Are there dolphins in Wasini?

Are there dolphins in Wasini?  Wasini Island is the last gem in the tropical beach chain that extends south of Mombasa. It is situated 76 km south of the Likoni ferry crossing, around 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) southeast of Mombasa, off the Indian Ocean coast. “Wasini mpunguti” means “short Chinese” to the locals, and it originated from the early occupants who were originally Chinese and were hence short Chinese. Only trails made of jagged old coral or sand can be seen on the island. Bicycles, carts, and automobiles are absent. The two methods of moving cargo are on foot or in a wheelbarrow with a sturdy tire. Transportation options include boating across the sea or travelling over the beaches, which are mostly made of coral and only accessible at low tide.

There used to be an airfield in the lagoon located longitudinally south on the island prior to 1963, during the British colonial era; the only remnants of this history are little patches of tarmac. Fat, mottled trees, fading white alleyways, and a sense of Swahili fishing make this small island—just 5 kilometres long—feel like a distant relative of Zanzibar and Lamu. The ingredients needed to create the ideal coastal refuge for backpackers are abundant: With a coastline dotted with white sand beaches and Kisite Marine National Park, the most beautiful snorkelling reef on the coast, it exudes the feeling of being able to sit under a mango tree and do nothing all day. Actually, it is all the better for it because the only things it lacks are vehicles, backpacker hostels, banana-pancake traveller cafes, and regular power.

The primary source of revenue is tourism, followed by fishing. Due to tourism, the high degree of poverty has significantly decreased over the past 30 years in the about 10-kilometer-distance Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. Visitors can dive and snorkel among the coral around the small sand island of Kisite, which is completely submerged at high tide. Every year, 80.000 tourists from abroad (75%) and Africa (25%) visit this park. Unfortunately, since 2013, the number of foreign visitors has decreased by 50%, with 75% of them travelling from Europe, due to their fear of Al-Shabaab and, since 2014, the Ebola virus, even though it has never been found outside of West Africa and the Congo. About 50% of the residents in Wasini Island village, or 75% of the total population, depend on tourism for their income. This figure is 12 percent in Mwiro and most likely 18 percent in Mwiro. Income from fishing comes in second.

The fishermen use fishing lines or open baskets filled with stones and promoted by mangrove poles that have been cut on the island and carried into their canoes. In addition to the more tranquil seas between the island and the mainland, they are fishing in the occasionally choppy Pemba Channel between Wasini and Pemba. Additionally, there are a number of sport fishing boats stationed at the Pemba Channel Club on the shore of Shimoni that enter the Pemba Channel, a fishing area well-known in Kenya that has set IGFA fishing records for both Africa and the world. The fish reservoir has suffered as a result of dynamite on reefs, destructive fishing techniques with small seine nets, the presence of longline fishing vessels offshore, and rising water levels.

Dolphins and humpback whales are frequently seen in the island’s immediate vicinity. Humpback whales are frequently spotted moving north on the East African current close to the mainland. Dolphins frequently frolic in the ocean on the island’s east side. Snorkelers can view and investigate stunning coral fauna and flora on the island itself along the coast opposite Wasini town near the Kenyan Marine jetty; however, the Beach Management Unit is requesting an admission fee of $5 USD or the equivalent in Kenyan shillings. The calm, clean ocean north of the jetty’s stairs makes swimming pleasant.

A nature boardwalk has been created by the Wasini Women Group among the stunning coral gardens on the western end. For example, the proceeds benefit other Wasini citizens and students in need. A well-established but basic orphanage is located in Mkwiro. Visitors frequently visit the “Shimoni Slave Caves,” a community-based project, which is complemented by these indigenous Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and self-help groups. Although the magnitude and role of both locations in the slave trade are debatable, it is accurate to state that both were involved. The harmless Shimoni bat virus is carried by fruit bats that live in the caves.

Accommodations in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park

Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park offers lodging. There are several lodging options on Diani Beach and Wasini Island. There are some lodging options near the Shimoni area.

Saruni Ocean Beach Hotel Diani

Only eighteen suites make up the Saruni Ocean Beach Hotel Diani, which is situated on the pristine Msambweni beach (30 minutes south of Diani) on Kenya’s remote south coast. This chic and opulent house is ideal for families hoping to spend some quality time together or honeymooners seeking a private haven.

Mpunguti Lodge

When the first tourists began to arrive in greater numbers on the island in the 1970s, and the Marine National Park was gazetted, Mpunguti Lodge & The restaurant was just a restaurant. In the years that followed, the first lodging house was constructed, and numerous more were erected.

Are there dolphins in Wasini?
Mpunguti Lodge

Firefly Ocean Camp

South of Diani Beach, on the shores of Shimoni, lies an eco-camp called Firefly Ocean Camp. The camp is a secret treasure tucked away in the coastal forest canopy with a view of Wasini Island and the Shimoni Channel. It’s the ideal location for a day trip or a couple of nights. Sunset cruises, dhow journeys to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, diving excursions, and much more are available at their camp.

Blue Marlin

A modest family-run hotel is called Blue Marlin. Blue Marlin, which is located in the most picturesque area of Diani Beach, is ideal for anyone wishing to unwind in a subtly organised beach environment. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful flora and sits atop a tiny hill with a view of the Indian Ocean and a spotless white beach. These offer the perfect setting for leisurely lunches during the day and elegant dinners in the evening air. Through the thriving palm tree crowns, the air-conditioned, spacious apartments with huge patios and simple coastal Swahili design offer a unique perspective of the ocean.

The Baobab Beach Resort and Spa

The Baobab Beach Resort and Spa is situated on the renowned Diani Beach and is surrounded by 80 acres of tropical gardens with a view of the Indian Ocean. The Resort’s charming setting, perched on a coral headland with sweeping views of golden beaches, is a haven of peace and quiet. The resort offers the ultimate luxury beach vacation, spanning over 500 meters of golden beachfront and shaded by exotic coconut palms and native coastal vegetation. The guestrooms have been thoughtfully constructed to offer our clients the highest level of comfort and elegance. Among the resort’s recreational amenities are three swimming pools, dining spaces, and much more.

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