Mombasa Marine National Park
Mombasa Marine National Park is a marine park located along the Kenyan coast in Mombasa and it is a popular Kenya Tourist destination for offering Aquatic safaris. The park was established in 1986 to protect the coral reefs since they are part of the ecosystem formation at the Kenyan coastline and covers an area of about 210sqkm. This park is divided into sectors; the marine sector which covers 10sqkm and the reserve that covers the rest of the area; 200sqkm.
The Park lies between Mtwapa and Tudor creeks which are flooded with thousands of tourists who come to enjoy and witness the beauty of the park. The park is made up of the ever blue waters, white sandy beaches, Azure Ocean, amazing coral reefs and also coconut palms.
Surrounded by several magnificent beaches such as Bamburi Beach, Nyali Beach, Shanzu Beach and Kenyatta Public Beach which you can visit as an additional destination to your safari. The park is also one of the busiest Kenya offshore reserves protecting mangroves, sea grass beds, sandy beaches and coral reefs. Mombasa Marine National Park’s coastline is incredibly facilitated with innumerable water activities like diving and snorkeling.
Interestingly, these Coral reefs play a significant role in the Ocean’s Ecosystem by offering food and safety to over one million species of marine life. Characterized by warm tropical conditions varying at the surface between 25 °C and 31 °C during the year, stable salinity regimes and moderate nutrient levels.
Activities in Mombasa Marine National Park
Mombasa Marine National Park offers several captivating activities such as;
Sun Bathing
On the white sandy beaches along the shoes of the Indian Ocean, tourists can enjoy the warm sun and the cool breeze from the ocean.
Water skiing and windsurfing
Also the best place for water sports. It offers wind surfing and water skiing on the calm waters of the Indian Ocean, these activities are done with the help of the waves and wind prevailing on the sea.
Boat Riding
Boat rides in Mombasa Marine National Park offer the most magnificent views of the blue waters of the ocean at its calm, you will also get a chance to take the most amazing and memorable pictures.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling in Mombasa Marine National Park involves sailing in the waters of the Indian Ocean in a glass-bottomed boat to see aquatic life in the waters of the ocean. You will get a chance to see the sea cucumbers, urchins, sea horses, multicolored angel fish, lion fish among others.
Diving
Scuba diving here is an all year round activity simply because of the calm protected conditions of the inside lagoon. Water temperatures here are at an amazing 25 to 31°C/77 to 87.8°F so there’s no need for wet suits! The fact that it is within shallow waters, it allows for spectacular underwater life with breathtaking colors of the marine life.
Marine life viewing
Marine life viewing is one of the main highlight of Mombasa Marine National Park and reserve.
When to Visit
Mombasa Marine National Park is open year round but the best time to enjoy a Safari in the park is from October to March. Which is best for snorkeling and scuba diving, whereas June to December is best for watching the migration of Humpback wells.
How to Get to There
Mombasa Marine National Park reached by both Road and Water transport means;
By Road
Accessed from Nairobi and it is about 487km and also from Mombasa City which is about 10km.
By Air
Reached from Wilson Airstrip through Moi International Airport and then drive for about 1 ½ hours to the park.
Mombasa Marine Entry Gates
Its accessed through a number of gates and they include;
Serena Gate
Severin Gate
Travellers Gate
Voyager Gate
Nyali Gate
Accommodations in Mombasa Marine National Park
The Accommodations range from Luxury and Mid-Range to Budget and they include;
Luxury Accommodations
Serena Beach Resort & Spa
Severin Sea Lodge
Sarova White Sands Beach Hotel and Spa
Cowrie Shell Beach Apartments
Swahili Beach Resort
Baobab Beach Resort and Spa
Mid-Range Accommodations
Southern Palms Beach Resort
Travellers Hotel Mtwapa
Voyager Beach Resort
Hotel English Point Marina & Spa
Azul Margarita Beach Resort