Kenya

LIVE-ABOARD

Fishing Expedition

Season: October- Dec & Feb | Duration: 6 Nights | Fishing Days: 5 Fully Guided | Guests: Maximum 6
Location: Kenyan Coast | Species: Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish, Yellowfin Tuna, GT & More

Kenya has long been recognised as a world renowned saltwater fishing destination, its waters documented in angling lore for blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, sailfish, and other game species. The coast has drawn anglers for decades, offering the chance for memorable days on the water, where careful observation and patience are as important as tackle and technique.

This bespoke expedition builds on that tradition while introducing approaches that have not been fully explored along this coastline. By combining tried and tested methods with new techniques, whether on fly, popping, jigging, or other presentations, we aim to open up opportunities within a fishery that, though well known, holds big surprises for those willing to approach it with care.

What sets this programme apart from more standard packages is the ability to move the liveaboard and accompanying boats to follow the fish. Instead of being limited to a fixed anchorage or single fishing grounds, the fleet can relocate according to current conditions, bait presence, or migratory patterns. This flexibility ensures that anglers are consistently positioned where the fishing is most promising, offering a level of responsiveness rarely available in the region.

Alongside fishing, the programme offers coastal exploration, comfortable liveaboard accommodation aboard a traditional Omani dhow, and immersion in the local Swahili culture. The result is an all encompassing experience that honors the history of the fishery while encouraging a more nuanced engagement with its waters, its species, and the rhythm of life along the Kenyan coast.

The Live-aboard Dhow

a 75 foot traditional Omani dhow that has been carefully adapted for life aboard. Her lines still carry the heritage of the vessels that once traded across the Indian Ocean, but today she serves a quieter purpose as a liveaboard base for exploring the Kenyan coast.

Stepping aboard, one immediately notices the space. The decks are broad and shaded, providing room to sit comfortably during the day as the coastline moves slowly past. There is little sense of hurry here. The dhow slips between anchorages while guests watch the changing light on the water or prepare tackle for the following morning.

INFO & SPECS

Accommodation consists of three air conditioned cabins. Two cabins contain double beds and private toilet facilities with basin and shower. A third cabin contains four single bunks, practical and comfortable for a small group of anglers travelling together. Hot water showers and proper flush toilets ensure that even after long days on the water comfort remains intact.

For those inclined toward a slightly more romantic arrangement, it is possible to sleep on deck beneath the night sky. In these waters the stars feel unusually close, and the gentle movement of tide against the hull provides a surprisingly restful soundtrack.

The dhow carries a number of modern conveniences without disturbing its character. Solar powered 240 volt electricity keeps cameras and equipment charged, WiFi allows internet connectivity, and a fresh water maker ensures that showers and washing are never in short supply. Navigation systems and autopilot equipment assist the captain in moving safely between anchorages.

Meals aboard NaiSabah are prepared by a private chef, often incorporating fresh seafood and local Swahili flavours. Lunch might be taken on deck between fishing sessions, while evenings tend to stretch comfortably into the night with dinner served under lantern light and the sound of water against the hull.

Captain Bakari and his crew manage the dhow with the quiet assurance of people who have spent many years on these waters. Their presence is steady and attentive without being intrusive, and guests soon settle into the rhythm of life aboard.

The Fishing Fleet

Two boats support the fishing programme, each suited to a different piece of water.

One vessel works offshore where deeper water and open space favour trolling spreads and fly teasing. The second operates closer to the reefs and shoreline, where mobility and shallow draft allow anglers to cast and work structure more effectively.

Together they allow the week to remain flexible, adapting to weather, tide and the preferences of the anglers on board.

Sirai Sea

Sirai Sea is a 38 foot Viking Billfish sportfishing vessel designed for offshore work along the Kenyan coast. she cruises comfortably at speed, allowing anglers to cover ground efficiently and spend more time fishing rather than traveling.

The boat features a spacious cockpit equipped with rod holders, tackle storage, live wells and insulated fish boxes, providing ample working space for trolling, fly fishing or clearing lines during a strike.

The crew aboard Sirai Sea bring many years of experience fishing the Kenyan coast, working with both conventional tackle and fly gear. The boat is fully equipped for billfish on fly, including teaser and dredge systems and specialised tackle, reflecting the crew’s strong background in this more technical style of fishing.

