Charlie Claw's Watersports

A Day on Wasini Island

Charlie Claw's is not a walk-up beach kiosk — it is a full-day marine adventure that has been running from Wasini Island since 1978. A minibus collects guests from their Diani Beach hotel at 7:30am for the hour-long drive south to Shimoni, a quiet fishing village on the mainland. From there, a traditional wooden dhow sails across to Wasini Island and out into the waters of Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. It is one of the most popular day trips on the south coast, and for good reason.

What the Day Includes

The all-inclusive package covers dolphin spotting on the open water — pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphins are regularly sighted — followed by snorkeling over the coral reefs inside the marine park. Masks, snorkels, and fins are provided. After the morning on the water, the dhow returns to Wasini Island for the highlight many visitors remember best: a Swahili seafood lunch at Charlie Claw's open-air restaurant, set under a coconut palm roof overlooking the Indian Ocean. Freshly caught crab, fish, and octopus are the house specialities. The afternoon includes a guided walk through Wasini village and the women's boardwalk, a raised path winding through the mangrove forest.

Diving with Charlie Claw's

Beyond the standard day trip, Charlie Claw's operates as a certified dive centre with PADI, BSAC, and SSI recognition. More than ten dive sites are accessible year-round, ranging from shallow five-metre reefs suitable for beginners to deep walls beyond thirty metres for experienced divers. First-timers can try a supervised fun dive and receive a Charlie Claw's diving certificate. Night dives are available for qualified divers, and multi-dive packages run from two to twelve dives. PADI eLearning is offered for those wanting to start their certification before arriving.

Practical Details

Charlie Claw's has a booking office at the Diani Beach Shopping Centre and can be reached by phone at +254 722 205154 or by email at emmanuel@wasini.com. The team responds within 24 hours. Prices are not listed publicly and must be requested via their booking form at wasini.com. Children aged 3 to 11 receive 50 percent off, and under-3s go free. The operation holds memberships in KATO, MCTA, and the EcoTourism Society of Kenya, reflecting a long-standing commitment to responsible marine tourism on the Kenyan coast.