Pilli Pipa Dhow Safari
Pilli Pipa Dhow Safari
4.5
Scuba & SnorkellingDolphin & Whale Watching
7:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 12:30 PM
About
PLENTY OF AVAILABILITY every day. Pilli Pipa has being running dhow safaris since 1989. It is a small family owned company run by Selina and Harm Lutjeboer. Safe, personal and professional service to guests. Guests taken into the pristine and preserved Kisite Marine National Park, aboard our traditional Arab sailing dhows, have the chance to interact and observe in small group sizes about 250 recorded fish species, 200 resident dolphins and over 140 catalogued individuals sea turtles. Snorkel with qualified marine guides who will teach and guide you along the reef whether you are a complete beginner or experienced snorkeler. Alternatively we offer world class scuba diving in and around the famous Kisite Marine Park, with PADI and NAUI accredited dive masters and instructors. Diving ranges from introductory "fun dives" in the shallows of the marine park, all the way to advanced drift dives in a number of secret and exclusive with the opportunity to dive with pelagic species.
Shimoni, Kenya
Meets animal welfare guidelines

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles544 reviews
Excellent
379
Very good
103
Average
41
Poor
11
Terrible
10

WinterTravellerUK
Nairobi, Kenya24 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
Had a great time though both my mum and I were sick on the boat because of the tides. The food was OK but could be better! Hospitality was great. The instructors were attentive to us. Would recommend and I think it's worth the price (I know cheaper operators, as a resident, but I went with them because of the guaranteed professionalism).
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Winter Traveller, quite nice to hear after the review before yours. I am sorry the ride was a bit wavy and you got sick. We are not allowed to give medicines out to guests as is standard practice now, even in U.K. This is in case of any adverse or allergic re-action to guests. However, we do keep some seasickness tablets in the office and we give them to anybody who asks with a warning to read the instructions that we have printed out. I will have to investigate the issue of food and I have told Selina to go and check out the Smiling Swahili ladies to see if they are doing anything differently. Selina lives in Shimoni with her husband Harm where they have a house, not in Diani. Thank you for the boost.
Written January 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JamesofGnosall
Staffordshire56 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022 • Couples
Had a fantastic day out with Pilli Pipa Dhow. Everything went smoothly. Booking easy. Staff came to hotel to take payment by card. Picked up at hotel on day of trip. Very good driver Mohammed gave us a smooth and safe drive to Shimoni where we got on a small boat which transferred us to the Dhow.
Such a friendly and helpful and good natured crew. Coffee and biscuits during the hour spent getting to the coral reef. Sadly no dolphins as it was windy and choppy. The captain steered us well through the choppy water. On arrival at the reef we were kitted out in snorkelling gear and fins. There were 10 of us on the trip and the crew accompanied us and showed us the best bits of the reef and were very safety conscious throughout.
The fish were plentiful and colourful. Some large shoals and large fish. We followed some turtles closely watching them rise up to the surface for air.
Back on the dhow for a further short journey to another good spot. Plenty of time snorkelling. Then journeyed to Wasini Island where we were welcomed by beautifully dressed Swahili ladies who sang and then served a seafood buffet. Vegetarian options were available. It was all very smooth and efficient. Food was great and plentiful and after lunch we relaxed in comfortable huts and enjoyed the cactus gardens and baobab trees and the pretty shoreline. After a good hour we then transferred back to the dhow. Done expertly and safely as it was still choppy.
Then a pleasant drive back to hotel. All in all a fantastic day out.
I spoke to others who had taken cheaper trips but in unshaded boats with questionable safety. Can’t recommend these folk enough. Great organisation and staff.
Written January 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you JazzMa for your wonderful comments. It lifts our spirits when we know guests had a good experience even though you missed the dolphins. May the rest of the New Year be purposeful and peaceful.
Written February 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tony M
Leeds, UK139 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
We were recommended this boat trip, and booked without a second thought. Our first impressions, as the rain came down on us, were not good, but as the day progressed, and the sun came out, it just got better... and better. Two snorkelling sessions and then lunch, and on the second snorkelling swim we were surrounded by a pod of about 12-15 dolphins. They were certainly not scared off by the scuba divers below us and swam around happily and even when more boats cam to take in the spectacle they seemed to perform even more - leaping out of the water and putting on a show. Great lunch of local foods on Wasini island and then a spontaneous show by monkeys in a tree next door to the restaurant.
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sheila
Nairobi, Kenya1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
Excellent experience. The best of my experiences snorkeling in Kenya and abroad. The crew was super professional, most having worked at the company for over 15 years (says a lot for the company). The lunch at their restaurant was also outstanding! Lastly, not due to the company but the variety and quality of what we saw in the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park was also way better than what I have seen in Watamu. Even saw dolphins! Good memories from this day.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fantastic! So glad that guests are having a good time since we re-opened. Great to hear that you enjoyed the trip.
Written September 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Daniel V
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia48 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021
We did the Wazimi Island visit, a real highlights while staying at Diani beach. The company has been excellent, every detail of the trip, car pickup, driving, boat, snorkelling, restaurant, beverage, snacks, explanations all top! The real top was the restaurant with so many local delicious specialities. It wasn’t cheap but 100%!worthwhile the money.
Written January 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ngatia
Nairobi, Kenya38 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021 • Couples
Got up early inorder to get our ride to the dhow.
We opted for the luxury package as both my wife and I love dhows. There were 2 other couples with us, which was alright as the dhow was not crowded.
The ride got bumpy at times, but as we have worked on water before this was not an issue.
We got to see the dolphins feeding which was amazing.
We had lunch at the Pilli Pipa restaurant thereafter. the service and hospitality we experienced was nothing short of amazing and the meal was delicious.
We thoroughly enjoyed the entire day.
Thank you and God bless 🙏
Written January 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Henrik L
Svedala, Sweden223 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2012 • Couples
We went on this dolphin and snorkeling trip and for the price we expected a great time. This cost us $125 per person and we paid €20 for a similar excursion in Hurghada/Egypt. So the expectations were quite high.

