The reef
For snorkelling.
Hugh Lunnon — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Hugh Lunnon — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Hugh Lunnon — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Luigi Guarino — CC BY 2.0 · Luigi Guarino — CC BY 2.0
Kisite-Mpunguti is a marine park on Kenya's south coast near the Tanzanian border. Clear turquoise water surrounds four small islands ringed by coral reef, bright fish swim among the coral, and dolphins leap near the boats. The Kenyan government established it in 1978, and it is Kenya's first «Blue Park». Kisite park covers 11 km² and Mpunguti reserve 28 km². Its waters hold triggerfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish and groupers, green and hawksbill turtles and dolphins, with humpback whales and whale sharks in season. It won a gold Blue Park Award in 2021. You take a boat from Shimoni, snorkel over the reef among the fish, may see dolphins on the way, and rest on one of the islands. The park is about 8 km in a straight line southwest of Shimoni. Trips run on licensed boats, so follow the guides, do not touch the coral and do not chase the dolphins.
For snorkelling.
Near the boats.
Sand and clear water.
South of Wasini Island, near Shimoni, Kwale County
By licensed boat from Shimoni.
Often, but do not chase them.