Half Day
2-Dive Boat Package for Certified Divers in Watamu
A half-day, two-tank boat dive package for certified divers in Watamu Marine National Park, led by a professional guide and including all essential equipment.
Summary of Watamu Glass-Bottom Boat Coral Reef & Sandbank Tour
The Watamu Glass-Bottom Boat Coral Reef & Sandbank Tour is a half-day marine excursion ideal for families, non-swimmers, and anyone wanting to see the underwater world without diving. From the main beach departure point, you will cruise over the coral gardens of Watamu Marine National Park to view fish through the glass panels, followed by a stop at a magnificent white sandbank. This is a focused marine park trip, not a multi-day safari.
Your booking includes the services of a licensed boat captain and guide, use of snorkeling equipment and life jackets, and light refreshments on board. The tour's timing is dependent on the daily tides to ensure the sandbank is accessible, so departure times may vary slightly. Please remember to carry your Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) park entry fees separately to be paid on the day.
Full itinerary
- 08:30 AM – Departure & Briefing: Board your boat at the Watamu Beach meeting point and receive a safety briefing.
- 09:00 AM – Coral Garden Viewing: Cruise over the shallow reefs inside the marine park, viewing fish and coral through the glass panels.
- 10:00 AM – Sandbank & Snorkeling Stop: Anchor at the exposed sandbank (tide dependent) for swimming, snorkeling in the shallows, and relaxing.
- 11:30 AM – Return Journey: Begin the gentle cruise back to the Watamu Beach landing point.
- 12:00 PM – Tour End: Arrive back at the beach.
Inclusions
- Half-day private glass-bottom boat charter
- Licensed captain and local guide
- Use of snorkeling masks, snorkels, and life jackets
- Light refreshments (water, fresh fruit)
- Marine Park guide fees
Exclusions
- Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Marine Park entry fees
- Transport to and from the beach departure point
- Towels and personal items
- Lunch or other meals
- Crew gratuities
Other Watamu Marine Packages
Compare another trip length or route before you book.
Half Day
Half Day
Deep Sea Big Game Fishing Charter in Watamu
A half-day private big game fishing charter off the Watamu coast, targeting Marlin, Sailfish and Tuna with a professional crew and all gear included.
The Watamu Glass-Bottom Boat Coral Reef & Sandbank Tour is a half-day marine excursion in the Watamu Marine National Park. This tour combines coral viewing through glass panels with a stop at a tidal sandbank for swimming. Booking this tour provides a fixed online price and a licensed local captain, which avoids the need for beach-side haggling.
The glass-bottom boat tour is well-suited for families with young children, older travellers, and visitors who prefer not to snorkel in deep water. The boat offers a safe platform to see the marine life of the coral gardens without entering the water. The tour itinerary depends on daily tides to ensure safe access to the sandbank, making the sandbank a reliable feature of the excursion.
Your Glass-Bottom Boat Experience in Watamu
This half-day trip provides two main activities inside the Watamu Marine National Park. The activities are viewing the underwater world from the boat and visiting the tidal sandbank. The excursion is a relaxed trip designed for all visitors.
Coral Reef Viewing from the Boat
The first part of the tour is a slow cruise over the shallow coral gardens. Your captain, an experienced local guide, navigates to areas known for high fish density and healthy coral. You can watch parrotfish, angelfish, and moray eels through large, reinforced glass viewing panels in the boat's hull.
This viewing method allows you to stay dry and comfortable while observing the marine ecosystem. The glass panels provide a clear, real-time view of the life on the reef below.
The Tidal Sandbank Stop
The second part of the tour depends on the low tide. As the tide recedes, a large sandbank emerges from the turquoise water. Your captain anchors the boat nearby, allowing you to walk onto the soft white sand.
On the sandbank, you can swim in the calm, shallow water or take photographs. The captain provides snorkelling equipment for guests who wish to explore the shallow seagrass beds and reef edges near the sandbank.
How to Book Your Watamu Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
Our company provides a direct booking process for all marine excursions. You can reserve your Watamu Glass-Bottom Boat tour on our website, securing your place with a fixed price. A fixed price removes the uncertainty and pressure of negotiating with boat operators on the beach.
Our team includes fully licensed and insured captains who operate according to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Kenya Maritime Authority regulations. You can find more information on our credentials on our about us page. To book, select your date, number of guests, and residency status, then follow the clear steps on our payment policy page.
What Does the Tour Price Cover?
This breakdown shows what is covered in the tour price and what you need to arrange separately.
What's Included:
- Private use of a glass-bottom boat for your group for a half-day
- A licensed and experienced local captain and guide
- Fuel and all boat-related costs
- Use of snorkelling masks and snorkels
- Standard safety equipment, including life jackets for all ages
- Drinking water and fresh seasonal fruit
What's Not Included:
- Mandatory Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Marine Park entry fees
- Transport from your hotel to the beach departure point
- Personal items such as towels, sunscreen, and hats
- Lunch or any additional food and drinks
- Gratuities for the boat crew (optional)
Watamu Glass-Bottom Boat Tour at a Glance
This table summarises the key details for planning your trip.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tour Duration | Half-day (approximately 3-4 hours) |
| Departure Point | Watamu Beach (exact location confirmed on booking) |
| Best Season | October to March for calmest sea conditions |
What to Bring for Your Watamu Boat Trip
Ocean tides dictate the timing of the glass-bottom boat tour. The sandbank is only accessible during low tide, so we confirm the departure time one day before your trip. We typically depart in the morning to benefit from calmer sea conditions.
Please come prepared with the following items for your morning on the water:
- Your KWS park fee payment (payable to KWS officials via M-Pesa or card)
- High-factor, reef-safe sunscreen
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- A towel and a change of clothes
- A waterproof bag for your phone or camera
- Any personal snacks or drinks you might require
Watamu Glass-Bottom Boat Tour Prices for 2026
Tour prices are based on residency status, which is a standard practice for parks in Kenya. The two price tiers are for different guest categories. Please select the correct option when booking.
| Guest Category | Price |
|---|---|
| International Traveller (Non-Resident) | USD 40 |
| Kenya Citizen / Resident | KES 3,500 |
These prices cover the boat excursion only and do not include the separate KWS park entry fees. Our booking and refund policy page contains full details on payment and cancellation terms.
Book Your Watamu Marine Park Excursion
You can book your trip through our secure booking page to select a date and confirm your tour. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have before booking.
To see other marine activities, including diving and deep-sea fishing, you can browse all our Watamu tour packages.
Ready to book Watamu Glass-Bottom Boat Coral Reef & Sandbank Tour?
Confirm your date, guests and residency, then secure this half day Watamu marine trip online.
Book this trip