Watamu Marine Park & Reserve – Haven Of The Green Turtle
****Suggestion for image: A serene view of the Watamu Marine Park with green turtles swimming.****
About Watamu Marine Park
Watamu Marine Park and Reserve is located in Watamu, a resort destination north of Mombasa that is ideal for marine ecology. Green turtles, unique coral gardens, and the Gede Ruins – the Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve has it all. The park is part of a complex of marine and tidal habitats along Kenya’s north coast with rich and diverse marine species and bird life.
Attractions and Surprises
The park is well known for dolphin watching, green turtles, snorkeling, water sports, and picnics on the magical islands. Rich and diverse bird life, you can do bird watching in the Mida Creek, kayaking, dhow sun-downers, and sailing. The park also has the unique attraction of whale shark and killer whale migrations that are rarely spotted along the marine protected area.
New Experiences
These include: Community eco-restaurants offering rich local food, ruins of Kirepwe Island, Giriama culture, traditional canoe tours, barbecue dinners in the Mida-Creek, slave caves of Mida/Kadaina Island, Watha tribe of Mida Creek and their traditional way of life.
Kiunga Marine National Reserve - An Enchanted Underwater World
****Suggestion for image: Underwater view of the coral reefs and marine life in Kiunga Marine National Reserve.****
About Kiunga Marine National Reserve
A magical marine protected area located in the Lamu Archipelago covering 270 kilometers. This pristine ecosystem incorporates a chain of about 50 calcareous offshore islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago. Visitors can view the teeming sea life in the coral reefs, sea grass, and extensive mangrove forests which are a refuge for sea turtles and dugongs. The reserve provides ideal opportunities for windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, water skiing, and sunbathing.
Attractions
It contains a huge diversity of seascape, mudflats, landscapes, lagoons, sand islands, fringing reef islands, sea grass beds, coral reefs, and the biggest mangroves in Kenya growing over 30 meters in height. The reserve is well known for the rare and endangered Dugong seen grazing peacefully in the sea grass areas. Dolphins and whales are some of the marine mammals found in the reserve.
Less Known Attractions
Due to its diverse marine resources, it is ideal as a research and education hub. It has a Resource Center and Bandas for accommodations.
New Experiences
Hundreds of visitors attending the annual Lamu cultural festival can visit the park as part of their itinerary.
Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park – “Home of the Dolphin and Coconut Crab”
****Suggestion for image: Dolphins swimming near the coral reefs in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park.****
About Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
The Marine Park and reserve is located on the Kenya South Coast. Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve was established in 1973 and gazetted in 1978 mainly to protect the scenic islands and special habitats. This section of the Indian Ocean encompasses four small, arid coral islands, each with considerable areas of fringing reefs. Kisite Island features an exposed sand bar and the surrounding pellucid waters offer an ideal site for snorkeling.
This region harbors highly significant marine biodiversity including 64 genera of coral, 10 species of mangroves, and 12 species of sea grass. The islands of Mpunguti are known to support an important population of coconut crabs, nesting sites for African fish eagles, and its surrounding waters are frequently visited by Bottlenose and Humpback dolphins, as well as Hawksbill and Green turtles that feed on sea grass and algae.
Attractions
Kisite is one of the most rewarding snorkeling locations at the Kenya Coast. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, diving, and of course, sunbathing. The Park has seasonal migration of humpback whales between the Antarctic and the coast of Africa. The Park is well known for its large number of different species of dolphins such as bottlenose and humpback dolphins, as well as hawksbill and green turtles.
Coastal birds include more than 450 species in Kenya, including 71 species of threatened birds. The Kenyan coast provides a number of habitats for migrating and local birds. The Mpunguti Island is a critical habitat for the endangered coconut crab, the world’s largest land crab. Closely related to hermit crabs, it spends two of three weeks of its life as plankton and then transforms into a juvenile.
