With the arrival of tourists, not only Italians who are perhaps the most accustomed to the sea on paper, this August the focus in Kenya's seaside destinations returns to the so-called “Blue Safaris,” boat excursions to the coral reef and sand atolls that emerge at low tide. Snorkeling, the sense of freedom of the Indian Ocean, and fresh fish barbecues on the sand attract hundreds of tourists, but August is a special month, when the wind and variable weather conditions can create some danger for boats and those on board.
In addition to boat maintenance, it is advisable to rely on tour operators with experience in the sector, rather than beach boys who rent out the first boat they come across or brokers who do not personally take care of the condition of the boat.
It is also important to check that no more people board than the boat is licensed to carry and that a life jacket is available for each passenger.
Another warning concerns the roofs of boats used for sea safaris, which were not built to accommodate people but to provide shade or protection from the rain. Therefore, even if you are invited by the guides themselves to climb on board to sunbathe or enjoy the view, be careful and assess their stability. As a rule, you should not be allowed to stand on them.
The last accident at sea occurred two years ago in Watamu, when strong winds and a maneuvering error caused a boat carrying 13 Italian tourists to capsize, killing four Kenyan citizens, including two children.