Located in coastal Kenya, Mombasa marine national park is the most popular marine protected area due to its easy accessibility. It’s a favorite among snorkelers and scuba divers, boasting an abundance of marine life, stunning blue waters, and spectacular coral reefs. The park was established as a national park and reserve, covering a total area of approximately 10 square kilometers (3.9 square miles) and 200 square kilometers (77 square miles), respectively. It’s one of the newer marine parks in Kenya, playing a vital role in preserving the fragile coral reef along the Kenyan coast. The coral reef stretches an impressive 230 kilometers (143 miles) along the shoreline, with Mombasa marine national park being an essential part of this conservation effort.
The coral reef ecosystem is a vital component of the ocean’s delicate balance, providing a safe haven and sustenance for approximately one million species of marine life. The coral itself is a natural wonder, displaying an astonishing array of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Some of the remarkable coral species found in the Indian ocean include brain coral, pavona coral, open-branched stag’s horn coral, acropora coral, favia coral.
What to see and do at Mombasa Marine National Park
Located on Kenya’s stunning coastline, Mombasa marine park is a world-renowned destination that attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. As one of the most popular marine protected areas, the park comprises a national park and a national reserve, spanning 4 square miles and 80 square miles, respectively.
The park’s unique position between Mtwara and Tudor creeks makes it an ideal spot for adventure seekers such as surfers, snorkelers, and scuba divers, marine life researchers and nature lovers. Mombasa marine park is home to an incredible array of marine species, including sea turtles, colorful fish, crabs, starfish, jellyfish, octopuses, sea cucumbers and migratory bird species, such as crab plovers.
Park highlights include its clear blue waters which perfect snorkeling, diving or simply enjoying the view and vibrant coral reefs.
Vibrant coral reefs
The park boasts an impressive 230-kilometer stretch of coral reefs along the Kenyan coast, providing sustenance and shelter to over a million marine species. These underwater wonders come in a kaleidoscope of shapes, sizes, and colors, featuring species like acropora coral, open-branched stag’s horn coral
Don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking beauty of these coral reefs.
Diverse marine life
Mombasa marine national park is teeming with an array of marine life, including crabs, sea urchins, starfish, jellyfish, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, stingrays. Visit during breeding season for a chance to witness baby turtles hatching on the beach.
Snorkeling adventures
Snorkeling within the reef is an unforgettable experience, allowing you to marvel at sea turtles, corals, and other marine wonders up close. The park’s clear waters ensure a crystal-clear view, making it a must-do activity. Snorkeling gear is available for hire around the park.
Diving expeditions
As one of the world’s premier diving sites, Mombasa marine national park attracts diving enthusiasts globally. Explore the ocean’s depths outside the reef, discovering an array of fish species, from sharks and whales to parrotfish and surgeonfish. Professional divers are on hand to assist newcomers
Sunbathing: bask in the warm sunshine on the park’s picturesque beaches.
Boat cruises: embark on an exciting boat tour, spotting marine species like corals, fish, sea turtles, and octopuses while enjoying a packed lunch.
Birdwatching: cruise along the coast and spot notable bird species, including sea gulls and pelicans.
Best time to visit Mombasa marine national park
Mombasa marine national park is open year-round, but the ideal time to visit depends on your interests;
Best time for snorkeling and diving
October to march are the ideal months to enjoy optimal conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving, with clear waters and favorable weather.
Best time for whale watching
June to December are the months to witness the incredible migration of humpback whales, a truly unforgettable experience. Plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time at Mombasa marine national park.
Getting to Mombasa marine national park, Kenya
The park is conveniently located within Mombasa, approximately 487 kilometers from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. Visitors can access the park via:
By road
Depart from Nairobi and embark on a scenic road journey towards the coast. The route takes you through picturesque landscapes, offering glimpse of Kenya’s diverse terrain.
Follow the a109 highway, which connects Nairobi to Mombasa. This well-traveled roads spans approximately 480km and winds its way through lush greenery, rolling hills, and rural communities. As you approach Mombasa, continue on the a109 until you reach the city’s outskirts. From there, follow signs to the northern shores, where Mombasa marine national park awaits. You can access the park through its gates such as
Serena gate; located on the beach of serena hotel
Severin gate; found on the beach of Severin hotel
Travelers gate; found on the beach of traveler’s hotel
Nyall gate; the park’s main gate positioned at the headquarters.
Voyager gate; accessible from voyager beach resort.
By air
For a quicker journey, consider flying from Nairobi to Mombasa. Jomo Kenyatta international airport (NBO) in Nairobi offers both domestic and charted flights to Moi international airport o(MBA) in Mombasa. Different airlines such as Jambo jet, Kenya airlines operate regular flights between these two cities. The flight duration is only 1 hour.
Upon landing at Moi international airport, arrange transportation to the northern shores of Mombasa, where the park gates await.
Accommodation options
Mombasa marine national park offers a range of accommodations to suit various budgets:
Luxury accommodations such as sarova white sands beach hotel and spa, cowrie shell beach apartments, Swahili beach resort, baobab beach resort and spa
Mid-range accommodations include; southern palms beach resort, voyager beach resort, hotel English point marina & spa, Azul margarita beach resort
Budget-friendly accommodations include; Tulia house backpackers, cingaki hotel, akogo house, Mali guest house.
