(9 reviews)
English, Swahili (optional)
Solo, Family, Couple, Group
What?
A traditional dhow sailing experience through the Mombasa Channel, offering a unique way to see the city from the water while learning about its history and culture.
Where?
Mombasa Channel, sailing past iconic landmarks including Fort Jesus and surrounding coastal areas.
When?
Available throughout the year, with evening sails recommended for the best sunset views.
Why?
Seeing Mombasa from the water offers a completely different perspective. As you sail past historic sites and along the coastline, you will experience the city in a slower, more peaceful way. Whether you are looking to learn, celebrate or simply unwind, this is a perfect way to connect with the place and the moment.
How?
Board a handmade wooden dhow with local captains who guide the experience and share insights along the way. Enjoy light snacks such as cassava crisps and fresh madafu as you sail. Each trip can be tailored based on your purpose, from relaxed outings to group celebrations.
All crew members are locals passionate about sailing. A great crew you’re sure to have a good time with!
The man who made this dhow with his own hands, always had a dream to have his own dhow however unfortunate circumstances kept hindering the dream. Finally with the dhow ready and available to visitors to showcase the beauty of Mombasa from water – he’s a happy man!
With a sail, there is no need to use the engine, if the wind direction is right. Therefore less fumes and negative impact to the environment.
The crew are super familiar with the area hence can give you a great amount of knowledge on Mombasa, the buildings, history and culture. All while relaxing as you sail!
Arrive at the designated pick-up point, where the crew will welcome you aboard the dhow. Settle in, kick off your shoes and ease into the experience as you prepare to sail.
Begin your journey through the Mombasa Channel, sailing towards Fort Jesus while the crew points out key landmarks and shares stories about the area. Take in the fresh sea air and calm surroundings, with the option to explore nearby mangroves if the tide allows.
As the sun begins to set, drift towards the perfect viewing spot and watch the sky change colours over the water. Enjoy your snacks, relax with your group and take in the peaceful rhythm of the ocean.
As evening sets in and the city lights come alive, slowly sail back to shore. Take in the final views of Mombasa by night before disembarking, ending the experience on a calm and memorable note.
Yes, it sure is – only the crew and your group will be on board.
We can make the timings work for you, but generally we suggest 4-7pm, the best sunset time.
10-12 adults can comfortably fit.
Of course, the dhow provides snacks and coconut water but you’re more than welcome to bring your own too.
The dhow experience in Mombasa was absolutely incredible and a highlight of our trip. From start to finish, everything was perfect. For some of us, it was our first time in Kenya, and this was such a special way to take in the beauty of the ocean. We enjoyed stunning views and watched the most breathtaking sunset—all while spending quality time together.The captains were outstanding: professional, welcoming, and even offered to take group photos so we could keep these memories forever. To make the experience even more thoughtful, they accommodated our request and brought fresh bhajia and cassava crisps for us to enjoy on board.The dhow itself was smooth, comfortable, and beautifully maintained. I truly couldn’t recommend this experience more, and we would absolutely do it again the next time we visit Mombasa.No request was too much for Sham! She made sure we got everything we wanted! Thank you for a beautiful memory Sham!
We went on the boat trip with T4P, it was the most relaxing journey! The crew went above and beyond, even climbing the mast to the get the bestgroup selfie! We also did a bracelet workshop with such lovely men by the Fort Jesus, they shared their stories and skills with us, we will be forever grateful for the insight they gave us on Mombasa! Thank you Sham and everyone!
Amazing experience, we did the Mombasa tour and the Dhow Mombasa cruise, both were great experiences. We were very well looked after and got to see all the amazing sites in Mombasa. The dhow included cassava chips and madafu! It was so relaxing and beautiful. Would highly recommend, very reasonably priced also. Travel for Purpose are the best for your time in Mombasa.
We had such a memorable time on the Mombasa dhow. Took the dhow in the last night of the trip and it was the absolute best. Very much recommended
A fantastic way to celebrate a special occasion, thank you T4P for organising this unique trip for my partners birthday – it was truly special.
A completely different perspective to see Mombasa from the water in a laid back, relaxing way. Crew were also great. Would recommend to anyone!
Well organised dhow trip and a great experience! We enjoyed an empowering chat and some yummy snacks.
Our experience with T4P was exceptional. We booked late on our way to Mombasa and Sham was super responsive and informative in helping us decide on the booking and timings. However, we unfortunately had a flight delay and arrived to Mombasa later than expected and although everything had already been organized, T4P was extremly accomodating and shifted their schedules around to fit us in the following morning. As a result, rather than the more typical sunset dhow ride we ended up doing a sunrise dhow in the channel with Harun, Salim and Abdul. It was sooo peaceful, and quiet. The water was glass but the breeze was still warm. We got to drift down towards the ocean and see the sun emerge over the horizon and then sail up into the mangroves while the town slowly woke up. The crew provided a delicious breakfast with fresh coconut water and were willing to take our photos and answer our million quesitons. What a special view of Mombasa from the boat! Highly highly recommend.
I was worried about whether I’d be comfortable with a bad back, and they made sure I was well- cushioned. The tour was a lot of fun, informative, and so relaxing.
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