KWALE: The arrival of the cruise ship SH Diana at Shimoni on Sunday morning marked a historic moment for the coastal community, signaling new opportunities for tourism, local enterprise, and the Blue Economy in Kwale County.
The vessel, carrying about 120 passengers and 129 crew members, became the first-ever cruise ship to dock at the new Shimoni Port. The milestone visit is being hailed as a major boost to the region’s emerging status as a tourist destination and gateway to the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park.
“We are extremely happy to be here,” said Captain Jaanus Hannis, the ship’s master. “This was a very unexpected and last-minute decision to come over here, but after quick research we found Kisite National Park to be one of the most interesting places we wanted to offer to our guests. We are very happy that everyone worked hard to make this call happen.”
Passengers aboard the luxury vessel shared their delight at the warm reception they received upon arrival, with several expressing enthusiasm for their planned excursions, which included snorkeling, nature walks, and cultural tours around Shimoni.
“We are very pleased to see so many welcoming and friendly faces on the pier,” said Elena Karmanova from Moscow, Russia. “We’re excited for our snorkeling experience and happy to be the first cruise ship here this year on the new pier.”
Her fellow traveler, Dr. Michael Frey from Vancouver, Canada, echoed the sentiment.
“It’s my first time in Kenya, and I’m very impressed with the friendliness of the people. We’re looking forward to seeing more of Kenya once we get to Mombasa,” said Dr. Frey.
For Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, the SH Diana’s visit is more than a symbolic event, it’s proof that the country’s investments in port infrastructure and tourism promotion are bearing fruit.
“Already, the fruits of the Shimoni Port have started to show. For us as Kwale people, we are very grateful and we welcome our visitors to explore the exciting attractions this county has to offer,” said Governor Achani.
Area Member of Parliament also celebrated the arrival as a major milestone toward economic revitalization for the area.
“This is history in the making. For the first time, we’ve received a cruise ship here. Even for the few hours the ship will be here, it will open up our economy and interactions. This is just the start , we believe more cruise ships and guests will follow,” said Lungalunga MP Mangale Munga Chiforomodo.
The sh.2.6 billion modern Shimoni Fish Port’s construction began in 2022 and was officially handed over to the Kenya Ports Authority in July 2025.
Its strategic location near the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park makes it ideal for eco-tourism, cruise calls, and marine conservation partnerships.
“It’s not my first time in Kenya.I was here last year in Lamu and Mombasa, and I’m very excited to come back again to explore the marine park. We’re really looking forward to our snorkel time,” said Ksenia Smirnova, from from Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Shimoni, traditionally known for its fishing heritage and historical caves, is now positioning itself as a new frontier for marine and cultural tourism. The SH Diana’s arrival underscores the region’s growing appeal as a niche destination for adventure travelers seeking authentic experiences off Kenya’s traditional cruise routes.
As the tourists explored Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park by snorkeling, dolphin sighting, coral viewing, village excursion on Wasini Island, and a visit to the Women’s Boardwalk, experiencing the inspiring harmony of community, culture, and conservation that defines Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park & Reserve ecosystem.
SH Diana kicks off the cruise season with the landmark call to Shimoni Port in Kwale.