Home Arrow FAQs Arrow How to get to Chale Island from Mombasa?

How to get to Chale Island from Mombasa?

Located on the beautiful southern coast of Kenya, Chale Island is a mini paradise famous for its pristine beaches, emerald waters, and lush mangroves. Just slightly off the mainland at Diani beach by 600 meters, the island promises a quiet retreat ideal on a relaxation trip or a romantic getaway, or even an adventurous escapade. 

However, when you are in Mombasa and dream of going to Chale Island, you can reach it easily in several ways to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. This is a detailed guide to assist you in planning your trip.

By Road and Boat:

The most common route combines road travel with a short boat ride. Diani Beach is located about 30 kilometers south of Mombasa, across the Likoni Ferry. Travel time from Mombasa to Diani Beach typically takes 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic and ferry wait times.

Upon arrival at Diani Beach, you move to the Chale Island reception point where you can leave your vehicle.

There is no public ferry service to Chale Island. Transfers are arranged exclusively by The Sands at Chale Island resort—the only accommodation on the island—based on tide conditions and the guest’s scheduled arrival time. Always confirm your transfer timing with the resort when booking your stay.

That will then be followed by a boat or tractor ride across the channel to Chale Island. The boat ride is short and enjoyable, offering scenic views of the coastline and mangroves

Private Transfers:

To get a more comfortable and easy way, there is the possibility to order a special transfer. Private companies, such as MyTransfers and Suntransfers, offer door-to-door transfers from Mombasa Moi International Airport to the Chale Island reception point on the mainland. 

From there, travelers still need to take a boat or tractor ride to reach the island. These services last about two hours and are usually pre-booked and the fare is usually paid in your own currency, so there is a smooth ride to your destination from the airport.

By air

The other option available to you is travelling by air, which is the most convenient and quickest in case you are a visitor to Nairobi. Local airlines operate short-haul flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Ukunda Airstrip near Diani Beach, with flights running daily.

The flight itself lasts about one hour and is a quick means that allows travel over a long distance that separates Nairobi and the coast. When you have reached Ukunda Airstrip, you will need to arrange ground transportation to the Chale Island reception area. The car or taxi ride in this leg of the journey should take about 30 minutes with traffic flowing smoothly.

Once you have arrived at the reception point on the mainland near Chale Island, you are supposed to cross the channel to the island.  The journey to the island can be unde‌rtake‌n via a brief boat trip, offer‌ing stunni‌ng views of the Indian Ocean and adjace‌nt mangrov‌es, or by a tractor ride throu‌gh shallow wate‌rs when the tide is low. This trip typic‌ally only lasts a few minutes and is an integ‌ral part of the dist‌inct exper‌ience of visiti‌ng Chale Island‌.

Ai‌r travel provid‌es a swift and conv‌enien‌t option, parti‌cular‌ly for visitors who wish to avoid the lengthy road trav‌el between Nair‌obi and Mombasa‌.

Public Transport:

Those traveling on a budget will have the option of traveling by public minibusses (matatus) and shared Shuttles between Mombasa and Diani Beach. Although this will be a cheaper choice, it might be less comfortable and require a longer time with frequent stops and irregular schedules. After getting to Diani Beach, you would still be required to make arrangements for how you will be taken to Chale Island in a boat.

Additional Tips:

  • It can be recommended that it is good to check with The Sands at Chale Island for boat or tractor transfer schedules, which depend on the tide.
  • The island is home to only one resort — The Sands at Chale Island — which organizes all boat/tractor transfers for its guests
  • You should also bring a small amount of change (Kenya Shillings) with you in case you end up having a challenge during your visit.

By planning and choosing the transportation method that best suits your preferences and budget, you can enjoy a seamless journey to the serene and picturesque Chale Island.

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