We were told that this was an "all-inclusive" excursion, meaning you didn't need to bring drinks or anything. However, during the two hour drive to the boat we didn't get any drinks at all. When we got to the boat all they offered were some ill-tasting water from a plastic container or Coca Cola, fanta or sprite. No diet sodas, no juices or anything else. Since I didn't want soda I was left with the ill-tasting water.

The two snorkeling stops were very nice though, and were the highpoint. We saw five sting rays, an octopus and a lion fish, among all the other very colorful fish and nice coral reef.

The lunch wasn't very good at all. We were promised a nice seafood buffet. One in our company was vegetarian and had said so in advance. When the soup was served they prestened a fish soup and a vegetarian soup. Some took the vegetarian soup, and when the vegetarian in the group wanted to take some they were out. "They said only one vegetarian" was the only explanation from the staff. The staff were the most uninspired I've ever seen. They didn't smile and everything they did was as if they were forced to do it. They didn't talk to us and asked how the food was or if we needed anything. Sometimes they would fill up your glass without asking if you wished a refill or even anouncing their presence. I don't think they even looked at us.

The main course, after the soup, was also disappointing. Some fish and crab, but not very much selection at all, and everything was very poorly presented.

At around half the price, or a little less, this would be a good trip. The snorkeling is good, but the rest doesn't hold good enough standard for the price. As it is, I recommend avoiding it.

We got severe sunburns during the trip, please listen to the crew when they ask you to put on sun lotion. We didn't see anything on our skin after the first hour of snorkeling, but after the second we looked like lobsters. This was completely our own fault, they did everything they could to warn us.
Written November 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We do take positive criticism Hendrik but if you had mentioned something to the manager on the day, we would have pointed out that you were given a brochure by our rep who came to see you. The brochure clearly states that THERE ARE NO DRINKS SUPPLIED ON THE BUS, also our rep advised you to carry a bottle of water with you if necessary. The pick up time from Southern Palms is 7.15a.m and it takes about 50 minutes to get to Shimoni, not the hottest time of the day. We state in the brochure that you will have a welcome tea/coffee on the dhow and later soft drinks, water, our home baked pizza bread and fruit. None of the dhow operators give fresh juice and we do not say we do. We always keep soda water on the dhow and our water comes from Nature's Cool, a reputable mineral water supply company, there is nothing funny abount the taste. We give plastic cups on the dhow for safety reasons and will continue to do so, since glasses tend to break if dropped and people tread on the glass. We do NOT sell ourselves as all inclusive as this leaves us open to all sorts of claims, we simply state what the trip does include. PRICE: 20 Euros would cover the cost of Kenya Wildlife Services marine park entrance fee of 15 Euros and tea or coffee. It would not cover the cost of marine park entrance for our crew even and definitely no fuel. If you went on a trip in Egypt for 20 euros it must have been off the beach travelling not far from your hotel with no marine park fees and no lunch. I doubt if you got fresh juice for that amount, definitely not South African wine or Kenya beer. The cost of transport alone from Southern Palms to Shimoni and sailing to Kisite Marine Park and return is prohibitive but we like to take people there as it offers the best snorkelling in Kenya. Lunch is an exclusive Swahili style lunch with freshly caught fish and crab. We do not serve lobster or prawns. Everything in Kenya costs more than it does in Egypt or Europe. Snorkelling equipment, boat spares, numerous licences duplicated by different government bodies, such as boat licences from 3 different departments, office licences paid to Kwale council and Ministry of Tourism, etc etc. 2% Catering levy, the list of insurances is endless, boat and vehicle repairs. It would not be possible to sell this trip any cheaper than what it is now. We are very proud of our service and if you check another person's Trip Advisor comment of the day in German language ' ein Traum fur uns Schnorchler!!!! around the same day, 17th November 2012, you will see that is says they were treated like Royalty on the island. They were extremely happy with the snorkelling which is the focus for the day, and our crew are fantastic with clients. We are sorry to hear that the vegetarian did not get the soup as intended, it is unfortunate that other clients took it. The soup is usually set on the main table and we only catered for one vegetarian that day. Thank goodness others still have a brilliant day out ad enjoy the marine park. Clients did see dolphins on 17th November also. Pilli Pipa Office
Written November 28, 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Terri L
Glasgow, UK7 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
The bus turned up at our hotel on time, however, it didn't have enough space for everyone. Not a great start. After being left to wait around an extra 10 minutes we stopped a couple of times to pick up at other hotels before making the 1 and a half hour trip to the Dhow.

