Mombasa Marine National Park

Mombasa Marine National Park is a protected marine area located just off the coast of Mombasa, Kenya, along the Nyali beachfront. Established in 1986, the park covers about 10 square kilometers of ocean and includes fringing reefs, sea grass beds, and sandy islets. Visitors typically access the park by boat from Nyali Beach or through the park's entrance on the mainland. The clear, warm waters are home to over 150 species of hard and soft corals, as well as a vibrant array of marine life including parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins. Snorkeling and diving are the main activities, with several marked sites suitable for beginners and experienced divers. Glass-bottom boat tours offer a dry option for non-swimmers to view the reefs. The park also features a small beach area for relaxation. What makes this park distinctive is its proximity to Mombasa city, it's one of the easiest marine parks to reach from a major urban center in East Africa. The park is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service, and there are strict conservation rules to protect the fragile ecosystem. Visitors should be prepared for strong sun and should bring reef-safe sunscreen.

Don't miss

• Snorkeling at the 'Coral Gardens' site, teeming with colorful fish and coral formations
• Glass-bottom boat tours offering views of the reef without getting wet
• Spotting green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles in the seagrass beds
• Diving at the 'Mvuleni' drop-off, a wall dive with overhangs and crevices
• Relaxing on the sandy beach at the park's picnic site

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Mombasa Marine National Park

Cheapest way inSafari Tour; Nairobi National Park4.7★ · 870 travelers~5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$37 per personSee dates →Most bookedWalking Tour Through Old Town Mombasa and Fort Jesus4.9★ · 453 travelers2–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$50 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleFull day tour in Mombasa4.9★ · 52 travelers9–11 hoursFree cancellationFrom$127 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Arrive early (before 9 AM) to avoid afternoon winds that can make the sea choppy.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the corals; regular sunscreen can harm marine life.
• Do not touch or step on the coral; it is fragile and protected.
• Bring your own drinking water and snacks, as facilities are limited.

A bit of history

Mombasa Marine National Park was gazetted as a protected area in 1986, one of Kenya's first marine parks. It was established to conserve the coral reefs and marine biodiversity threatened by overfishing and coastal development. The park is part of the larger Mombasa Marine Reserve, which includes adjacent conservation zones.