Sunset Mangrove Canoe Tour with Coconut Drink
Description
We'll cross the mudflats left by the lowering tide, with thousands of little crabs scrambling away from our steps, then we'll finally reach the water and board a traditional canoe. We'll ride as local fishermen do and, with luck on our side, we'll have the chance to enjoy the vibrant bird life of the area with 65 different species populating the generous waters of the creek. After that we'll go deep in the mangrove forest and see the incredible amphibious fishes we call frogfish or mudskipper and the oysters that grow on the roots of these incredible trees. Now is the moment: the sky turns to beautiful shades of pastel colors while the sun shines on every ripple of the water surface, let's wait till it falls behind the Green Island... and let's go back to the Giriama village where you can refresh yourself with a coconut just picked from the palm or a glass of palm wine. Pickup is offered at an additional sum.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Creek is a sea inlet about 5 km long. With its shallow fjords, ruled by the tides and protected by a tangle of rhizomes that seem to want to prevent any human passage, this marine lagoon, a comfortable bed of aquatic plants (of the genus Posidonia) and corals, is a labyrinth of waterways where the Indian Ocean is wedged forming several islets. Mida Creek is home to many fish species and a feeding site for sea turtles. The warm and shallow waters, as well as the silt areas are habitats for millions of snails, crabs and all sorts of other creatures, as well as a refuge of many migratory birds that come from Europe and the Middle East. Sixty-five species of birds, storks, herons, pink flamingos, marsh waders, marabou, eagles, kingfishers, the sacred ibis, like an apparition appearing among the bizarre vegetation. Reaching the water during the low tide you'll walk onto the sea bed and numerous varieties of echinides (starfish) and crabs will emerge along with crustaceans with unexpected colors and shapes. Mida Creek has been designated by UNESCO as Bird International Zone and Biosphere Reserve, and it's the the second largest ornithological reserve in Africa.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Meeting point for this activity is at Mida Creek Nature Camp, but we can pick you up anywhere in the Watamu area for an additional sum.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- When booking, please let us know whether you prefer to do the experience at low tide or high tide: Low tide: Longer walk, with the opportunity to explore the mudflats and observe their unique wildlife. The landscape is very distinctive and offers a particularly atmospheric natural setting. High tide: Less walking, as we enter the canoe from a point nearer the meeting point. If no preference is communicated, the experience will take place around 4:00 PM regardless of the tide, in order to allow participants to enjoy the sunset over the lagoon. PLEASE NOTE! From february 2026 The boardwalk is currently under maintenance and temporarily inaccessible to guests. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Reviews(51)
We had booked for Broadwalk and canoe ride, but unfortunately we didn’t get to see the Broadwalk. According to the guide, it was under construction for the holiday season. Quite disappointing, but the walk to the mangrove and the canoe ride were great.
We went to Crab Shark with tuc tuc in the afternoon. We took the boat and went around the mangroves alone paying 500 Kenyan shillings each. After a choice you go to the restaurant paying 1000 shillings with drink and 2 samussas per test. Council to enjoy the mangroves in peace. Also the ride is very pleasant and magical.
It's just perfect for the Mood. Songs and walk across the bay. Negative: transfer not included and quite expensive from watamu. At low tide it is a long walk in a muddy bay to get to the boat. Local color assured
It's a place full of natural environment and amazing view for sunset Is a place that will make your day and make you enjoy your stay
Inevitable. One of the most authentic and least touristic outings. We were lucky enough to be accompanied by Felice, competent and good guide. It should be done without doubt starting at low tide, so you can walk in the withdrawn part of the sea, then board a canoe to continue immersed in the creek. We were lucky enough to see a large flock of flamingos. On the way back you will follow a path on the walkways (to be arranged) surrounded by mangroves. I recommend it
Very warm Welcoming with a local dance, followed by sumptuous scenery, canoe crossing and very clear explanations of the mangroves. To do during your stay!
This is a very secretive adventure, it covers around 6 hrs of sun out experience on the mida creek beach. It has to have lunch and a boat ride back away from marine reserve. Actioning trip of life to take.
We had the best experience. The mangroves and the life there is so fascinating! We were unsure what to expect, but this place is a MUST to understand and respect the mangroves and biodiversity it creates. Use a guide. The money is spend well on education and restoration of the so important mangroves. We had the best guide. He was very kind, funny, happy and he sung a lot. He took care of Mama and Papa on the Boardwalk.
We had a very disappointing experience with this tour. First, their boardwalk was non-functional, which they failed to mention despite being in contact with us via WhatsApp since the morning. As a result, we had to walk a long, uncomfortable distance to reach the water. The boat itself was in poor condition—old, with a lot of water inside—and the boatman didn’t even have any oars, which felt quite unsafe and unprofessional. Overall, the experience did not live up to expectations. We paid 90 USD for 3 adults, 1 teenager and 1 child, expecting a-organised and smooth tour, but unfortunately it was far from that. I sincerely hope the organizers take this feedback seriously and work on improving their service.
We are sorry to hear that the experience did not meet your expectations. However, we would like to clarify some key points. Our boardwalk is fully accessible and walkable in its entirety. As clearly stated in the experience description, part of its charm lies in the sense of adventure and fun it offers, with slightly spaced planks and some tilting sections. That being said, we recognized that this aspect did not suit your group, which is why we covered the cost for you to access an alternative boardwalk route—one that is more approachable, especially for elderly visitors. Regarding the absence of oars, the experience provides the opportunity to navigate using traditional dugout canoes, which are propelled with poles due to the shallow waters. This is a culturally authentic method of transportation, and assuming that kayaking would be available suggests a lack of prior research into both the experience itself and Kenyan traditions. The happiest customer is the one who knows what they want and ensures they are well-informed about what they are purchasing—this allows for the best match between expectations and the actual offering. Best regards, Mida Creek Nature Camp
It was very beautiful. You need to be careful about the daily tides. You cannot go conoeing when the tide is low. The chanels are like from the movie 🙂
