Tour experiences take you from one destination to another, and then some are the destination themselves.
Sailing Cassandraville falls under the latter category. It is a sailing experience that stays in your head long after you are gone because of its immersive nature.
The sail begins at 15:30 at Kilifi Boatyard. To get to the starting point from Kilifi town centre, you can take a boda boda or tuk-tuk towards the Old Ferry point. The journey costs approximately KSh 200, depending on where you start and the fare you agree on.
The boatyard is an interesting starting point in itself, with a long maritime history and a collection of vessels that reflect Kilifi’s relationship with the sea and its past as a ferry crossing point.
From here, the catamaran sets sail beneath the iconic Kilifi Bridge, offering a completely different viewpoint and perspective of one of the North Coast’s most recognisable landmarks.
Sailing through Kilifi Creek
As the catamaran moves deeper into the creek, the scenery gradually changes.
The busier surroundings of the boatyard give way to calm waters, mangrove forests and stretches of coastline dotted with homes, boutique lodges and lush greenery, accompanied by a peaceful, loud silence.
The quiet waters also offer opportunities to spot coastal birdlife, with kingfishers, herons and seagulls frequently seen around the creek.
The journey is relaxed and unhurried. It gives guests time to enjoy the changing landscape, engage in meaningful conversations, take photographs and experience a quieter side of Kilifi that is often missed from land.
With more than 50 years of sailing experience, Bill, the host captain of the catamaran, brings extensive knowledge of the sea and the creek to the journey, adding an authentic maritime perspective to the experience.
Sunset and sundowners at Salty’s on the Creek
At around 17:30, the catamaran arrives at Salty’s on the Creek, a floating restaurant and one of the notable highlights of the sailing experience.
The timing is perfect for golden hour and sunset. Guests can enjoy food, drinks and music while taking in the surrounding views. Depending on the conditions, there may also be opportunities to swim and snorkel.
Swimming is often part of the experience when weather conditions allow, while snorkelling is optional. Anyone interested in snorkelling should carry their own gear, as equipment is not provided.
The stop typically lasts through the sunset period, from approximately 17:30 to 18:30.
At around 18:30, the catamaran begins the return journey directly to Kilifi Boatyard. The return sail takes at least 30 minutes, depending largely on the wind, with arrival usually around 19:00 or later.
This transition from sailing through the creek to enjoying a sundowner on the water is what makes the experience feel complete.
Cost
A private charter on Sailing Cassandraville costs KSh 40,000.
The charter fee covers the sail only. Guests should budget separately for food, drinks, snacks and any other personal expenses, including anything they choose to order at Salty’s on the Creek.
The catamaran can accommodate a maximum of 10 guests, although six guests is the preferred number for a more comfortable experience.
For a group of six, the charter works out to approximately KSh 6,667 per person when the cost is shared.
This makes the experience particularly suitable for groups of friends, families, couples looking for a private experience or anyone celebrating a special occasion.
For detailed enquiries, booking dates and information on available slots, you can contact the captain directly.
Captain Bill +254 715 457 412
What should you carry?
Since the experience involves several hours on the water, it is worth coming prepared.
I recommend carrying:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- A towel
- A light jacket for the evening breeze
- A waterproof bag for phones and valuables
- A camera or phone for photography
- Reef-safe snorkelling gear if you plan to snorkel
The afternoon sun can be warm, while the breeze becomes cooler as the sun sets.
The experience is best booked in advance, especially for private groups and special occasions.
The 15:30 departure is ideal because it allows enough time to explore the creek before arriving at Salty’s during the golden-hour and sunset period.
The experience is particularly suitable for visitors who want a slower and more intimate way to explore Kilifi.
Rather than simply moving from one attraction to another, the sail allows the journey itself to become the experience.
Sailing Cassandraville is more than a boat excursion. It will take you through Kilifi Creek, from the historic Kilifi Boatyard beneath the iconic Kilifi Bridge and past mangroves, birdlife and beautiful coastal scenery before stopping for a sunset sundowner at Salty’s on the Creek.
With a KSh 40,000 private charter fee, a maximum capacity of 10 guests and a preferred group size of six, it offers a memorable way to experience Kilifi as a private group.
For travellers looking to explore a quieter, more scenic and immersive side of the Kenyan Coast, Sailing Cassandraville is an experience worth adding to a Kilifi itinerary.
Sometimes, the best part of discovering a destination is not where you end up.
It is the journey getting there.
Please note: Cassandraville is currently out of the water for repairs and is expected to remain unavailable until November 2026, when the catamaran is due to depart on a sailing journey to Madagascar. Contact Captain Bill directly for future sailing dates and availability.
By Mtalii — Travel blogger and creator