INSHORE FISHING 

Experience bottom fishing, trolling, and fly fishing in the bay suitable for all skill levels and ages. Fishing times are tide-dependent, typically in the mornings or evenings.

  • May - October: Ideal for bottom fishing in the creek.

  • October - April: Excellent for fly fishing and trolling.

Deep Sea Fishing

Our fishing season runs from September to May. Manda Bay offers "Cheza", a 33ft Sportfisher boat with twin 230hp engines. Choose from half-day (6 hours) or full-day (10 hours) fishing trips departing at 6:30 am.

  • Child Safety: Children must be over 5 years old and able to swim. Maximum 6 guests per boat.

FISHING SEASONS

  • KUSI (Mid-May to Oct): Wetter season with strong southeasterly winds, cooler temperatures (avg. 26°C), and catches Yellow Fin Tuna, Kingfish, GT, Barracuda, Rainbow Runner, Wahoo, and Dorado.

  • KASKAZI (Mid-Dec to End of March): Dry season with warm northeast winds, calm seas, clear visibility (avg. 30-32°C), and ideal for Sailfish (Nov-Jan), Striped Marlin (Nov-Dec), and Black/Blue Marlin (Dec-Apr).

For deep sea fishing reservations, contact us at +254 (0) 713 785 152.

Watersports

Water Skiing/Wakeboarding/Windsurfing: Enjoy a range of boating activities at Manda Bay, including waterskiing, banana rides, inflatable tube rides and windsurfing.

SUP/Kayaks: Explore peacefully with our 5 kayaks and 6 paddleboards. At high tide, drift along mangrove creeks to spot turtles, birds, monkeys and fish.

Snorkelling: A variety of snorkelling sites accessible by boat during low tide (November - April).

Sailing: Sail in the bay with our 2 sailboats during high tide.

Kitesurfing: Best from mid-December to end of March and mid-May to October. Nearby kitesurfing school available; instructor at the hotel needs prior arrangement and not guaranteed due to availability.

Check our ‘seasons’ section for the best time to visit.

Game Drives and Birdlife

GAME DRIVES AND WILDLIFE: In the early evening it is possible to take a drive to visit the Manda ruins, an ancient human settlement that dates back nearly 1000 years. A few remnants of this town can be seen if you take a drive where you experience a complete contrast from the beach and see old coral buildings amongst enormous baobab trees and acacia woodland. Manda Bay is home to a host of creatures both large and small and whilst most of the animals are nocturnal including the greater Galago bushbaby, white tailed mongoose, civet cat, porcupine, hyaena, genet cat and occasionally leopard; we regularly see dik-dik, buffalo and bushbuck, dwarf mongoose, yellow baboons and vervet monkeys. During the dry season, we provide fresh water for the animals and guests can meet them at the waterhole.

BIRD WATCHING: There are a large variety of water birds as well as dry country scrub species. View our Bird list to discover the range of birds you may experience during your stay.

Lamu Town

A Unesco World heritage site

A 25-minute boat ride from the lodge takes you to Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander narrow streets with artisan shops, woodworkers, silversmiths, local fabrics, and basket ware. Believed to be established in 1370, Lamu retains its cultural integrity with unique architecture influenced by European, Persian, Arab, and Indian traders. A conservative and close-knit society, Lamu is majority Muslim, but tolerant of all other cultures and religions. 

TAKWA RUINS

Visit Takwa, a historic Swahili settlement on Manda Island opposite Lamu. Flourishing in the 15th-16th centuries and abandoned in the 17th century due to salination and conflicts with Pate Island neighbours. Accessible only during high tide by boat.