Snorkeling in Watamu Marine Park
The boat stops on the coral reef inside the marine park. You snorkel with a mask and fins, and your guide points out the fish, corals and, with luck, a sea turtle. The water is shallow and calm, so beginners can join.
Dolphin Watching
When the sea is calm, the boat sails past the reef to look for dolphins. Sightings depend on the day, and we do not chase them or get close.
The Sardegna 2 Sandbank
Sardegna 2 is a strip of white sand in the middle of clear turquoise water. It appears at low tide and disappears again as the water rises. It is a good place to swim, walk on the sand and take photos. Sardinia 2 and Sardegna Due are other names for the same place.
Seafood Lunch by the Sandbank
Lunch is served on the boat or on the sand, depending on the tide. The menu is usually grilled fish, prawns, lobster and coconut rice, with fruit to finish. Tell us about any allergies or if you need a vegetarian meal when you book.
Sunbathing and Free Time
After lunch you have time to swim, rest on the sun deck or walk on the sandbank before the boat heads back.
Sardegna 2 Watamu Itinerary
Times are a guide. The tide decides when the sandbank appears, so we may change the order of the stops.
- 8:00 am: Pick-up from your hotel in Watamu. Guests in Malindi are collected earlier.
- 8:30 am: Safety briefing at the beach and boarding.
- 9:00 am: Boat to Watamu Marine Park.
- 9:30 am: Snorkeling on the coral reef.
- 11:00 am: Sail past the reef and look for dolphins.
- 12:00 pm: Arrive at the Sardegna 2 sandbank. Swim, walk and take photos.
- 1:00 pm: Seafood lunch.
- 2:00 pm: Free time on the sandbank.
- 3:30 pm: Sail back to the beach.
- 4:30 pm: Drop-off at your hotel.
What Is Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Boat and crew
- Watamu Marine Park entrance fee
- Snorkeling gear: mask, fins and life jacket
- English speaking guide
- Seafood lunch
- Drinking water and soft drinks
What Is Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips for the crew and guide
- Travel insurance
- Photos or personal purchases
Good to Know
- The tide decides everything: The sandbank only shows at low tide, and the water around it is shallow. We check the tide chart and set the day’s route around it, so the order of stops may change.
- Swimming: The best swimming and snorkeling happen at the reef, where the water is deeper. On the sandbank the water can be only ankle or knee deep, so it is more for walking, paddling and photos.
- Vendors: Local traders sometimes sell crafts on the sandbank. You are free to say no.
Best season: The trip runs all year. The sea can be rougher in the long rains, from April to June. - What to bring: Swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, a dry change of clothes and a small amount of cash for tips.
- Swimming ability: You do not need to be a strong swimmer. Life jackets are provided and the guide stays with you in the water.
- Children: Children are welcome. Tell us their ages when you book so we can bring the right life jackets.
- Respect the reef: Do not stand on or touch the coral, and do not take shells or starfish from the water.
- Other option: Prefer mangroves and birds to a sandbank? See our Safari Blue Watamu trip to Mida Creek and Sudi Island.
