Chale Island is a small romantic island situated 600 meters off the mainland. 10 km south of Diani, 1,2 km long and 0,8 km wide, with a general north/south orientation. The Island is divided into two parts; resort and sacred forest or “kaya”.
Located in Msambweni Bay, south of Diani Beach, Chale Island is a sacred island for the Kaya people where they came to pray and offer sacrifice to their gods whenever faced with problems. There are no residences or villages on the island, just a single resort, The Sands at Chale Island. The resort lies in 15 acres of indigenous ancient forest, with a stunning 10,000 square meter white sand bay which is protected by a vibrant coral reef. With an explosion of colorful flora and fauna the island is truly magical and if that is not enough, also features a mystical inland tidal mangrove lake. Accommodation.
The Sands at Chale Island features six categories of suites that reflect the traditional architecture of Swahili for a unique coastal holiday.
Guest-rooms include Tower Standard Rooms, Penthouse Suites that give clear birds view of the Chale and sea, ‘Banda’s’ Suites which allow absolute privacy, Superior rooms that have backyard private garden with an open outdoor shower and sunbeds.
Over-Water Bungalows: Set in a more private area with private access to the sea, if you can afford it, this is a great hideout spot.
Relax in luxurious overwater suits and bask in your good fortune as you fall asleep to the calm of the sea. Suite on the Rock or ‘honeymoon island'– it's a slice of heaven. It optimizes luxury, beauty, and culture all in one room and with stunning views, anyone could ask. Set in an isle and connected by a stone bridge, it's everyone's and family's dream vacation.
Excursions/ Activities.
You can choose to be free or can be as active yet relaxed - its a choice! If you feel like exploring and discovering, here are things not to be missed:
Island Nature walk: Take a walk around Chale Island and discover the sacred beach, mushroom island, best skincare mud bath, natural pool, beach hike, and explore the ocean base when tides pull out. You will need rubber sole shoes to traverse corals and the woods comfortably.
Boat excursion to the mangrove forest, bird watching, visit fisherman village of Gazi and historical slave-holding site.
Water Sports: Ocean kayaking, snorkeling by boat tour to the reefs, kite and windsurfing, scuba diving. Has a rule; one must always first get instruction and safety procedure, but there is still a guide for just in case.
There is a lot to see and enjoy, like rare moments when you come across a fisherman carrying your dinner; birds and monkeys scanning the ocean floor for food when tides pull out.
Getting to Chale Island. The road trip to Chale Island is a bit bumpy since the road is untarmacked and quite dusty. The best way to get to Chale is by taxi cab or private means since there is no direct public transport to the island. Or if you are a resident of 'The Sands at Nomad Hotel', a sister hotel to Sands at Chale, they can organize a transfer to this scenic island.
