If your Kenya trip includes the south coast, Kisite-Mpunguti is the marine highlight. It is a protected area of coral reef, small islands and clear water, and one of the best places on the coast to see marine life.
Where it is
The park lies off Kenya’s southern coast in Kwale County, near Shimoni and close to the Tanzanian border. It sits south of Wasini Island and is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service.
What it protects
The combined park and reserve cover about 39 square kilometres. The core feature is a set of four small islands surrounded by coral reef. It received a gold-level Blue Park Award in 2021 for strong marine protection standards.
What you might see
- Fish: angelfish, butterflyfish, groupers, parrotfish, wrasses, snappers, rays, moray eels and pufferfish.
- Turtles: green and hawksbill turtles.
- Dolphins: present year-round.
- Seasonal visitors: humpback whales and whale sharks. Ask us about timing when you enquire.
Planning your visit
Because the islands are offshore, visits are normally arranged as boat trips. Tell us when you enquire and we will build it into your coast stay. Bring reef-safe sun protection, a hat and a rash vest, and keep your hands off the coral.
Combine it with a safari
Many travellers finish a safari on the coast. Read combining a safari with Diani and Mombasa and our best time to visit Kenya.
Before you go
Check our health checklist and make sure your travel insurance covers water activities.
Getting there
Visits normally start from Shimoni, where dhows leave the pier in the morning. The boat crosses the narrow Wasini Channel, which separates the mainland from Wasini Island, and on the way passes Wasini’s main village, a baobab forest and the fishing village of Mkwiro.
What a day trip involves
- Dolphins: bottlenose dolphins can be seen in open water inside the park and reserve.
- Snorkelling: the coral gardens hold colourful reef fish, including parrotfish, groupers, triggerfish and Moorish idols. Snorkel with the crew member who knows the currents, because the current can be strong.
- The sandbar: a white sandbar near the coral islets is covered at high tide, so the state of the tide shapes the day.
- Lunch: trips typically include a seafood lunch on Wasini Island.
Turtles
The park is a migratory and nesting area for turtles, but sightings are never guaranteed. One writer who snorkelled the reef saw none.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park?
Off Kenya’s south coast in Kwale County, near Shimoni and south of Wasini Island.
What can I see there?
Coral reef, many fish species, green and hawksbill turtles and dolphins year-round.
Are there whale sharks?
Humpback whales and whale sharks visit seasonally. Ask us about timing.
Who manages the park?
The Kenya Wildlife Service.
How do you reach Kisite-Mpunguti?
By dhow from Shimoni pier, crossing the Wasini Channel. Trips usually leave in the morning.
Is the current strong?
It can be, so snorkel with your guide.
Want help planning? Talk to our team and tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see.
Facts checked on 5 November 2026 from Wikipedia’s Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park entry (secondary source), which gives inconsistent founding years and zone sizes, so none are stated here, and from a Daily Nation travel feature on a Wasini day trip. Operators and conditions vary.
