Mombasa Marine National Park – Kenya’s Underwater Paradise

Just off the white-sand beaches of Kenya’s coast lies a world of dazzling color, motion, and life — the Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve. Stretching across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, this underwater sanctuary is one of East Africa’s most accessible and beautiful marine parks.

With coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, crystal-clear lagoons, and warm blue waters perfect for snorkeling and diving, Mombasa Marine National Park is a treasure trove for ocean lovers. Whether you’re floating above vibrant coral gardens or cruising on a glass-bottom boat, every moment here feels like swimming inside a living painting.

Snorkeler in blue gear swims over vibrant coral reef with colorful fish in clear turquoise water, creating a peaceful underwater scene.

Overview of Mombasa Marine National Park

Location: Between Mtwapa and Tudor Creeks, off the coast of Mombasa, KenyaSize: 10 km² (Park) and 200 km² (Reserve)Established: 1986Managed by: Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)

The park stretches from Severin Sea Lodge in the north to Likoni Ferry in the south, encompassing the coastline around Nyali, Bamburi, and Shanzu beaches. The protected area ensures that the coral reefs, fish populations, and delicate marine ecosystems thrive undisturbed.

It’s not only a haven for marine life but also for eco-tourism — offering visitors a glimpse of the Indian Ocean’s remarkable biodiversity just a few meters offshore.

A Living Coral Garden

Mombasa Marine National Park is renowned for its coral reefs, often called the “rainforests of the sea.” The park’s reef system is made up of colorful formations including staghorn, brain, and mushroom corals, which form a natural barrier protecting the coast from waves and erosion.

Below the surface, an underwater kaleidoscope unfolds — thousands of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks dart through the corals. The water is shallow, warm (25–29°C), and crystal clear, offering excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving.

Common coral species include:

• Acropora (branching corals)

• Porites (massive corals)

• Fungia (mushroom corals)

These provide shelter for hundreds of marine creatures, creating one of the most vibrant ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean.

Marine Life You’ll See

The park hosts an astonishing array of marine biodiversity. While exploring its clear waters, visitors can expect to see:

• Tropical fish: Parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, and wrasses

• Crustaceans: Lobsters, crabs, and shrimp hiding among the corals

• Echinoderms: Starfish, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins

• Cephalopods: Octopuses and cuttlefish that camouflage into their surroundings

• Marine mammals: Occasional sightings of dolphins along the deeper channels

• Sea turtles: Especially the endangered green and hawksbill turtles

Above the waterline, seabirds such as terns and gulls hover gracefully, diving into the surf in search of fish.

People on a boat with a glass bottom observe coral reefs in clear turquoise water under a sunny blue sky.

Things to Do in Mombasa Marine National Park

1. Snorkeling

The park is one of Kenya’s best snorkeling destinations. The shallow lagoons, averaging 2–6 meters deep, are perfect for beginners and families. Equipment can be rented at nearby hotels or KWS offices, and local guides are available for safe, informative tours.

2. Scuba Diving

For certified divers, the reefs open up a new world of exploration. Dive operators around Nyali and Bamburi offer trips to deeper coral walls and drop-offs, where schools of barracuda and snapper patrol. Visibility often exceeds 20 meters, ideal for underwater photography.

3. Glass-Bottom Boat Tours

If you’d rather stay dry, a glass-bottom boat tour offers a fantastic alternative. These boats allow you to view coral gardens and marine life without getting wet — a great option for families and older visitors.

4. Windsurfing, Jet Skiing, and Sailing

Beyond the protected zones, the surrounding waters are excellent for water sports. Local clubs at Nyali and Bamburi beaches rent equipment for thrill-seekers who want to experience the ocean from a different angle.

5. Beach Relaxation and Picnics

The park’s beaches are among the cleanest and most scenic on the Kenyan coast. Visitors can enjoy picnics, beach walks, or simply relax under palm trees while watching fishing boats sail by.

Best Time to Visit

Mombasa Marine National Park can be visited year-round, but the best time for underwater visibility and calm seas is during the dry seasons:

• December to March

• July to October

The months of April to June bring heavier rains and reduced visibility due to runoff from rivers and coastal currents.

Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, between 25°C and 29°C, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling in any season.

How to Get There

• By Air: Fly from Nairobi to Moi International Airport (Mombasa) — about 1 hour.

• By Road: Mombasa is accessible via the Nairobi–Mombasa highway (A109) or the SGR train from Nairobi to Mombasa Terminus.

• To the Park: From Mombasa town, it’s a short drive (10–15 minutes) to Nyali, Bamburi, or Shanzu beaches. Boats to the marine park can be hired from these beaches or nearby resorts.

Where to Stay

Several beach resorts and hotels line the park’s coastline, offering direct access to the marine park and recreational facilities.

• Voyager Beach Resort – Nyali: Family-friendly with easy access to snorkeling tours.

• Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort – Bamburi: A luxury resort perfect for divers and couples.

• Severin Sea Lodge – Bamburi: Eco-lodge style with marine conservation activities.

• Travellers Beach Hotel & Club: Ideal for families and group travelers.

Most hotels partner with licensed dive centers and marine guides for guest excursions.

Conservation and Sustainability

Managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Mombasa Marine National Park plays a vital role in protecting Kenya’s fragile coral ecosystems.

KWS works with local fishermen, hoteliers, and conservationists to:

• Regulate fishing and prevent coral damage

• Conduct marine research and reef monitoring

• Promote eco-tourism and awareness campaigns

Visitors are encouraged to support conservation by avoiding touching corals, using reef-safe sunscreen, and not littering the beaches.

Photography and Underwater Tips

For photographers, early morning offers the best light and least disturbance in the water. Bring:

• A waterproof camera or GoPro

• Polarized lenses for surface shots

• A red filter for color correction underwater

Snorkeling near Bamburi Reef and Mtwapa Channel provides the most vivid marine scenes and coral diversity.

Why Visit Mombasa Marine National Park

Visiting Mombasa Marine National Park is like stepping into a tropical aquarium — alive, colorful, and endlessly fascinating.Whether you’re a seasoned diver or simply a beach lover, the experience brings a deep appreciation for Kenya’s coastal beauty.

It’s not just about the coral reefs or the fish — it’s about the connection between people and the ocean, between conservation and adventure, between the shore and the deep.

Mombasa Marine National Park reminds you that nature’s greatest wonders are not only on land but also beneath the waves.