In short
- Shared group tours cost from $60 to $110 per person.
- Private tours give you flexibility at the sandbank and lagoon.
- Both options depart from Fumba village in traditional dhows.
In this article
Choosing between a shared or private boat changes how you experience Menai Bay. Shared tours bundle costs and follow a strict schedule. Private trips let you adjust your time at busy spots.
What is a shared Safari Blue tour?
A shared tour groups you with other travelers on a traditional wooden dhow.
The standard Safari Blue tour runs from approximately 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You travel with a larger group to the sandbank, coral reefs, and Kwale Island. These tours cost between $60 and $110 per person. The price covers lunch, snorkeling gear, and the marine park fee.
What is a private dhow charter to Kwale Island?
A private charter reserves the entire wooden dhow for your own group.
Booking a private boat gives you control over the day. You still depart from Fumba village. However, you can ask the captain to move if a snorkeling spot is crowded. Private tours often start around $120 per person, depending on your group size and the platform.
How do group and private tour prices compare?
Group tours are cheaper for solo travelers, while private tours offer value for groups.
Tour prices change based on the platform and season. A shared ticket is a flat rate per person. A private charter usually has a base boat fee, plus per-person costs for the seafood lunch and the Menai Bay Conservation Area fee.
Can I change the itinerary on a private tour?
Yes, a private tour allows you to adjust how much time you spend at each spot.
The Kwale Island sandbanks fully emerge only at low tide. A private guide can time your visit to beat the shared tour crowds. You can also choose to spend 45 minutes swimming in the mangrove lagoon instead of snorkeling.
Which should you choose?
Book a group tour to save money, and a private tour for a flexible schedule.
If you travel solo or on a tight budget, the standard Safari Blue is ideal. If you want a quiet lunch or specific photo stops at the fallen baobab tree, book a private charter.
Questions travellers ask
Does a private tour include the marine park fee?
Most private tour packages include the Menai Bay Conservation Area fee of $20. Always check your specific booking details to confirm what the operator covers.
Do private tours serve the same seafood lunch?
Yes, private tours also stop at Kwale Island for the traditional Swahili seafood barbecue. You can request vegetarian options in advance from your tour operator.
How long is the boat ride on a private tour?
The boat ride takes 30 to 45 minutes from Fumba village to Kwale Island. This is the exact same travel time as the shared dhow tours.
