A little of great importance that makes our dhows, safe & special ! A true example of where ancient meets modern - and it works !

Sail and motor in comfort and safety on the Indian Ocean & amongst the Islands of the Park & Reserve. Glide gently past the local fishermen, aboard dugout canoes and outriggers that have remained unchanged for centuries.

All four of our dhows are fully insured and have Kenya Port Authority Licences. Each dhow and the 6m RIBs have ship to ship and ship to shore radios. Each dhow has quiet inboard engines. Vincent our engineer from up-country and now used to sea, uses his up to date training and experience alongside Famau our Lamu Island fundi ( 'expert' in Swahili) to keep a safe , comfortable and well maintained fleet of boats available for you. Famau uses traditional tools and experience handed down from generation to generation to caulk the hulls, hand sew sails and attend to the lateen rigs. The engines are there for time saving and safety - but nothing beats the unfurling of the sails and a peaceful sail amongst the islands.

Why 4 dhows? We can give you very personal attention and if you have a group of friends don't hesitate to ask us if there is a dhow available especially for you - we will do our best to say yes.

Our Captains and crews, most of whom have been with us for many years are happy, hard-working and efficient. Many are CPR trained. They care for each and everyone on board and often help children and older guests to snorkel for the first time. There are information cards and copies of the "Fish of the Indian Ocean" books available on all dhows. Underwater cameras are also available to snap that magic moment.

Under the hot tropical sun drinks are plentiful and free on board. Drink lots. Too much sun? Sit in comfort and shade under the extra sun-covers when needed. A rain shower? Raincoats and raincovers for your comfort. Talking of comfort there is also a proper marine toilet aboard each of the dhows. All dhows, weather permitting, sail.

Accompanying dhows to the park are large wooden dinghies with glass bottomed viewers for any guests who do not wish to snorkel. Our custom built RIB craft are also help to ensure that if there is any problem guests can be attended to immediately. The RIB's, as well as being used by the divers, have been most useful in the local community helping fishermen in distress.

All dhows were originally trading dhows manned by large numbers of Swahili's and relied only on sail. All our dhows have been converted to take in-board engines, comfortable seating and marine toilets for your comfort. But we have not compromised the traditional aspect of these wonderful boats, and the sailing continues exactly in the way it has for thousands of years.