List of Marine National Parks in Kenya And Their Locations

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is a state organ under the Ministry of Tourism mandated to manage wildlife on behalf of the Kenyan public.

The KWS also manages 5 marine parks, a number of national reserves, orphanages, and sanctuaries.

A marine park is a protected area in the ocean where authorities have limited human activity for the sake of marine life.

The following are the marine national parks found in Kenya;

1. Kiunga Marine National Reserve

1. 1. The Kiunga Marine National Reserve is located on Kenya’s North Coast along the Indian Ocean.
   2. Found in the Lamu Archipelago, the Kiunga Marine Park consists of 50 offshore islands, as well as numerous coral reefs.
   3. Some of the biggest attractions at the Kiunga Marine National Reserve include;
      1. 1. The extensive mangrove forests harbor sea turtles and dugongs.
         2. Windsurfing and diving
         3. You can view the thriving sea life under the coral reefs
         4. Sunbathing and Skiing
         5. Sand dunes
         6. Kiwayu Island
   4. Kiunga is located 150 kilometers East of Lamu.
   5. You can board a boat or dhow from Lamu to get to Kiwayu Island.

2. Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve

1. 1. Watamu Marine Park is found on Kenya’s North Coast, about 120 kilometers from Mombasa.
   2. Located at Watamu in Kilifi county, the marine park is rich in sea life.
   3. Some of the attractions at the Watamu Marine National Park include
      1. 1. Green Turtles
         2. Gedi Ruins nearby
         3. Fish
         4. Green turtles
         5. Snorkeling and windsurfing
         6. Water skiing
         7. Glass-bottomed boat tours
   4. You can also jet in by air at the Malindi airport before taking a short drive to the Watamu Marine Park.

3. Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve

1. 1. The Mombasa Marine Park is one part of the extensive Mombasa tourism portfolio.
   2. Tucked between Mtwapa and Tudor Creeks, the park boasts of the abundance of sea life inside.
   3. Some of the attractions at the Mombasa Marine Park include;
      1. 1. Crabs
         2. Starfish
         3. Stonefish
         4. Seagrass
         5. Cucumber sea urchins
         6. migratory birds
         7. Turtles
         8. Windsurfing and diving
         9. Snorkeling and water skiing
   4. The park is accessible by road from Mombasa city center.

Also read: List of All National Parks in Kenya And Their Locations

4. Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve

1. 1. Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park in Kenya is famed as the “Home of Dolphins.”
   2. The park was created to simply protect priceless habitats and scenic ocean views.
   3. It is home to several migratory birds and marine animals such as dolphins.
   4. Kisite Mpunguti is also the best snorkeling location in Kenya.
   5. Other attractions include bird watching and diving.
   6. The 39-square-kilometer park and reserve are located 11 kilometers off the Kenyan Coast at Shimoni in Kwale County.
   7. It is 90 kilometers from Mombasa Kenya.

5. Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve

1. 1. Christened “The Coral Garden” Malindi Marine Park is the country’s biggest reservoir of zebrafish.
   2. The greatest attractions at the Malindi Marine and National Reserve include;
      1. 1. Coral Gardens in the lagoon
         2. Seagrass beds
         3. Snorkeling and camping
         4. Various species of shorebirds
         5. Mangroove vegetation
         6. Fish
         7. Turtles and other marine mammals.
   3. The marine park can be accessed via the Mombasa-Malindi highway, about 110 kilometers north of Mombasa.
   4. You can jet in directly at the Malindi Airpot near Malindi town.