DESTINATION GUIDE // KENYA COAST
Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve
Reef, seagrass and glass bottom boats a few minutes from the hotels of the north coast.
10 km2
PARK AREA
200 km2
WIDER RESERVE
1986
ESTABLISHED
Minutes
FROM HOTELS
Oct-Mar
BEST MONTHS
Quick answer: Mombasa Marine National Park protects around 10 square kilometres of reef and lagoon off the Mombasa north coast, inside a wider 200 square kilometre reserve. Established in 1986, it is the most accessible marine park in Kenya, reachable in minutes from the Nyali and Bamburi hotels.
OVERVIEW AND LOCATION
Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve At A Glance
This is the marine park for people who want the reef without a long journey. Glass bottom boats leave from the beach hotels and reach the coral within fifteen minutes. It is busier and less pristine than Watamu, but the convenience is unmatched and it works well as a half day activity on a beach stay or at the end of a Tsavo safari.
| Detail | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Location | Mombasa County, north coast |
| Access | Direct from Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu beaches |
| Size | Around 10 km2 park within a 200 km2 reserve |
| Established | 1986 |
| Known for | Glass bottom boats, snorkelling, easy access |
| Typical visit | Half day |
WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES
What You Will See and Do
Glass Bottom Boats
The standard way to visit. Boats leave directly from the beach and reach the reef within about fifteen minutes.
Snorkelling and Diving
Shallow coral with angelfish, parrotfish, moray eel and octopus. Dive operators along the beach run guided trips.
Seagrass and Turtles
Seagrass beds inside the lagoon attract green turtles, most often seen on calmer mornings at higher tide.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
When To Go
| Months | What to expect | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Oct to Mar | Calm and clear, best snorkelling conditions | High |
| Jan to Feb | Warmest water and best visibility | High |
| Apr to Jun | Long rains, poor visibility, rough water | Low |
| Jul to Sep | Windy, cooler, still workable on calm days | Medium |
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