List of Marine National Parks in Kenya and Their Locations

Kenya is best known for its savannah wildlife. However, its coastline hides an equally stunning treasure, the thriving marine ecosystems protected as national parks and reserves. These Marine national parks in Kenya safeguard coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and hundreds of fish species, while also offering visitors world-class snorkeling, diving, and boat excursions.

From the bustling waters near Mombasa to the remote coral islands of the far north, Kenya’s marine national parks offer visitors unparalleled opportunities to explore underwater worlds teeming with life. Each park presents unique characteristics, from ancient coral gardens to mangrove forests that serve as critical nurseries for marine species. If you are planning a coastal getaway, here’s a detailed list of Kenya’s key marine parks and where to find them.

Marine National Parks and Reserves

Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve

Located in Mombasa County just south of Mombasa city, this marine protected area is surrounded by Nyali Beach, Bamburi beach, Shanzu beach, and Kenyatta public beaches. The coral life in this marine park is rich with different species such as; Acropora, Turbinaria and Porites. Other marine life include; crabs, sea urchins, jelly fish, snappers, groupers, surgeonfish and sweetlips. Sea grasses and marine algae life is also present. The birdlife consists of a variety of seabirds in large nesting colonies and internationally significant numbers of crab plovers and roseate tern. Visitors can enjoy glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling in shallow coral gardens, and diving excursions to explore the diverse reef systems.

Practical Details:

• Coordinates: Approximately 4°03’S, 39°43’E
• Size: 10 km² (park), 200 km² (reserve)
• Best time to visit: October to March (calm seas)
• Access: Mombasa city center, Moi International Airport (15km)
• Activities: Snorkeling, diving, glass-bottom boat tours, wind surfing, jet skiing, swimming
• Fees: For citizens and residents; Ksh 130 per adult and Ksh 125 per child. Non-residents fee is $17 per adult, and $13 per child.  Mode of payment is through E-citizen portal.

The park is managed collaboratively with local communities who operate boat services, ensuring sustainable tourism practices while protecting critical coastal habitats from urban development pressures.

Watamu Marine National Park

Situated in Kilifi County, Watamu Marine National Park lies about 90 miles (140 km) north of Mombasa and 28km south of Malindi. This UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve features spectacular coral gardens just 300 meters from shore, supporting approximately 600 fish species and 110 coral species. The park is renowned for its pristine reefs, seasonal whale shark and manta ray visits, and excellent visibility for underwater photography.

Practical Details:

• Coordinates: Approximately 3°22’S, 40°01’E
• Size: 10 km² (park), 213 km² (reserve)
• Best time to visit: October to April (dry season)
• Access: Nearest town Watamu, Malindi Airport (28 km) is closest airstrip, road access via Gede junction
• Activities: Diving, snorkeling, whale shark encounters, turtle watching
• Fees: For citizens and residents; Ksh 130 per adult and Ksh 125 per child. Non-residents fee is $17 per adult, and $13 per child

The park serves as a critical nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles, with strict protection measures in place during nesting seasons.

Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve

Located in Kilifi County at Malindi town, this park lies about 118 km north of Mombasa and is claimed to be the oldest marine park in Africa. The park extends south from Malindi town from the famous Vasco-Da-Gama Pillar to Watamu, featuring fringing reefs, coral gardens, seagrass beds, mangroves, and mudflats. Visitors can explore diverse habitats ranging from shallow lagoons perfect for beginners to deeper reef walls for experienced divers.

Practical Details:

• Coordinates: Approximately 3°13’S, 40°07’E
• Size: 6 km² (park), 213 km² (reserve combined with Watamu)
• Best time to visit: November to April (clear waters, calm seas)
• Access: Malindi Airport is 5km  from Malindi town center. By road, the park is situated about 5km from Malindi town via Casuarina Road. By rail, take the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train from Syokimau (Nairobi Terminus) to Miritini (Mombasa Terminus) then connect via road.
• Activities: Snorkeling, diving, cultural tours, dhow excursions, bird watching,  wind surfing, water skiing, camping.
• Fees: For citizens and residents; Ksh 130 per adult and Ksh 125 per child. Non-residents fee is $17 per adult, and $13 per child. Payment is to KWS through the E-citizen portal.

Historical significance adds cultural value, with the nearby Vasco da Gama Pillar and Swahili ruins complementing marine conservation efforts.

Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park

Located in Kwale County, a distance of 574km from Nairobi and 90km from Mombasa, the park lies 11km off the Kenyan Coast (at Shimoni) and 8km north of the Tanzanian border. Dubbed “the home of dolphins,” Kisite is famous for dolphin watching, snorkeling, and diving over coral reefs. The park includes four small islands surrounded by coral gardens, with frequent sightings of humpback whales during migration (July–September).

Practical Details:

• Coordinates: Approximately 4°43’S, 39°22’E
• Size: 39 km² total protected area
• Best time to visit: October to March (calmer seas)
• Access: Shimoni village (11km boat ride), Ukunda Airstrip (50km)
• Activities: Dolphin watching, snorkeling, diving, island visits, bird watching, camping
• Fees: The park charges are Ksh 215 per adult, Ksh 125 per child (citizens and residents), and $17 per adult, $13 per child for non residents.

