Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
Off the fishing village of Shimoni, close to the Tanzanian border, four small coral islands and their reefs form Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. Established in 1978 together with the adjoining Mpunguti Marine Reserve, it is the best place on the coast to explore the underwater side of Kenya tourist attractions.
The protected area combines a fully protected marine park, where fishing is banned, with a reserve where local communities may continue traditional fishing. This balance has helped coral, fish and turtles recover while supporting the livelihoods of people in Shimoni and on Wasini Island. Kisite Island itself is a small coral outcrop and an important nesting site for seabirds, including terns.
Why visit Kisite-Mpunguti?
More than 250 species of fish, green and hawksbill turtles and resident pods of bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins live in the clear, shallow water. Between August and October humpback whales pass along the coast on their migration.
The reefs are shallow enough for snorkellers of all abilities, with parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels and octopus easily seen among the corals. Scuba divers can explore deeper walls and coral heads with operators based in Shimoni and Diani, and on lucky days whale sharks pass through the area.
Getting there and around
Boats leave from Shimoni, about 1.5 hours' drive south of Diani Beach and 2.5 hours from Mombasa. The usual way to visit is a full-day dhow trip with snorkelling at Kisite Island and a seafood lunch on Wasini Island – exactly the format of the 1-day Wasini Island trip with seafood lunch.
The crossing from Shimoni to the snorkelling sites takes around an hour by traditional dhow, often with dolphin sightings along the way. Smaller motorboats offer quicker private trips for those who prefer more flexibility.
Highlights not to miss
- Dolphin watching: Pods often ride the bow wave on the crossing, sometimes alongside the boat for several minutes.
- Snorkelling: Coral gardens teeming with reef fish in water only a few metres deep.
- Turtles: Grazing in the seagrass beds and resting on the reef.
- Whale season: Humpbacks from August to October, breaching and tail-slapping offshore.
- Shimoni Caves: Coral caves near the jetty, linked in local memory to the 19th-century slave trade.
Practical tips
Reef-safe sun cream, a rash vest and a hat are essential; masks and fins are normally supplied on the dhow. Park fees are collected by the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Do not touch or stand on the coral, and keep a respectful distance from turtles and dolphins. Those prone to seasickness should take precautions before the crossing.
Best time to visit
October to March brings the calmest seas and the best visibility; the south-east monsoon from June to September can make crossings choppy.
The heaviest rains fall in April and May, when visibility drops and some trips may be cancelled. Water temperatures stay warm all year, typically above 25 °C.
Accommodation and food
Shimoni and Wasini have small guesthouses, while most visitors stay at the resorts of Diani Beach. Swahili-style crab and grilled fish are the local treats.
Staying overnight in Shimoni lets you catch the boats early, before the day-trippers arrive from Diani, and enjoy a quieter evening by the water.
How does it compare to other Kenya tourist attractions?
A day here is the natural partner to a safari in Tsavo East, just inland from the coast – the 1-day Tsavo East safari runs from the beach hotels – or a reward after the Maasai Mara.
Compared with Kenya's northern marine parks around Malindi and Watamu, Kisite-Mpunguti is known for more reliable dolphin encounters and clearer water.
In summary
Dolphins on the way out, turtles beneath the boat and coral at arm's length make this Kenya's finest marine day out.
