Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve is one of the most stunning marine parks with coral reefs, despite only being 10 km2 in size and 200 km2 in total. The park is distinguished by coral reefs, sandy beaches, palm trees, turquoise water, and many other things. In order to preserve the coral reefs, which are an important component of the ecosystem formation along the Kenyan coast, Mombasa Marine Park was created in 1986. It is one of the Kenyan most popular marine park.
Location of Mombasa Marine Park
Offshore of Mombasa town, in the Coast Province, is where the marine park is situated. It contains a portion of the Bamburi Nyali fringing reef’s back reef, lagoon, and reef crest ecosystems. Among the maritime protected areas, both the park and the reserve are often used. One of Kenya’s most popular marine parks is this one. The coral reefs in these waters are clearly visible. There are a huge variety of tourist activities and attractions along the park’s shoreline.
Ecosystem/ Marine Life in Mombasa Marine Park
The Indian Ocean is where Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve are located. The park contains the majority of the marine life that can be found in the Indian Ocean. A wide diversity of marine life, including jellyfish, sea stars, crabs, turtles, lionfish, parrotfish, urchins, and many coral species, including Acropora, Turbinaria, and Porites, may be found in the park. Larger marine life is also present, including, but not limited to, sharks, loggerhead turtles, hawksbill, seagrass, starfish, crabs, stonefish, octopus, jellyfish, sea cucumber, angelfish, dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, green sea turtles, leatherback turtles, hawksbill, humpback dolphins, damselfish, zebrafish, spinner dolphins, and green sea turtles.
The Best Time to visit Mombasa Marine Park
The activities and interests of each visitor determine the optimal time to visit the marine national park. The best time to see humpback whales is from June to December, when they are migrating. The months of August through October are ideal for avid fishers. For snorkelers and scuba divers, the greatest time to see marine life is from October to March.
What to Do in Mombasa Marine Park
In addition to fishing, boat trips with a packed lunch to be consumed during the ride, bird viewing, water skiing, and windsurfing are among the many activities available to tourists. Snorkeling in the beautiful, clear seas is another option.
Marine Life Viewing
Sea grasses, starfish, crabs, turtles, stone fish, sea urchins, sea cucumber, octopus, shark, dolphin, angelfish, butterfly fish, bottlenose dolphin, green sea turtle, parrot fish, hawksbill, humpback dolphin, leather black turtle, zebra fish, damselfish, spinner dolphin, and loggerhead fish are just a few of the marine life species that can be seen and enjoyed in the national park.
Snorkeling
Tourists enjoy snorkeling because it allows them to see the underwater treasures in the crystal-clear water.
Diving
Here, scuba diving is a year-round sport, largely due to the interior lagoon’s protected, peaceful surroundings. There’s no need for wet suits because the water temperature ranges from 25 to 31 degrees Celsius (77 to 87.8 degrees Fahrenheit).Because of the shallow depths, there is an amazing underwater world with magnificent marine life hues. All levels of divers are welcome, and night dives can also be scheduled.
Fishing
Tourists can enjoy fishing and different introductions to the ocean’s inhabitants, in addition to physically experiencing the treasures of the sea.
Boat Rides
The opportunity for travelers to enjoy boat rides with a packed lunch is a must-try event. Numerous aquatic birds can be seen.
Watching birds
Numerous water birds in the park can amuse guests while they are on a safari tours to this most popular marine park in kenya. The crab plover is one example of a water bird that can be seen here.
Sunbathing
At the marine park, tourists can enjoy the warm sun and the fresh ocean breeze while sunbathing on the sandy beaches that line the Indian Ocean’s shores.
Water skiing and windsurfing
In the calm waters of the Indian Ocean, the park provides water skiing and wind surfing. The waves and wind that are present in the sea help with these processes.
How to get to Mombasa Marine Park
The Mombasa Marine Park is located in the city of Mombasa, which is approximately 487 kilometers from Nairobi city. The park can be accessed by road from Mombasa’s downtown area, and is then connected by boat from various points along the beach, including: Serena Gate on the beach of Serena Hotel, Severin Gate on the beach of Severin Hotel, Travellers Gate on the beach of Travellers Hotel, Nyali Gate at Mombasa Marine Park Headquarters, and Voyager Gate.
Packing list for Mombasa Marine Park/ What to take with you
- Footwear, e.g. sandals or flip flops (to protect your feet from the reef).
- T-shirts (to protect your body from sunburn)
- Snorkel, mask, and fins are all available for rent.
- Camera, hat, sunscreen, insect repellant.
- Guide books
- Plenty of drinking water
Park entry fees for Mombasa Marine National Park
Kenyan citizens must pay Kenya shillings 100 for adults and Kenya shillings 100 for children. Adults in East Africa pay KSH 100, and children pay the same amount. Adult non-residents must pay USD 15 at the entrance, while non-resident children must pay USD 10. It is advised to first confirm the current park entrance costs with your tour operator as these rates are subject to change at any time.