Amazing Stories
Shimoni Slave Caves - The Shimoni caves are an interesting historical site. The caves were formed millions of years ago under the sea by coral polyps. Traditionally they were used over the centuries by local people as shrines and as hiding places during battles with inland tribes during the infamous slave trade years of the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Wasini Island Community – They speak a dialect called Kivumba. In 1993/4 a women’s group started, first with the realization that they needed to elevate their lifestyle and went to work, initially selling baskets, mats, and trading tea and other household items. The CORAL GARDEN BOARD WALK was constructed. The income banked is re-allocated mostly to school fees for the children. Along the boardwalk is a fossilized coral garden.
Malindi Marine Park – “Africa’s Oldest Marine Park, Magic Islands, Zebra Fish”
****Suggestion for image: A view of the clear waters and marine life in Malindi Marine Park.****
About Malindi Marine Park
Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve was the first marine protected area to be established in Kenya in 1968 and was designated as a Biosphere Reserve under the Man & Biosphere program of UNESCO in 1979. The Park is located south of Malindi Town from the famous Vasco-Da-Gama Pillar.
Attractions
Swimming in the crystal-clear warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Visitors can also enjoy recreational activities such as glass bottom boat rides & tours, bird-watching, scuba-diving, beach-walking, reef-walks, island barbecues, weddings, various water sports, jet-skiing, and the famous Sardinia Magical Island.
Less Known Attractions
A Resource Centre with a conference hall for a capacity of 50 people with audio-visual equipment is available. An education facility with colorful and informative posters on display for visitors’ free access.
New Experiences
Evening diving: This activity offers a unique experience to travelers for macrophotography and filming of marine life. Sleeping turtles, parrot fish, and Spanish dancers are commonly encountered during the dive.
Amazing Stories
On the leeward side of the north reef, which has a low coral cover, large schools of barracuda and the occasional reef shark are commonly encountered, as well as large rays that feed on the bottom.
Other natural and historical attractions include mangrove forests and the Vasco da Gama pillar. The Malindi nightlife is also a great attraction for adventurers to the coastal town.
Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve – “The Allure of Kenya’s Coast”
****Suggestion for image: A view of the vibrant marine life and coral reefs in Mombasa Marine National Park.****
About Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve
Warm azure ocean, swaying coconut palms on white sandy beaches are to be found in the Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve. The park lies between the Mtwapa and Tudor Creeks and its blue waters are ideal for windsurfing, water skiing, snorkeling, and diving. They also provide a home to a colorful variety of marine species including crabs, starfish, stonefish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, corals, turtles, sea grasses, and interesting migratory birds including crab plovers.
Mombasa Marine Park and Reserve was established as a marine park in 1986 and encloses part of the lagoon, back reef, and reef crest habitats of the Bamburi-Nyali fringing reef. The marine park is characterized by warm tropical conditions varying at the surface between 25 degrees centigrade and 31 degrees centigrade during the year, stable salinity regimes, and moderate nutrient levels.
Well Known Attractions
The reef attracts an incredible range of fish, most of which are almost iridescent in color and fantastically marked. Look out for the celestial blue and jade green parrot fish, striped zebra fish, multicolored angel fish, and the soup plate-sized butterfly fish. Clouds of tiny damselfish often hover above the branching coral, and under deep ledges, you may catch a glimpse of the magnificent lionfish with its sharp spikes (a sting from this fish can be very painful and poisonous). Other species include young sharks, rays, turtles, and starfish found within the reef.
Less Known Attractions
As a point of interest, the greatest amount of marine life comes out two hours either side of low tide. That is the best recommended time to go snorkeling over the reef. Reef walk is a major activity and reef weddings can be done at the paradise reef during low tides.
New Experiences
During low tides, the paradise reef can be an ideal place for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, and other events. Visitors to the marine parks can get an opportunity to visit nearby attractions such as Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Mji wa Kale (old town) where you can experience the Swahili culture among others.