LAMU
Snorkeling Lamu
Overview
Reefs that see far fewer snorkellers than the rest of the coast
The Lamu Archipelago sits well north of Kenya’s busier dive and snorkelling destinations around Mombasa, Watamu and Diani, and that distance shows underwater. Reefs here see a fraction of the visitor numbers, and the result is healthier coral and less skittish fish life than you will find on more heavily dived stretches of the same coastline.
Good sites range from the sheltered channel around Manda and Shela, calm enough for complete beginners, to the more exposed reef off Manda Toto and the Kinyika Bank, and further still to the coral gardens of the Kiunga Marine National Reserve toward the Somali border, one of the least disturbed marine environments on the East African coast. Conditions shift with the monsoon: the Kaskazi season, roughly October through March, brings the clearest water and calmest seas, while the Kusi months bring more wind and reduced visibility.
RYDER Signature builds snorkelling into a wider day on the water, whether that is paired with an island excursion, a dhow sail or a dedicated reef trip further afield.
Activities
1.5 to 2 hours in the water · From $70 per person including boat, equipment and guide
Channel Snorkelling near Manda and Shela
The protected channel between Lamu, Manda and Shela offers the calmest snorkelling in the archipelago, well suited to beginners, children and anyone snorkelling for the first time. Depths are moderate and current is generally gentle, particularly close to low tide.
While the marine life here is less dramatic than further out at Manda Toto, the channel makes an easy, low commitment introduction to the water before venturing to a more exposed reef.
Sheltered swimming: the channel’s depth and shelter from open ocean swell make it a comfortable, low pressure place to start.
Reef fish and rays: expect reef fish, occasional rays and, with some luck, a passing turtle.
Easy access: most sites are a short boat ride from Lamu Town or Shela, so little time is lost getting there.
The best conditions come on a calm, falling tide; your guide will time the outing accordingly.
We use this site to warm up nervous or first time snorkellers before a longer trip out to Manda Toto, so confidence builds before conditions get more open.
Boat, snorkel equipment and a guide.
Half day, including the boat crossing · From $70 per person including boat, equipment and guide
Manda Toto and Kinyika Reef Snorkelling
Manda Toto, a small islet just northeast of Manda Island, holds one of the archipelago’s best regarded reefs, protected by marker buoys that keep boat traffic off the coral itself. The nearby Kinyika reef offers a similar standard of snorkelling and is often combined with Manda Toto on the same outing.
Both sites benefit from a local fishing ban intended to protect breeding fish stocks, which has helped keep the reef healthier and more fish rich than many closer, more heavily used sites along the Kenyan coast.
Protected coral: marker buoys around Manda Toto keep boats off the reef itself, helping preserve one of the archipelago’s better developed coral gardens.
Reef fish diversity: expect a good range of reef fish species, and reasonable odds of turtles and rays.
A working fishing ban: the site is protected as a breeding area, which has helped keep fish numbers healthier than in more heavily fished waters closer to town.
The crossing takes under two hours by motorboat from Lamu or Shela; a faster speedboat transfer can be arranged for a higher price if time is limited.
This is our default recommendation for a proper reef day, and we pair it naturally with the Manda Island excursion for guests who want ruins and reef in the same outing.
Boat transfer, snorkel equipment and a guide.
Full day · From $150 per person including boat transfer, equipment, guide and reserve fees
Kiunga Marine Reserve Excursion
For the most complete reef experience in the region, the Kiunga Marine National Reserve stretches along Kenya’s northernmost coastline, protecting around fifty coral islands, fringing reef, sea grass beds and extensive mangrove forest. Because of its remoteness, close to the Somali border, it remains one of the least disturbed marine environments anywhere on the Kenyan coast.
The reserve is home to the endangered dugong, alongside green and hawksbill turtles and healthy populations of reef fish, and its outer islands support internationally important seabird nesting colonies.
Pristine coral: fringing and patch reefs across around fifty small coral islands, largely undived compared to Kenya’s better known marine parks.
Rare marine species: a genuine chance of the endangered dugong, alongside green and hawksbill turtles and healthy reef fish populations.
Seabird colonies: the reserve’s outer islands host internationally significant nesting colonies, of real interest to birdwatchers as well as snorkellers.
This is a full day, and genuinely remote; it suits travellers staying several nights in Lamu rather than a short stopover.
We reserve this trip for guests with a genuine interest in marine conservation and remote places, since it asks for a full day and a longer boat journey than any other snorkelling trip we offer here.
Boat transfer, snorkel equipment, guide and reserve entrance fees.
Planning
Planning your visit
October to March, during the Kaskazi monsoon, for the clearest water and calmest seas
Which reef suits you best depends on experience level and how much travel time you want to spend getting there. Here is how to plan a snorkelling day around Lamu.
Choosing the Right Season and Tide
Water around Lamu stays warm year round, generally between 25 and 29°C (77 to 84°F), so a wetsuit is rarely needed. Visibility and sea state change with the monsoon:
Kaskazi (roughly October to March): the calmest, clearest window and the best time for all three sites listed here.
Kusi (roughly June to September): stronger wind and more surface chop reduce visibility, particularly at the more exposed Manda Toto and Kiunga sites; the sheltered channel remains snorkellable throughout.
Tide: a falling or low tide generally gives the clearest water at any site, regardless of season.
Choosing the Right Site for Your Experience
First time or nervous snorkellers: start in the calm channel near Manda and Shela.
Confident snorkellers wanting a proper reef: Manda Toto and the Kinyika reef, easily combined with a Manda Island excursion.
Serious reef and wildlife enthusiasts: the Kiunga Marine National Reserve, for a genuinely remote full day out.
What to Bring
For any snorkelling trip:
- Swimwear and a rash guard for sun protection in the water
- Reef safe, mineral based sunscreen
- Your own mask if you prefer a personal fit; equipment is otherwise provided
- An underwater camera or phone case
- Water and snacks for longer trips, particularly to Kiunga
Booking Recommendations
Book channel and Manda Toto snorkelling a day or two ahead. Kiunga Marine Reserve trips should be arranged several days in advance given the distance and logistics involved. RYDER Signature times every snorkelling trip around tide and season to give you the best conditions available during your stay.
Combine
Pair these experiences
Snorkelling pairs naturally with these other Lamu experiences: