Top Marine Adventures in Mombasa: Snorkeling, Dolphins & Dhow Cruises

Best Ocean Activities • Marine Park Tours • Family-Friendly Experiences

Mombasa’s coastline is a tropical playground of turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, playful dolphins, and magical sunset dhow cruises. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, underwater exploration, or an unforgettable marine encounter, Mombasa offers some of the best marine adventures in East Africa.

This guide breaks down the top marine experiences, what to expect, what to bring, and why booking with Annest Kenya Safaris gives you the smoothest, safest, and most memorable excursion.

Snorkeling at Mombasa Marine National Park

Snorkeling in Mombasa is one of the top activities for visitors who love underwater life. The crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs make it perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.

Highlights

• Crystal-blue waters with up to 10m visibility
• Colorful coral gardens
• Tropical fish, starfish & sea turtles
• Safe, shallow areas ideal for beginners & families

What’s Included

• Snorkeling gear
• Marine park fee
• Life jackets
• Boat transfer
• Guide

Best Time

Early morning when the sea is calm and visibility is highest.

Dolphin Watching at Wasini & Kisite Marine Park

Mombasa’s dolphin tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially in the Wasini Island region near the famous Kisite Marine Park. This area hosts both resident and migratory dolphin pods.

What You’ll See

• Bottlenose dolphins
• Spinner dolphins
• Sometimes humpback whales (seasonal)

Why This Tour Is Special

• High dolphin-sighting success rate
• Optional snorkeling in dolphin zones
• Traditional Swahili lunch on Wasini Island
• Coral gardens & shallow lagoons

Best Time

June to December has the highest chances of dolphin sightings.

Sunset Dhow Cruises (Mombasa & Diani)

A sunset dhow cruise is one of Mombasa’s most magical marine experiences. Sail aboard a traditional Arab dhow as you enjoy golden sunsets, Swahili hospitality, and soothing ocean breezes.

What Makes It Amazing

• Stunning Indian Ocean sunset views
• Live music on selected dhows
• Fresh seafood or Swahili buffet options
• Perfect for couples, families & groups

Best For:

Romantic evenings, birthdays, honeymoons, families, or anyone who loves magical sunsets.

Glass-Bottom Boat Tours (Family-Friendly Adventure)

A great option for families and non-swimmers, the glass-bottom boat tour lets you explore marine life without getting wet.

You’ll Experience:

• Fish feeding
• Coral reef viewing
• Relaxing cruise around the lagoon
• Optional snorkeling time

Safe, easy, and fun for children.

Sea Turtle Viewing & Conservation Visits

Several conservation projects along the Kenyan coast protect sea turtles, especially in areas near Diani and the South Coast.

Experience Includes:

• Learning about turtle conservation
• Watching turtles being released (seasonal)
• Snorkeling in turtle zones

Deep Sea Fishing – Mombasa, Watamu & Shimoni

Mombasa offers world-class deep-sea fishing, with opportunities to catch:

• Marlin
• Sailfish
• Tuna
• Dorado
• Kingfish

Perfect for anglers and ocean lovers.

Full-Day Marine Safaris from Mombasa

Combine multiple ocean experiences into one big day out:

Most Popular Combo Tours:

• Snorkeling + Dolphin Watching
• Glass-bottom Boat + Marine Park
• Wasini Island Marine Day Tour
• Sunset Cruise + Seafood Dinner

These tours are ideal for families, couples, and first-time visitors.

What to Pack for Marine Adventures

• Swimwear
• Water shoes or flip-flops
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Dry bag
• Light snacks
• Drinking water

Why Choose Annest Kenya Safaris for Marine Adventures?

• Licensed & experienced guides
• Modern, well-maintained boats
• Safety-first operations
• Transparent pricing
• Family-friendly packages
• Customizable private tours
• Trusted by thousands of travelers

FAQs – Marine Adventures in Mombasa