Funzi Island Excursion | Day Trip from Diani & Mombasa – Annest Kenya Safaris

Q: How long is the Funzi Island excursion?

The trip lasts about 5 to 6 hours , including transport, boat cruise, sandbank visit, and lunch.

Q: Can children join the Funzi Island trip?

Yes — this is a family-friendly excursion . Calm waters and cultural activities make it perfect for all ages.

Q: What should I bring?

Carry sunscreen , hat , swimwear , camera , and light clothing .

Q: How far is Funzi Island from Diani Beach?

Approximately 40 km (around 45 minutes) to Bodo Jetty , followed by a short 15-minute boat ride.

Q: What’s the difference between Funzi and Wasini Island excursions?

Funzi offers a calmer, river-mangrove experience , while Wasini is more oceanic and coral-based . Both complement each other beautifully.

Q: Can this trip be combined with a Kenya safari?

Yes — many guests pair it with our Tsavo East safari from Diani or Kenya beach and safari holidays .

Discover Kenya’s hidden paradise on the Funzi Island Excursion with Annest Kenya Safaris. Enjoy sandbank picnics, mangrove cruises, and Swahili lunch by the sea.

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Funzi Island Excursion – Discover Kenya’s Hidden Coastal Paradise with Annest Kenya Safaris

General Overview

Welcome to Funzi Island, a pristine tropical paradise tucked along Kenya’s southern coast — where white sandbanks rise and fall with the tides, mangroves whisper in the breeze, and the emerald waters of the Ramisi River delta invite you to explore.

With Annest Kenya Safaris, your Funzi Island Excursion is more than just a day trip; it’s a serene journey through Kenya’s unspoiled coastal heritage — blending relaxation, Swahili culture, and authentic natural beauty.

This full-day coastal adventure takes you off the beaten path, offering an unforgettable mix of boat rides, village visits, sandbank picnics, and local seafood dining — perfect for couples, families, or groups looking for a peaceful alternative to busier destinations like Wasini.

How to Get There

Your Funzi Island Excursion begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Diani Beach, Tiwi, or Mombasa by your friendly Annest Kenya Safaris driver-guide.

From Diani Beach:
The scenic drive to Bodo Village (the gateway to Funzi Island) takes just about 45 minutes.
Along the way, you’ll pass through coconut groves, fishing villages, and glimpses of rural coastal life.
From Mombasa:
The journey takes approximately 2 hours, crossing the Likoni Ferry before heading south along the palm-fringed coastal road.

At Bodo Jetty, you’ll board a traditional wooden motorized boat, gently cruising through mangrove channels towards Funzi Island. The early morning light casts a warm glow across the tidal waters — a perfect start to your adventure.

Best Time to Visit Funzi Island

Funzi Island can be visited all year round, but the best time for this excursion is during the dry seasons — December to March and July to October — when the sky is clear, the sea is calm, and the sandbanks are perfectly visible.

Pro Tip:
Low tide offers the most stunning sandbank experience — ideal for swimming, beach walks, and photography.

Marine Life & Landscape

Funzi’s charm lies in its unique ecosystem. It sits between the Indian Ocean and the Ramisi River estuary — creating an extraordinary mix of mangroves, sandbanks, and shallow lagoons that are teeming with life.

You may spot:

Crocodiles basking along the Ramisi River banks
Kingfishers, herons, and fish eagles soaring above the mangroves
Occasional dolphins along the outer channel
Countless crabs and shellfish along the tidal flats

Unlike Wasini’s coral reefs, Funzi Island offers a calm, river-meets-ocean landscape — tranquil, untouched, and deeply photogenic.

Coastal & Marine Experiences

Mangrove Boat Safari

Board your traditional dhow or motorboat and glide through winding mangrove forests — a peaceful, slow-paced cruise that reveals the coastal ecosystem at its purest. Your Annest Kenya Safaris guide will point out wildlife and explain how the mangroves protect Kenya’s shoreline.

Funzi Sandbank Experience

The Funzi Sandbank is a natural wonder that appears and disappears with the tides. Step off your boat onto a pristine stretch of white sand surrounded by turquoise water — ideal for swimming, beachcombing, and soaking up the sun.

This is often the highlight of the Funzi Island Excursion, where guests describe feeling like they’ve found their own private island.

Swahili Lunch on Funzi Island

After your sandbank escape, head to the island itself for a freshly prepared Swahili seafood lunch.
Typical menu:

Grilled lobster, prawns, or fish
Coconut rice and chapati
Fresh fruit and tropical juices

Meals are often served in a rustic seaside setting, overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Village Visit

Meet the friendly residents of Funzi Village, where daily life flows in rhythm with the sea. You’ll learn about traditional fishing, coastal farming, and Swahili customs — a genuine cultural connection that supports local communities.

Hotels– Accommodation Overview

If you’d like to extend your stay near Funzi Island, consider one of these serene properties:

Funzi Keys Lodge – A boutique eco-resort set directly on the water.
Kinondo Kwetu – Luxury meets tranquility on Diani’s southern edge.
Baobab Beach Resort – Ideal for combining relaxation and coastal adventure.
Swahili Beach Resort – A blend of culture, elegance, and comfort.

These properties complement your Funzi Island Excursion, offering perfect access to both marine and safari experiences.

Points of Interest Nearby

Enhance your day with these nearby attractions:

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park – Combine both Wasini and Funzi experiences.

Shimoni Caves – Learn about Swahili-Arab trade history.

Gazi Mangrove Boardwalk – Another eco-friendly way to explore coastal nature.

Diani Beach – Kenya’s most famous white-sand beach, ideal for relaxing after your tour.

Why Choose Annest Kenya Safaris

At Annest Kenya Safaris, we specialize in personalized coastal experiences designed for discovery and comfort.
Here’s why travelers choose us:
Trusted Kenya tour operator with deep local expertise
Eco-friendly excursions that support local communities
Private or shared tours for couples, families, and groups
Seamless hotel transfers from Diani, Tiwi, or Mombasa
Authentic Swahili experiences guided by locals who know every tide and current

With Annest Kenya Safaris, every moment at Funzi Island is crafted to immerse you in Kenya’s coastal magic.

Top 1-Day Safari & Excursion Options from Diani Beach

Ready to explore the best of Kenya’s wildlife and coast? Contact Annest Kenya Safaris today to book your Diani one-day excursions and safaris for a day of adventure and discovery!