Mombasa Marine Park
Off the coast of Mombasa
Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve is one of Kenya’s most accessible and vibrant marine sanctuaries, offering visitors a glimpse into a spectacular underwater world teeming with life. Established in 1986 and covering an area of 10 km² for the park and 200 km² for the reserve, it protects coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. The park is famous for its crystal-clear waters, colorful coral gardens, and incredible snorkeling and diving experiences, all just minutes away from the mainland.
Why Visit Mombasa Marine National Park
World-Class Snorkeling and Diving: The park’s coral reefs are home to hundreds of marine species, including angelfish, butterflyfish, stingrays, octopus, and seahorses.
Glass-Bottom Boat Rides: Perfect for families and non-swimmers to view coral formations and marine life without getting wet.
Pristine Beaches: Nyali, Bamburi, and Shanzu beaches border the park, offering soft sands, turquoise waters, and relaxing seaside charm.
Water Sports: Enjoy windsurfing, kayaking, and jet skiing in the calm lagoon areas.
Marine Conservation Learning: The park provides insights into coral reef protection and sustainable tourism practices.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mombasa Marine Park is during the dry seasons (December to March and July to October) when the ocean is calm and visibility for diving and snorkeling is excellent. The water temperature ranges from 25°C to 29°C year-round, making it ideal for water activities.
How to Get There
Mombasa Marine Park is located just 10–15 minutes from Mombasa City and easily accessible via taxi or tuk-tuk from nearby beaches.
By Air: Fly into Moi International Airport (MBA), which is approximately 20 km away.
By Road: The park is reachable via the Mombasa-Malindi highway.
By Boat: Tour operators and hotels along the coast offer glass-bottom boats and snorkeling trips directly to the marine park.
Popular Attractions and Activities
Coral Gardens: Explore vibrant coral formations like brain, staghorn, and mushroom corals.
Turtle and Dolphin Sightings: Occasionally, visitors may spot green sea turtles or dolphins in the open waters.
Haller Park: A short drive away, this nature park offers a chance to see giraffes, hippos, and reptiles.
Mombasa Old Town and Fort Jesus: Combine your marine adventure with cultural exploration in the historic city of Mombasa.
Accommodation Options
There’s a wide range of accommodation options near Mombasa Marine Park:
Luxury Resorts: Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, Voyager Beach Resort, Serena Beach Resort & Spa.
Mid-Range Hotels: Bamburi Beach Hotel, Travellers Beach Hotel & Club, Neptune Beach Resort.
Budget Options: Coconut Village Resort, Indiana Beach Apartments, and numerous beach cottages and hostels.
Travel Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem.
Carry snorkel gear if you prefer using your own, though rentals are widely available.
Morning excursions offer the best visibility and calmer seas.
Always follow park rules and avoid touching corals or marine life.
