I had to save the best for last. This is hands down one of the best activities we engaged in while in Diani and it’s definitely going on the list of my 2024 highlights! Let me tell you about our experience with the glass bottom boat ride and snorkeling in Robinson Island.
This great adventure was courtesy of Coral Spirit, Coral Spirit is a tour company based in Diani, Kenya.
Among the tours they organize other than the glass bottom boat adventure and snorkeling include dolphin spotting on Wasini Island, Kite Surfing, Jet Skiing, Sunset Rides, and more.
So, our day started bright and early. We all woke up, had breakfast, and got ready by around 10:30 am. So for this trip, the Coral Spirit people arrange to pick you up from your residence to Robinson Island where the trip will take place. It took about a half-hour drive from our Vstatmeitat Air BnB to Robinson Island.
Once we got there, we took a short walk to the beach where we found and boarded our glass bottom boat from the shore that was to take us to Robinson Island. A glass bottom boat is just as it is named, with transparent glass on the bottom, allowing you to see the bottom of the ocean while still in the boat.
The ride there was calming, peaceful, and interesting. My cousin said that the song Bodyguard by Beyonce was perfect for capturing the vibe of the boat ride, and I totally agreed with her. What made the Glass Bottom Boat ride interesting was that we spotted some tourists partaking in kite surfing, and jet skiing. They seemed to be having a blast, so I have added the two activities to my list for the next time I visit Diani.
As we neared Robinson Island, one of the tour guides got some pieces of chapati or was it mandazi? and jumped into the ocean. We could see him under, you know since it was a glass bottom boat and all. The aim of the chapati/mandazi was bait to attract the fish towards the glass so that we could see them. We saw Zebra fish, Domino Fish, and a couple of eels. It was a learning opportunity to learn that the Zebra fish with the yellow hue are females and those without are males. The Domino Fish are the black ones with a white dot on the side.
We also got to hold and touch the starfish and sea urchins. The starfish are so beautiful. It’s pretty amazing to witness the intricate details of God’s creation. I chose NOT to touch the sea urchin, I was scared of the spikes hehe.
Now, onto the best part of the trip, snorkelinggg! Once we arrived at Robinson Island, we alighted the Glass Bottom Boat and put on our snorkeling gear. With the tour guide’s guidance, we snorkeled and were able to clearly see the fish in the sea. Honestly, words cannot describe how fun and incredible this experience was. I wish I had an underwater camera to capture the beauty that is in the depths of the sea.
You’ll get to see, swim with, and possibly touch (if you’re quick enough!) different types of fish in the sea. Be careful though not to run into any eels or sharp coral. However, the tour guides will be there to guide you to the safe places to stand on and swim in.
Also, swimming in the ocean is fun but quite a challenge due to the currents. My sessions in the gym came in handy here, so get ready for a workout.
After swimming for a while and touring the entire area, we had a little snack break. As part of the tour, you’ll get a large tin of fresh fruits, to healthily replenish all the energy used during swimming. The tour guides then took us on a walk around Robinson Island. I did not get any footage of this part of the tour, but you’ll get to see starfish, and even more sea urchins, we even came across a few small jellyfish. Caution though, a jellyfish’s sting is nothing to joke about.
Once we got back to the boat, we were given drinks (sodas! no booze here lol), which is also part of the tour package. On our boat ride back, I and my cousins decided to sit atop the boat and enjoy the view from up there. It was amazing.
And now, ladies and gents, we have come to the end of the three-part ‘Adventures in Diani’ series.
Before this trip, I wasn’t much of a traveler, but it definitely opened up my mind to be open to experience new places. The experience of this trip may be behind me, but I get to keep the gift of the memories we made. Will I be back? Absolutely!
If you have not read the past two ‘Adventures in Diani’ posts, please do so via these two links.
Adventures In Diani: Vszameitat Homes, Kongo River Bed & Breakfast
Adventures In Diani: Swimming in the Ocean & Sunsets by Kongo River
Till the next post,
xoxo,
Miss Kambe.
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