Funzi Island

Funzi Island is located off the Kenyan South Coast and has a population of about 1,500. The island hosts an array of ecosystems, including undisturbed coastal wetlands, mangrove forests, palms, sandy beaches, creeks, estuaries, and undisturbed lowland coastal mixed forests. Funzi Island is known for its pristine beaches and as Kenya's best nesting site for a variety of sea turtles, such as green turtle, Chelonia mydas, hawksbill, Eretmochelys imbricata, and leatherback, Dermochelys coriacea. These species are classified as either endangered or critically endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) but are found on Funzi due to a low degree of human disturbance on the natural sandy beaches. However, the turtles are becoming increasingly threatened in Funzi due to the expansion of non-environmental tourism and heavy pressure from destructive fishing methods and various pollution sources.

Popular excursions for visitors in Funzi are the crocodile safari in the nearby Ramisi River or to going on a cultural tour in the village and enjoying a traditionally cooked lunch. Visitors should visit the Ramisi River and the gardens nearby for cultural tours. There is a spectacular annual migration of Humpback whales between June and December. The best swimming experience in the area will undoubtedly be on the naturally formed sandbank just offshore from Funzi village. Its fine sand ripples appear only during low tide and it stretches well over a kilometer in length. Funzi Island does not have many hotels. Funzi Cove and Funzi Keys are the main ones, however, both were closed as of early 2021.

Location: Kwale County, Kenya.