One of the best ways to explore this incredible archipelago is under sail on Utamaduni, our beautiful 62 foot sailing dhow. Utamaduni is a Kiswahili word meaning tradition or culture. We operate the boat from July through to April.

Utamaduni was built by Lamu’s master-boat builders in the time-honoured style of the East African coast. She is one of the biggest dhows now operating on the Kenyan coast.   Frequently used by the guests of Manda Bay, the Dhow sails out for lavish seafood lunches with a fully stocked bar to the snorkelling site or a sand bank in the bay at mid-day or sets sail in the early evening for cocktails, returning in time for dinner at the lodge.

Utamaduni is equipped with navigation and communication equipment and has a large diesel engine, a generator, deep freeze, fridge, fresh water shower, traditional toilet and bedrolls for those who may wish to charter her overnight. She requires a minimum crew of six, who operate the ship under sail through waters which were opened to world trade by the invention of the dhow and its unique lateen rig.