Sirai Sea has also built a reputation for notable billfish encounters. The vessel was part of a rare achievement in which anglers caught five different billfish species in a single day, known as a Fantasy Billfish Slam, an accomplishment seldom recorded in blue water sportfishing.

Below deck, the boat provides welcome comfort during long days offshore with a shaded salon area, small galley, forward cabin and bathroom facilities all with AC. The result is a capable and dependable fishing platform that combines serious angling credentials with enough comfort to make a full day on the water both productive and enjoyable.

No Way:

No Way is the second boat in the programme, and in many ways the most versatile.

This 24 foot walkaround skiff is designed with simplicity and access in mind. Its open layout allows anglers to move freely around the boat while casting poppers or working flies along reef edges. The boat’s shallow draft means it can approach areas that larger vessels would sensibly avoid.

Powered by a reliable outboard engine, Now Way is both quick and manoeuvrable. She can slip quietly along cliffs, reefs and narrow channels where currents push baitfish against structure. These environments are often where giant trevally, snapper and other predators appear with little warning.

The absence of unnecessary fittings is part of the boat’s strength. With nothing in the way, anglers have clear casting space and easy access to the water around them. It is a boat built for observation as much as action watching the current lines, the movement of bait, and the shifting colours along the reef.

No Way is particularly well suited to popping, jigging and fly fishing inshore, and often provides some of the most memorable moments of the week simply because of how close anglers find themselves to the environment around them.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Included

    • Fully guided fishing with two boats

    • Accommodation aboard NaiSabah

    • Captain, crew and private chef

    • Fishing tackle and equipment

    • All meals and beverages

    • Marine park and anchorage fees
      Airport boat transfers in Lamu

    • International and domestic flights

    • Visa fees

    • Personal expenses and gratuities.

  • This expedition stands apart for its mobility. Rather than remaining at a fixed anchorage, NaiSabah, the liveaboard dhow, moves to follow bait, currents, and the best fishing conditions, giving anglers access to more of the coastline than standard packages.

    The programme is supported by two complementary fishing boats. Sirai Sea, a 38 foot Viking, covers offshore trolling and fly fishing for billfish and pelagic species, while Now Way, a smaller skiff, works reefs, channels, and shallow structure for popping, jigging, and fly casting. Together they provide access to nearly every type of fishing the area has to offer.

    Aboard NaiSabah, guests enjoy comfortable cabins, generous deck space, a full crew, and fresh meals prepared daily by the chef, often featuring fish caught that morning. This combination of mobility, versatility, and comfort ensures a complete and memorable week on the Kenyan coast that very few can and have offered

  • Kenya is one of the most visited countries in Africa, known for its stability, hospitality, and well-established tourism infrastructure. The regions where we operate are safe, remote, and far from any areas of concern. Our crew brings deep local knowledge and years of regional experience, with safety always a top priority. We operate under full permits and regulations, and while on the water or in the field, our guides are equipped with satellite communications, GPS tracking, and clear emergency protocols. You can rest assured—you’re in safe hands.

  • This package is sold on an exclusive basis. This means you would have to cover the full expense of the week and then decide how you would like to split the costs should you want to invite friends or family

  • The fishery offers a range of species including blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, sailfish, broadbill swordfish, yellowfin tuna, dorado, wahoo, giant trevally, snappers, grouper and other reef species. The variety allows each day to offer a different experience.

  • A mix of offshore trolling, fly fishing, popping along reefs, and jigging in deeper channels is employed. The choice of method varies with conditions, target species, and the interests of the anglers.

  • NaiSabah has three air-conditioned cabins, including two double cabins and one bunk cabin with four single beds. Hot water showers and flush toilets provide comfort after long days on the water, while spacious decks offer room to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

  • Yes in fact its highly recommended. Sleeping on deck is possible for those who wish to experience the rhythm of the sea beneath the night sky, with the gentle sound of tide and rigging.

  • Flights arrive daily from Nairobi. On arrival, guests are met and transferred directly by boat to NaiSabah. Private charters can also be arranged from safari destinations.