Sail the moonlit waters of Tudor Creek aboard a traditional Arabic dhow. Savor East Africa's finest seafood, sip signature cocktails, and dance under the stars to a live resident band.
For decades, the Tamarind Restaurant has held the reputation for serving the finest seafood on the East African coast. The Tamarind Dhow experience takes this legendary culinary standard and sets it afloat on the calm, moonlit waters of Mombasa’s Tudor Creek, creating an evening that is equal parts gastronomic delight and romantic adventure.
Your vessel for the evening is the Nawalikher (meaning "That which does good"), an authentic, beautifully restored Arabic dhow originally built for the ancient Indian Ocean spice trade. As you board at the Tamarind jetty, a waiter in traditional Swahili attire welcomes you with a signature 'Dawa' cocktail—a potent, refreshing blend of vodka, lime, honey, and crushed ice. As the mooring ropes are cast off, the resident band strikes up a gentle rhythm, and the dhow glides smoothly into the twilight.
The culinary main event is a lavish, multi-course dinner prepared by chefs on the dhow's open-air charcoal grills. Savor Swahili seafood soup, followed by a spectacular platter of mangrove crabs, giant prawns, and lobster, or prime Kenyan fillet steak. After dessert and Arabic coffee, the tempo of the music picks up, turning the wooden deck into a starlit dance floor as you sail back toward the illuminated Mombasa skyline.
From the moment you step on the wooden deck to the final note of the band, this is an evening of uncompromised elegance.
Built by local craftsmen in Lamu and beautifully retrofitted for dining, this traditional wooden sailing vessel offers an authentic connection to the ancient Swahili mariners who once commanded the Indian Ocean trade routes.
Tamarind is synonymous with coastal gastronomy. The signature seafood platter features locally sourced mangrove crabs, prawns, calamari, and lobster, all grilled to perfection on the deck's open charcoal braziers.
Your evening begins with Kenya's most famous cocktail, the 'Dawa' (Swahili for 'medicine'). A perfectly balanced mix of vodka, crushed ice, lime, and local honey, muddled right at your table with a special stick.
A talented live band provides the soundtrack for the evening. They play soft, acoustic melodies during dinner, before seamlessly transitioning into upbeat, danceable rhythms—from Swahili pop to international classics—as the night progresses.
Sailing up Tudor Creek offers a unique perspective of Mombasa. The waters are exceptionally calm, and the reflections of the city lights and the starlit sky create a serene, romantic atmosphere far removed from the bustling streets.
As the dinner plates are cleared and the Arabic coffee is poured, the wooden deck transforms. Guests are invited to dance under the open African sky as the dhow gently makes its return journey to the jetty.
Ensure your evening is flawless by noting these key details.
The dress code is smart-casual. While the coast is warm, the evening breeze on the water can be slightly cool, so ladies might appreciate a light wrap or shawl. Avoid stiletto heels, as the deck is made of natural wood.
While famous for seafood, the Tamarind chefs prepare excellent prime Kenyan fillet steak, Swahili chicken dishes, and gourmet vegetarian/vegan options. Please specify your preference and any allergies at the time of booking.
If you are prone to seasickness, do not worry. Tudor Creek is a highly sheltered, inland body of water. The dhow glides very smoothly without the ocean swells, making it perfectly comfortable for sensitive guests.
The dhow casts off strictly at 18:30 to catch the sunset light and maintain the dining schedule. Our transfers are timed meticulously to ensure you arrive at the jetty with time for your welcome cocktail.
Celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or birthday? Let us know. The crew is fantastic at organizing small surprises, special table arrangements, or having the band play a dedicated song for your special moment.
For large family gatherings, corporate events, or wedding parties, the entire dhow can be chartered privately for a completely exclusive sailing and dining experience. Contact us for bespoke charter rates.
The dhows used for the Tamarind cruises are authentic vessels crafted by master boat builders in the Lamu archipelago, using methods passed down through generations. By sustaining the demand for these beautiful wooden ships, the Tamarind experience actively helps keep the ancient and highly skilled Swahili maritime heritage alive in the modern era.
Reserve your table on the legendary Tamarind Dhow and let us arrange your seamless evening transfers.
Book This CruiseYou will still have an incredible meal. The Tamarind is also renowned for its high-quality Kenyan beef (the grilled fillet steak is superb) and offers excellent vegetarian and poultry options. Just let us know your preferences when you book so the chefs can prepare your preferred dish.
It is highly unlikely. The cruise takes place entirely within Tudor Creek, which is a sheltered estuary, not the open Indian Ocean. The water is generally as flat as a lake, and the heavy wooden dhow is incredibly stable.
Yes, many guests from Diani join the Tamarind Dhow. However, you must factor in the travel time (approx. 1.5 to 2 hours) and the Likoni Ferry crossing. Your pick-up will be around 16:00, and you will return to your hotel quite late, typically around 23:30 or midnight.
The dhow is equipped with protective canvas awnings that can be rolled down to shield guests from the rain without ruining the atmosphere. In the rare event of extreme weather making sailing unsafe, the dinner is typically moved inside to the world-class Tamarind Restaurant overlooking the water, or you will be offered a rescheduled date.
The prices for wine, beer, and cocktails are in line with what you would expect at any luxury or 5-star resort in Kenya. Your first 'Dawa' cocktail (or a non-alcoholic equivalent) is included in the price of your ticket.
