Boat Tours – Marine Life, Glass Bottomed Boat Day Trip, Diani
Coastal Tour
Beach holidays
South Coast, Ukunda, Diani Beach
Boat Tours
See Diani's reef without getting in the water.
Our glass-bottom boat runs out from Diani Beach to the reef, where the floor of the boat opens onto the coral below. You sit in the shade, look down and watch the reef go past. Parrotfish, angelfish and butterflyfish move through the coral in good numbers, and turtles turn up often enough that plenty of guests see one.
The trip suits almost everyone. Children handle it well because nobody has to swim. Older travellers and anyone nervous about deep water get the same view as a snorkeller from a dry, stable seat. If your group is mixed, with some people keen to swim and others not, this is usually the trip that keeps everybody happy.
Your guide points out what you're looking at as you go and explains how the reef works, so it lands somewhere between a boat ride and a short marine lesson.
Trips run in morning and afternoon slots. We set the exact time around the tide, since the reef shows best when the water is right.
Details
Summary information about this package
South Coast, Ukunda, Diani Beach
Diani
Couples
Available
All Ages (For Kids & Adults)
Not included
Excluded
All year round
Costs
Kenyan Citizen
Ksh. 4500 per person sharing
Non-resident
$ 50 per person sharing
Transport
Options:
Duration and Timing
Yes
Day Trip
About Package
More information about this package
Glass Bottomed Boat Experience: Cruise in a specially designed glass-bottomed boat for an unparalleled view of the vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life without getting wet.
Marine Life Exploration: Witness a diverse array of marine species, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and playful dolphins, as they swim in their natural habitat.
Guided Tour: Enjoy insightful commentary from experienced guides who provide fascinating facts about the marine ecosystem and conservation efforts.
Stunning Coastal Scenery: Take in the breathtaking views of Diani’s pristine beaches and turquoise waters, offering a perfect blend of nature’s beauty.
Family-Friendly Fun: Suitable for all ages, this trip is a wonderful way for families to bond and introduce children to the wonders of marine life.
Relaxation and Comfort: Experience a smooth and relaxing boat ride with comfortable seating, ensuring an enjoyable and stress-free adventure on the water.
Package Itinerary
The package itinerary is as follows
Pick-up. We either pick you up or come to a designated spot at the agreed time. Morning slots usually leave between 8:30 and 10:00, afternoon slots between 14:00 and 15:30. The tide sets the exact time, so we confirm it the day before.
Briefing at the beach. A short safety talk at the launch point, life jackets fitted, then straight onto the boat. Ten minutes at most.
Out to the reef. The run out takes around fifteen minutes across the lagoon. The water shallows out over the coral and the guide slows the boat so the viewing panels come into their own.
On the reef. The main part of the trip. You move slowly across several sections of reef while the guide talks you through what's below. Bring a camera, since the light through the panels is good in the middle of the day.
Optional swim stop. If your group wants it, we anchor at a shallow sandbank or calm reef section so people can get in. Anyone who prefers to stay dry simply stays on board. Snorkel gear can be added if you want to see it from the water.
Back to shore. Return across the lagoon, then a road transfer back to your hotel.
Add Ons
Families usually add the packed lunch and the snorkel gear, then make a half day into a full one at the beach.
Groups and corporate bookings tend to take the private boat plus a photographer, which gives you the whole reef to yourselves and a set of images afterwards.
Couples often add the massage session for later the same day, then stay on for a night or two in Diani.
Anyone travelling up from Mombasa or down from Nairobi can add the vehicle upgrade and the safari extension and build a longer coast trip around the boat day.
+ Inclusions
Glass-bottom boat trip with viewing over the Diani reef
Reef guide throughout
Life jackets for all passengers
Bottled drinking water
- Exclusions
Meals and drinks beyond the water provided
Snorkelling equipment, available as an add-on
Travel insurance, recommended but not provided
Tips for the boat crew and guide
Personal spending
Marine park entry fees, if you extend the trip to Kisite Mpunguti or Wasini. These are paid through the KWS eCitizen portal and we will confirm the current rate when you book
What To Carry
Swimwear under your clothes if you plan to get in
A towel
Sunscreen, ideally reef-safe
A hat and sunglasses
A camera or phone, in a waterproof pouch if you have one
Light clothing that dries quickly
Motion sickness tablets if you are prone to it. Take them before boarding, not once you are on the water
Cash for tips and for anything you buy at the beach
Book This Package
Reach out:
For enquiries or bookings, write to [email protected]. We’ll revert within 20 minutes during business hours.