This is a list of marine national parks in Kenya. A marine park consists of an area of sea or lake set aside to preserve a specific habitat and to ensure that the ecosystem is sustained for the organisms that exist there.
Marine parks protect important areas of the ocean and coastline including reefs, rocky shores, mangroves, all marine plants and animals, offshore waters, inshore waters, estuaries and beaches. Sometimes marine parks may also be used for recreational purposes. Marine parks in Kenya have been established at Coastal Kenya, which is well known as a major tourist destination hub in Africa.
Here is a list of all marine national parks in Kenya in no particular order.
1. Watamu Marine National Park
Watamu Marine Park is part of a complex of marine and tidal habitats along Kenya’s north coast with rich and diverse fish, bird life, turtles and dugongs. It covers an approximate area of 10 square kilometres. Visitors can engage in a wide array of activities that include water skiing, snorkelling, windsurfing and glass-bottomed boat tours. For further inquiries, you can contact, +254 729 548 373.
2. Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve.
It lies between the Mtwapa and Tudor Creeks. It prides itself in swaying coconut palms on white sandy beaches and a warm azure ocean with blue waters ideal for water skiing, windsurfing, snorkelling and diving. It’s home to turtles, crabs, starfish, stonefish, cucumbers sea urchins, corals and crab plovers. The park covers an approximate area of 210 square kilometres. For any inquiries, you can contact, +254 20 231 7371.
3. Kiunga Marine National Park and Reserve
It is a pristine ecosystem that incorporates a chain of about 50 calcareous offshore islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago. It covers an approximate area of 270 square kilometres. It spectacularly provides ideal opportunities for windsurfing, sunbathing, snorkelling, diving and water skiing. For any inquiries, you can contact, +254 721 686 034.
4.Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve
It is endowed with magnificent coral gardens in the lagoons, fringing reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, mudflats, marine mammals, turtles and shorebirds. Visitors can enjoy glass-bottom boat rides, snorkelling, camping and beach walks. It covers an approximate area of 213 square kilometres. For any inquiries, you can send an email to, malindimarine@jambo.co.ke/ malindimarine@kws.go.ke.
5.Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve
Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park was established to protect scenic islands and special habitats of endemic marine animals and migratory birds. It is one of the most renowned snorkelling locations on the Coast. It comprises about 250 recorded fish species, 70 resident dolphins, over 140 catalogued individuals, whales, turtles, seagrass, gastropods and 56 genera of corals. It covers an approximate area of 39 square kilometres. For any inquiries, you can contact, +254 723 929 766/ 020-354 9520.
