Begin your adventure in Shimoni, a former colonial settlement and port just north of the Tanzanian border. Board your dhow—a vessel with distinctively triangular sails—and cruise across the narrow channel to the picturesque Wasini Island.

Grab your underwater equipment of choice and plunge into the irresistible waters, rich in marine life. Float, swim, and marvel at the diversity of vibrant life in this reef habitat. For those with a scuba kit, the excellent local dive sites are a hive of activity for larger creatures.

After working up an appetite, pull yourself from the sea to enjoy a traditional lunch, served Swahili-style on the beach. As you eat, keep your eyes on the waves for dolphins coming to play in the island’s protected, majestic waters.