Robinson Island Diani Sandbank
Robinson Island in Diani is the local name for a sandbank off the beach that appears at low tide, about 15 to 20 minutes away by glass bottom boat inside the Diani-Chale Marine Reserve.
- Low tide sandbank off Diani
- 15 to 20 minutes by boat
- Glass-bottom boat, jet ski and photo shoot
Robinson Island Sandbank at a Glance
Robinson Island in Diani is not a real island but a white sandbank just past the reef that rises above the water at low tide and disappears at high tide. Visitors swim, snorkel in the pools around it and walk on the sand for an hour or two. Its plus code is MH6G+MG.
Robinson Island in Diani or Malindi
A different Robinson Island lies near Malindi in Kilifi County. Check that your booking says Diani before you pay.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Tidal sandbank |
| Location | Off central Diani, past the reef |
| Protected area | Diani-Chale Marine National Reserve |
| Dry time | About two hours either side of low tide |
Getting to Robinson Island in Diani
Robinson Island is reached by a 15 to 20 minute glass bottom boat ride from the main Diani beach, with boats leaving near Baobab, 5.6 km by road from the Ukunda junction. The boat time is set by the tide table. Jet skis and the clear kayak photo shoot also visit the sandbank.
Glass Bottom Boat to Robinson Island
The boat crosses the lagoon over the reef, stops for snorkelling and lands on the sandbank. Our glass bottom boat trip costs KES 2,000 per adult for Kenyan ID holders or USD 40 for international guests.
Jet Ski to Robinson Island
A 15-minute jet ski ride costs KES 10,000 or USD 100. Drivers must be 16 or older, and children from 6 ride as passengers.
| Way to go | Time | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| Glass bottom boat | 15 to 20 min each way | KES 2,000 or USD 40 per adult |
| Jet ski | 15-minute ride | KES 10,000 or USD 100 |
| Clear kayak photo shoot | Tide-timed session | KES 12,000 or USD 120 per session |
Things to Do on the Robinson Island Sandbank
The sandbank time is for swimming in the clear pools, snorkelling at the reef edge and photos on the white sand. Starfish and small reef fish sit in the shallows. Some boats bring fresh fruit or drinks, so ask what is included.
Robinson Island Photo Shoot
Our photo shoot uses a clear kayak or the boat with drone shots, KES 12,000 or USD 120 per session. Morning and late afternoon light is softest.
Snorkelling at the Reef Edge
The glass bottom boat stops on the reef on the way. Masks are provided, and the guide shows where the coral is.
Best Time to Visit Robinson Island
The best time to visit Robinson Island is in the two hours either side of low tide, when the sandbank is dry and the pools around it are shallow and clear. Spring tides around the full and new moon leave the largest sandbank. December to March brings the calmest water for the boat ride.
Spring Tides and Neap Tides
Spring tides drop lowest and show the biggest sandbank for longest. On neap tides the sandbank is smaller and covers sooner.
Best Months for Robinson Island
Calm months from December to March give clear water over the reef. Windy days from July to October can make the lagoon choppy, and the short rains expected from mid-October to early December 2026 bring some grey mornings.
Robinson Island for Families
Robinson Island suits families because the pools are shallow and calm at low tide, and children under 12 pay the child price on the glass bottom boat. Life jackets come in child sizes. Keep the trip to the sandbank window so children are back before the water rises.
Robinson Island Packing List
- Swimwear, reef shoes and a towel
- High-factor sunscreen and a hat
- Water and a light snack
- A dry bag for phones and cash
Glass Bottom Boat for Non-Swimmers
Non-swimmers can view the reef through the glass floor and stand in the knee-deep pools on the sandbank with a life jacket.
Robinson Island Safety
The sandbank is above water for only a few hours, so stay with your boat crew and leave when they say the water is coming back. Wear reef shoes, because the shallows have coral and sea urchins. Everyone wears a life jacket on the boat.
Sun and Children
The sand has no shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen and water. Children should stay within arm's reach in the water.
Reserve Rules
The sandbank lies inside the Diani-Chale Marine Reserve. Do not take starfish or shells, and do not stand on coral.
Places Near Robinson Island
Robinson Island is off central Diani, so the places near it are the beach and the reserve around it.
- Diani Beach: the boats leave from the main beach; the boat point at Baobab is 5.6 km by road from the Ukunda junction
- Galu Beach: the quieter southern end of Diani Beach, 9.1 km by road from the junction
- Diani-Chale Marine Reserve: the KWS reef and lagoon around the sandbank
Things to do at Robinson Island (Diani sandbank)
Guides
Robinson Island (Diani sandbank) Fees and Prices
Robinson Island has no entry fee of its own. You pay for the boat, jet ski or photo shoot that takes you there, at the listed price below.
| Who or what | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glass-bottom boat (Kenyan ID holders) | KES 2,000 adult / KES 1,000 child | Per person, with snorkelling and swimming; child = under 12 years |
| Glass-bottom boat (international) | USD 40 adult / USD 25 child | Per person; child = under 12 years |
| Photo shoot (clear kayak or boat + drone) | KES 12,000 / USD 120 per session | Per session |
| Jet ski (Kenyan ID holders) | KES 10,000 adult / KES 8,000 child passenger | Per 15-minute ride; child price for passengers aged 6 to 15 |
| Jet ski (international) | USD 100 adult / USD 80 child passenger | Per 15-minute ride; children 6+ ride as passengers, drivers must be 16+ |
Prices checked 12 Oct 2026. Gate and hotel prices can change; confirm before you go.
Map of Robinson Island (Diani sandbank)
5.6 km by road and 5.4 km in a straight line from the Ukunda junction on Diani Beach Road. Road distances use the OSRM car route on OpenStreetMap data (free-flow, not traffic-aware).