After a promise of limited numbers with the feeling of being pampered start to finish, we arrived at the Dhow to find it packed full of people.

The weather wasn't the best for the boat trip, the heavens opened pretty much as soon as we sat on the boat, drenching everyone on board. The cruise through the beautiful waters of Kisite Marine Park turned into a scene from The Perfect Storm. Most people spent the entire trip throwing up over the edge of the Dhow as opposed to dolphin spotting.

The water was very silty due to the time of year which isn't pointed out by the tour operator making it difficult to spot many fish.

The food on Wasini island was reasonable, however, there definitely was no free time to enjoy the island or visit the slave cave as promised.

The staff on the boat were friendly and helpful.
Written August 4, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terri & Paul, I see that you have now added a photo to show that you did come on Pilli Pipa dhow, so probably in July. We could not previously give a proper management response since we do not know the date of travel or your surname but we still say that we never had two buses going to Baobab on any day in July up to 4th August so the likely explanation is that the first bus was not ours but the driver told you that another bus (ours) was on the way. Valerie
Written October 8, 2011
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

OlandBoy
198 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2017 • Couples
We were sold this trip by Virgin holidays, but when the car picked us up at 6 in the morning and said it's a 2.5hr trip to the boat I nearly turned around and went back to bed! 5hr return journey in a car on holiday is not my idea of fun.
But the journey through Mombasa was interesting, the ferry crossing was an experience not to be missed and then it was really interesting to see more of Kenya.
Arriving at the boat we were offered hot drinks and biscuits as we sat on an authentic dow. The team were great with good English and off we set, straight into a pod of dolphins, amazing we thought, just what we wanted. However it's often the unplanned things that make a difference and it was true here. We have snorkelled over many reefs but this was epic with the biggest array of fish, turtles, corral I have ever seen. The guide often took my camera and took pictures from the sea bed, which were amazing. Then off to a pleasant villa for a lunch of crab, fish and local food all very enjoyable but it was also great to eat with such a diverse group of people. Brazilian, Portuguese, Russian and Arab Emirates. In many ways the meal was as much a joy as seeing the dolphins.
If you have taken trips like this in the Caribbean then the return boat trip is a drink fuelled, music pumping party. This isn't the case here, so don't expect it. Other advice is out on the water the wind can deceive you into thinking the sun isn't that hot. Trust me it is. Factor 50 having been in the sun for seven days and we were still the owners of some red shoulders in the evening. So take a hat as well, although there is plenty of shade on the boat, just use it more than we did. All in all a classy, authentic well run day. Glad I didn't go back to bed!
Written April 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad you had a great time. You obviously have a sense of fun and adventure. I often find it irritating when people complain about the long ride from Mombasa or Diani. I have been living here for years but I still find the journey to Shimoni interesting, there is so much to see on the way. Live life and enjoy.
Written April 11, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MUMOMO
Tokyo, Japan84 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2018 • Solo
スワヒリビーチホテルの紹介でこのツアーを申し込みました。
一人参加で130USDでした。
泳ぎが不得意な私にも、ライフジャケットを貸してくれて、インストラクターが浮き輪で引っ張ってくれて、サンゴ礁や色々な魚を教えてくれました。
とても楽しかったので、おススメです。

In the introduction of Swahili Beach Resort Hotel, I applied for a day trip by Dow ship to Washini Island. I left the hotel at 7 o'clock and took an hour and a half to Shimoni by car. On the way, the road was not paved and it was rough, and the car swayed considerably.We had a snorkel at two places in Kiste Marine National Park.
Although I am not good at swimming, I borrowed a life jacket, the staff pulled with a floating ring, and I was able to swim very safely.
I was able to see beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish and I enjoyed it very much.
On Dhow ship, we got drinks, biscuits and bread.There was a toilet in Dhow.
We ate lunch at a private residence in Washini Island. Crabs and so on were very tasty. There was a menu for vegetarian.
Leaving Washini Island at 16:00, I visited a slave cave at Shimoni (applicant only).
We returned to the hotel in Diani Beach around 19:00.
The staff was friendly and helpful, and I was able to spend time alone with a lot of fun.
Because the ship will shake very much, people who are seasicks recommend taking medicine.
Written August 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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