Best Marine Parks in Kenya: The Complete 2026/2027 Guide

Snorkeling • Dolphins • Coral Reefs • Marine Safaris — By Annest Kenya Safaris

Kenya’s coastline is home to some of the most vibrant, colorful, and biodiverse marine parks in East Africa. From the coral gardens of Mombasa Marine Park to the dolphin-rich waters of Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, these protected ocean sanctuaries offer unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking relaxation, wildlife encounters, and underwater adventure.

Whether you want to snorkel with tropical fish, watch playful dolphins, cruise on a traditional dhow, or explore untouched coral reefs, this guide covers the best marine parks in Kenya, what to expect, the top activities, and the best tours you can book with Annest Kenya Safaris.

Why Kenya’s Marine Parks Are So Special

Kenya’s marine protected areas span vibrant coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, mangroves, sea grass beds, and pristine islands. These parks protect over:

• 200+ species of colorful fish
• Sea turtles
• Dolphins
• Coral species
• Protected reefs
• Rare birds
• Mangroves and seagrass ecosystems

Perfect for snorkeling, diving, dhow cruises, dolphin watching, and family-friendly marine adventures.

Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve

The Most Popular Marine Park in Kenya

Located between Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, and Mombasa Island, this marine park is the easiest to access and one of the most diverse.

Top Experiences

• Snorkeling in shallow coral gardens
• Glass-bottom boat tours
• Diving with tropical fish
• Sunbathing on white sandy beaches
• Swimming in calm, turquoise waters

Marine Life Highlights

• Butterflyfish
• Angelfish
• Octopus
• Sea turtles
• Colorful starfish
• Sea cucumbers

Best For:

Families, first-time snorkelers, and travelers staying in Mombasa or Nyali.

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park (Wasini Island)

The Dolphin Capital of Kenya

Often described as Kenya’s most beautiful marine reserve, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park is known for its thriving dolphin population and spectacular underwater world.

This is the top location for dolphin watching in Kenya.

What You’ll Experience

• Dolphin-watching boat tours
• Snorkeling in 5–10m visibility
• Coral garden exploration
• Sandbanks during low tide
• Traditional Swahili lunch in Wasini Island
• Optional diving

Marine Life

• Bottlenose and spinner dolphins
• Sea turtles
• Triggerfish
• Giant trevally
• Reef sharks (harmless and rare)

Best For:

Dolphin lovers, adventure seekers, snorkelers, and nature enthusiasts.

Watamu Marine National Park

One of the World’s Top Marine Biodiversity Hotspots

Watamu Marine Park is internationally recognized for its pristine coral reefs and turtle conservation efforts.

Top Experiences

• Snorkeling in world-class coral reefs
• Dhow cruises
• Deep sea fishing
• Turtle viewing at Watamu Turtle Watch
• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Kite surfing

Marine Life

• Rare green sea turtles
• Rays
• Coral gardens
• Parrot fish
• Reef sharks
• Whale sharks (seasonal)

Best For:

Eco-tourists, divers, honeymooners, and water-sport lovers.

Malindi Marine National Park

Coral Reefs, Dolphins & Historical Coastline

Malindi Marine Park offers a mix of beautiful reefs, historical sites, and laid-back ocean experiences.

Activities Include

• Snorkeling
• Glass-bottom boat rides
• Diving excursions
• Sunbathing and beach activities
• Coral reef viewing

Best For:

Relaxation seekers, couples, and families.

Kiunga Marine National Reserve

Remote, Untouched, Wild & Magical

Located near the Somalia border, Kiunga is Kenya’s most remote marine reserve, offering unspoiled archipelagos, nesting turtles, and pristine waters.

Highlights

• Bird watching
• Sea turtle nesting
• Dugong sightings (rare)
• Mangrove forests

Best For:

Adventure travelers and marine researchers.

Diani, Galu & Chale Island Marine Areas

South Coast Paradise

These undeclared but protected marine zones offer some of the most scenic waters for:

• Snorkeling
• Dolphin watching
• Kayaking
• Sunset dhow cruises
• Reef walks

Perfect for travelers staying in Diani Beach, Africa’s leading beach destination.

Best Marine Experiences to Try in Kenya

Here are the top marine activities offered by Annest Kenya Safaris:

✔ Snorkeling Marine Safaris

✔ Dolphin Watching (Wasini, Mombasa, Diani)

✔ Glass-Bottom Boat Tours

✔ Sunset Dhow Cruises

✔ Deep Sea Fishing

✔ Sea Turtle Conservation Tours

✔ Sandbank Picnics

✔ Private Marine Adventures

Each activity includes hotel pick-up, safety briefing, equipment, and professional guides.

Best for Snorkeling:

October–March (calm waters, best visibility)

Best for Dolphins:

June–December

Best for Whale Sharks:

February–March (rare but possible in Watamu)

Best for Dhow Cruises:

All year — sunset is always magical.

Why Book Marine Adventures With Annest Kenya Safaris?

• Trusted, licensed Kenya tour operator
• Experienced marine guides
• Modern & insured boats
• Safety-first operations
• Transparent pricing
• Free hotel pick-up
• Customized private tours
• Thousands of happy travelers

FAQs: Kenya Marine Parks & Marine Adventures