The park faces challenges from regional fishing pressures but benefits from community-based conservation programs involving local fishermen.

Kiunga Marine National Reserve

Located in Lamu County near the Somalia border, this pristine ecosystem incorporates a chain of about 50 calcareous offshore islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago, providing refuge for sea turtles and dugongs. The reserve encompasses extensive mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs that support unique marine biodiversity including the rare dugong population. Remote location ensures minimal human impact while offering adventurous travelers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Practical Details:

• Coordinates: Approximately 1° 55′ 19.2″ S, 41° 21′ 14.4″ E
• Size: 270 km² (largest marine reserve)
• Best time to visit: June to September, December to March
• Access: By boat from Lamu town (about 150 km away); Lamu Airport is the nearest airstrip
• Activities: Turtle nesting tours, dugong watching, traditional sailing, bird watching, diving, snorkelling, water surfing, water skiing
• Fees: Citizens and Residents; Ksh 130 per adult, and ksh 125 per child. Non Residents; $17 per adult, and $13 per child

This reserve represents Kenya’s most important dugong habitat, with ongoing research programs monitoring these endangered marine mammals.

Tana Delta National Reserve

Situated in Tana River County where the Tana River meets the Indian Ocean, this reserve protects critical estuarine ecosystems including mangrove forests, mudflats, and shallow lagoons. While primarily terrestrial, the marine component supports important fish nurseries, migratory bird species, and traditional fishing communities. The area serves as a vital stopover for Palearctic migrants and supports significant populations of waterbirds.

Practical Details:

• Coordinates: Approximately 2°20’S, 40°20’E
• Size: 171 km² (includes terrestrial areas)
• Best time to visit: September to March (bird migration)
• Access: From Garsen town (nearest hub); road access can be challenging
• Activities: Bird watching, cultural visits, mangrove walks, fishing
• Fees: Standard reserve entry fees apply

The reserve faces significant pressure from upstream water diversions and agricultural expansion, making conservation efforts increasingly critical.

Practical visitor information

When planning a visit to Kenya’s marine parks, keep these tips in mind;

• Park fees: Fees differ for residents, non-residents, children, and students. Always check the official Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) website, or park offices for updated rates.
• Booking tours: Snorkeling and diving trips are best arranged through licensed local operators or hotels. Guided tours often include safety gear and a boat ride. Delfin Tour’s packages usually include the excursions to various Marine parks in Kenya
• Gear: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, water shoes, and if possible, your own snorkeling mask
• Safety: Pay attention to guides regarding ocean currents, avoid touching marine life, and respect warning flags at beaches.
• Responsible tourism: Do not touch corals, avoid littering, and respect local fishing communities.
• Permits: Special permits are required for research, drone flying, or professional filming. Contact KWS in advance.

Why these marine national parks matter

Kenya’s marine national parks protect some of the richest coastal ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean. These protected areas safeguard approximately 650 square kilometers of critical Indian Ocean ecosystems that support both marine biodiversity and human livelihoods. They also protect breeding grounds for endangered sea turtles, feeding areas for dugongs, and spawning sites for commercial fish species that sustain coastal fisheries worth millions annually.

Beyond biodiversity conservation, these marine parks provide essential ecosystem services including coastal protection from storms and tsunamis, carbon sequestration in mangrove forests, and tourism revenue supporting thousands of jobs. Climate change poses increasing threats through coral bleaching events and sea level rise, while pollution and overfishing continue challenging conservation efforts.

Conservation initiatives, such as turtle protection projects in Watamu and community-based ecotourism in Kiunga, show that collaboration between local people and conservation agencies can make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many marine national parks are there in Kenya

Kenya has six major marine protected areas: Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve, Watamu Marine National Park, Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve, Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park, Kiunga Marine National Reserve, and Tana Delta National Reserve (which includes marine components).

How much is the entrance fee for marine national park Diani

Diani Beach area falls under Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park jurisdiction. Current entry fees are Ksh 215 per adult, Ksh 125 per child, which apply to Citizens and residents. For non-residents, the fee is $17 per adult,and $13 per child. Check KWS website for current rates as fees vary by season and group size.

Which is the largest marine national park

Kiunga Marine National Reserve is Kenya’s largest marine protected area, covering 270 square kilometers and incorporating about 50 coral islands in the Lamu Archipelago. The reserve protects the most extensive and pristine marine ecosystems along Kenya’s coast.

Which is the biggest national park in Kenya

Tsavo National Park ( comprises of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National park) is the largest national park in Kenya, covering about 22,000 square kilometers. However, among marine protected areas, Kiunga Marine National Reserve holds the distinction as the largest coastal conservation area.

How much does it cost to go to Mombasa marine park

For citizens, entry fees is KES 130 per adult and KES 125 per child, while non-residents pay $17 per adult and $13 per child. Additional costs include boat services (KES 1,500-3,000), snorkeling equipment rental, and guide services. Total costs typically range from KES 2,500-6,000 for residents and $40-100 for non-residents per person.