woody and unique.
The Boat Ride
The marine park, which was our destination for the day is somewhere in the middle of the Indian ocean. So, we got ourselves comfortable in the dhow boats, got soft drinks and snacks and set off for a boat ride of a lifetime.
40 minutes into the boat ride, low and behold, it started raining first in drizzles and within a few minutes it switched up to a full-blown thunderstorm. We were totally caught off guard, the way it switched up very fast was amazing and alarming. It was so windy, the boat was swaying so violently, splashes of the rain were coming into the boat, and we were getting socked. Kudos to the boat crew because the tried their best to get all the canvas they had to fully cover the boat and the captain decided to cut back on the boat engine and let the boat stay still for a while, this helped with the swaying a bit.
Tough ride
I have never seen so many gloomy fearful faces as they were on the boat, music was turned off, appetite for drinks and snacks seemed to have totally disappeared, no one even wanted to look at them. The mood on the boat had taken a 360-degree turnabout. There were whispers of prayers here and there. Even I closed my eyes and prayed to the Almighty not to take me before I even saw the Marine Park. For a moment I think everyone on the boat was in sync thinking this just might be it! God forbid!
Something funny about rain at the ocean, it seemed to have appeared or started from nowhere completely out of the blue, I do not remember seeing any dark clouds, probably I was having too much fun to have noticed. All I can remember is one minute we were busy enjoying the calm ocean and the next minute we were in a middle of a storm frightened and praying to the Almighty for mercy and protection.
Just as it had started, the rains ended abruptly, within 30minutes, it was all clear. Our Captain switched back on the engine and off we raced to the Marine Park.
Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
Never have I seen such beautiful waters, oh my! They have this amazing rich deep blue, crystal clear waters. No wonder it’s called Safari blue. The water is very clear, you can see creatures deep down to almost the flows of the ocean. It is very clean and simply mesmerizing. I could just sit and look at this water for days end. Never have I been this much awed by water in my life like at the Marine Park in Wasini.
Seeing dolphins rhythmically pop out of the water and diving right back in was magical, it was the top of the icing. All I could hear around me was joyful cheers and aww and oowwhs. In that moment everyone had completely forgotten about the thunderstorm boat journey to the Marine Park.
Snorkeing
Snorkeling gear was handed out to everyone who wanted go snorkeling. The cool thing about it is you do not have to be a good swimmer to go snorkeling. Even those who didn’t know how to swim where provided with floaters, snorkeling gear and a personal diver and instructor to help and guide them. Thus, maximum enjoyment is guaranteed for everyone who is willing to try out snorkeling. Snorkeling is such a fun activity; it is so refreshing. The Marine Park waters are so clear and warm. When you put on the snorkeling gear you see everything at deep lengths deep down in the ocean. You get to see the beautiful coral reefs, the amazing ocean plantation and the colorful different types of fish. It is such an amazing experience.
I 100% recommend snorkeling, its beautiful refreshing and a feel-good activity. Do not worry if you’re not a very good swimmer, there are well trained instructors to ensure that even those who do not know how to swim get to enjoy some activities.
The Wasini Marine Park has a mini small beach right there in the middle of the ocean. This place is beautiful. so, after snorkeling and watching the dolphins, one can relax by taking a small stroll on this strip of a beach or even just sit down or swim in the shallow warm waters near this beach stream. Some people had opted to stay in the boat and not engage in snorkeling, but they too were compelled by this beautiful beach strip to get off. So, they got off and walked in the shallow waters and at the beach.
I decided to go for a stall on the mini beach after snorkeling and occasionally kept walking back to the shallow waters because the waters were warm and it felt like such a soothing toe massage, stepping into these warm waters and feeling the sand below my feet.
It started raining once again while we were at the mini beach. This time round it felt magical, imagine your basking in this warm water and it’s raining down on you at the same time. This is the most amazing feeling I had my entire trip. It felt like the rain was striping away all my stress and worries and burden and just like a little child. I stood out there and enjoyed the ocean just like everyone else. We let it just rain down on us. It was simply magical, such a beautiful moment.
I simply just stood in the ocean and let the rain soak me up. The combination of the cold rain and the warm ocean water was the therapy I didn’t know I badly needed. I felt light like a bird, literally felt like flying with no wings ha-ha. Right there in that moment I had no worry at all, life was perfect right there and then! I occasionally dipped into the ocean for a swim and came back right up to feel the rain drizzles on me. It felt like I was a little girl once again back in the day when playing in the rain was magical. I shamelessly enjoyed this little play and was a tad sad when it abruptly stopped raining.
When it was still raining, I looked around and realized everyone was in this frenzy and enjoying the rain just like little children. It was such an amazing feeling, and I can tell you, everyone wanted to hold on to that moment for eternity. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, and it stopped raining.
People continued swimming and snorkeling, strolling by the beach strip, taking pictures. Meanwhile the entire time refreshments are served on the boats, so in the middle of a swim you can just swim right up to your boat and grab a bite and get right back to your swimming. After hours of this, there was a group consensus that it was about time to head back to the mainland.
The Journey Back
We all headed to our respective boats. Fruits and soft drinks were served in plenty as everyone settled in and got ready for the ride back from Wasini island. The ride back seemed shorter surprisingly. It was smooth, no rain. Everyone was just in a happy dreamy mood. People couldn’t wait to just get back to their hotels and just sleep off the rest of the evening. There were small conversations all around. You could just feel the general mood was that of happiness and feeling of a day well spent!
This was one of the best trips of my entire life. It had me in a roller coaster of emotions. From curiosity to fearfulness, to death scared, to excitement and to pure ecstasy. I will always cherish memories of this trip. Given an opportunity I will visit Wasini Island over and over again.
Get in touch with Africa Moja Safaris at info@africamojasafaris.com. Let us plan your dream trip to Wasini Island and other Kenyan Coast destinations like Diani, Mombasa, Watamu and Malindi.
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