Top 10 Spots To Sail To in the Mida Creek

by S/V Cassandraville Team

1. Crab Shack Dabaso

The most popular choice is to anchor in front of Crab Shack Dabaso where they will deliver either a snack of crab samosas or a complete seafood feast right to the yacht. They will also deliver beer, wine and even cocktails. Curbside Delivery takes on a whole new meaning when social distancing at sea! The full menu can be found here:  https://dabasocreek.wixsite.com/crabshack/food-menu We recommend ordering ahead from the yacht so that it is ready as soon as we drop the anchor.

2. Echo Beach

On the west side of Kirepwe Island, Echo Beach is where WE watch the sun go down.  And so do all of the dhows, but we actually beach the yacht and have barbeques and birthday parties!

3. Lichthaus 

The place where the sun goes down.  What more can be said?  In certain tides, and certainly during their many Kaleidoscope Festival Raves, we like to anchor in front and enjoy the beats coming from international DJs who play here.  They like us coming as not only do we add to the vibe, but we have also on occasion rescued their guests who have fallen off of the nets and were swept away by the strong current

4. Mida Creek Boardwalk

In certain tidal and weather conditions we can also moor alongside Mida Creek Board Walk and order a local feast consisting of coconut rice, coconut stew and fried fish along with salad and fruits: Kshs 700. 

However, you MUST order the day before, but you are allowed to bring your own alcoholic beverages.  The restaurant asks for a 50% deposit the morning of the luncheon.  If it not possible to moor alongside, then we will anchor just off from the sandbank and wade in knee-deep water to the restaurant (so please, have your swim costumes handy!)

5. Kirepwe Island

There are several private, secluded beaches that we anchor off of including Kirepwe Island, where we either dinghy or wade ashore and set up camp and either enjoy your takeaway food from either Crab Shack or any of Watamu’s restaurants or even organise a barbeque.  Sometimes we anchor in a quiet bay to enjoy our luncheon or Sundowners.

6. Heart of Darkness Tour

During certain times of the month, we can sail up a mangrove channel in which we call the Heart of Darkness Tour after Joseph Conrad’s novella of the same time and which the epic film Apocalypse Now was based upon. We imagine that we are Charles Marlow cruising up the Congo River in search of eccentric ivory trader Kurtz (Col. Kurtz in the movie) and see places that normal tourists just don’t see.  We then anchor off the northern tip of Kisiwani Island (and can even wade through the mangrove forest from the south side after the cruise if you wish!)

7. Work & Play on the Sandbar

At other times of the month, we leave early in the morning with the outgoing tide to anchor on a sandbar in Mida Creek where we chill, have a barbeque and then watch the sunset before heading back to port. We usually count on at least 10 to 12 hours for this adventure. And mustn’t forget the laptop; this is WORK and play after all!

8. Overnight At Anchor

Nothing, but nothing, beats the peace and tranquility of anchoring out overnight in a deserted anchorage: the sounds of nature, the sunset and the sunrise.  Away from the hustle and bustle from urban life; you can even hear yourself think for a change! Cooking supper at anchor and then waking up the smell of fresh-brewed coffee!

9. Sita Sunset Paradise

Sita Sunset Paradise is a sandbar at the east side of Mida Creek just to the north of Crab Shack.

10. Eco camp

At the far north end of Mida Creek, just a little way south of the Mombasa-Malindi Highway you will find a long wooden jetty. The Eco Camp hosts guests and with prior arrangement you can take part in cooking classes!

BONUS

Special Mention:  The Mida Creek Hotel

Located on the south side of Mida Creek, at high tide, we bring the yacht up to this 6-room boutique hotel. The place is amazing with fantastic views of the Creek looking to the north. They have a pool and a restaurant.