Entrance Fee for Wasini Island: Total KWS Fee

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) sets the conservation fees for accessing the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park during a Wasini Island trip. For 2026, the fees are KES 500 for Citizens, KES 675 for Residents, and USD 25 for Non-Residents, payable per person. These payments are electronic only via the eCitizen/KWS portal at the Shimoni jetty. KWS does not accept cash.

KWS rangers at the Shimoni entrance checkpoint will permanently confiscate any single-use plastic beverage bottles. Visitors must bring a reusable bottle to comply with marine conservation rules and ensure a smooth start to their excursion from Diani.

What are the KWS fees for Wasini Island and Kisite Marine Park?

The KWS conservation fee provides entry into the protected Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park. This park is the main destination for snorkelling and dolphin spotting on a Wasini Island day trip. The fee is a mandatory, per-person charge for any excursion entering the marine park, with rates based on residency status.

The KWS fee grants access to the marine park for the duration of a single day trip. This government fee is separate from the costs of your dhow trip, transport from Diani, or lunch on Wasini Island.

How do you pay KWS conservation fees at Shimoni Jetty?

KWS operates a completely cashless system for all park entry fees in Kenya. At the Shimoni jetty, the only accepted payment method is electronic, processed through the government's eCitizen platform. Arriving prepared for this process prevents delays.

You cannot pay with cash, including Kenya Shillings or any foreign currency. You must use a digital payment method, such as M-Pesa for local residents or a credit/debit card for international visitors. An organised package from a tour operator like Diani Excursions Office typically handles the KWS payment process for guests.

What are the entry rules for Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park?

KWS enforces regulations at the entrance to Kisite Mpunguti to protect the marine ecosystem. Awareness of these rules supports a responsible visit and prevents issues at the security check before boarding your dhow.

• No Single-Use Plastic Bottles: KWS rangers confiscate disposable plastic water or soda bottles at the gate. Visitors must carry a reusable water bottle or flask. This is a strictly enforced park rule.
• Do Not Disturb Marine Life: Visitors are prohibited from touching, chasing, or standing on coral reefs. Feeding fish or dolphins is also forbidden.
• No Souvenir Collection: Removing shells, coral fragments, or sand from the marine park or its islands is not allowed.

Adherence to these guidelines helps preserve the natural condition of the park for future visitors and supports marine conservation work.

Is the KWS fee a daily charge or single entry?

The conservation fee for Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is a single-entry charge, not a 24-hour pass. The fee is valid for the entire duration of your day trip. Once you pay at the Shimoni gate, your entry covers all activities inside the marine park for that day, including dolphin spotting and snorkelling, until you exit. This structure makes budgeting for your Diani excursion straightforward.

What to expect on your Wasini Island day trip from Diani

A Wasini and Kisite excursion is a full-day trip that begins with a transfer from your Diani Beach hotel to the fishing village of Shimoni. From the jetty, you board a traditional Arab dhow and sail into the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park.

The morning is spent searching for resident dolphin pods and snorkelling in the clear waters over the coral gardens. Afterwards, the dhow sails to Wasini Island. Guests disembark for a Swahili seafood lunch and a short walk through the local village before the return dhow trip to Shimoni and the transfer back to Diani.

What should you pack for your Wasini and Kisite trip?

Packing the correct items makes your day trip from Diani to the marine park more comfortable and compliant with park rules.

• Sun Protection: A high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are recommended for protection on the open ocean.
• Reusable Water Bottle: This is a mandatory item to comply with the KWS ban on single-use plastics.
• Swimwear and a Towel: Wear your swimwear under your clothes and pack a towel for after snorkelling.
• Waterproof Camera: An underwater camera or a waterproof phone case helps capture images of the marine life.
• Small Amount of Cash: You may want a small amount of Kenya Shillings to buy drinks or souvenirs from the community on Wasini Island, as KWS fees are the only cashless component.

How to book your Wasini Island and Kisite excursion from Diani

Booking your Wasini Island and Kisite Marine Park trip directly with the Diani Excursions Office provides transparent, fixed pricing and avoids haggling with beach brokers. Our named packages include return transport from your Diani or Ukunda hotel, the dhow excursion, snorkelling equipment, a guide, and a Swahili seafood lunch on Wasini Island.

While KWS conservation fees are a separate charge paid at the gate, booking a complete package means all other logistics are managed for you, allowing you to focus on the experience.

[Book your Wasini Island excursion now]