Kenya possesses three Marine National Parks, two sited on the north coast at Watamu and Malindi, 112 and 128km (70and 80miles) north of Mombassa. Their combined area is 19sq km.  On the Kenya south coast is the slightly smaller Kist- Mpunguti Marine National Park situated off wasin Island. Shimoni near the Tanzania border and 83 km south of Mombassa.

The best time to visit the Marine National Parks is during the dry seasons, January-March and June-October- if the weather is ‘normal'. During the rains silt is brought down y the Sabaki River north of Malindi which affects visibility over the reefs in the northern Reserves.  In the southern Marine Park the water becomes too rough for snorkeling during the rains.  It should be pointed out that although snorkeling is permitted in the Marines Parks it is an offence to disturb the marine life in any way or to collect seashells. At low water 80 100 species of fish can be seen around every distinct reef or sandbank.

Outside the Marine National Parks is a buffer zone designated as Marine National Reserve.  This extends along the coast from a point just south of Malindi town to a point just south of the entrance to Mida Creek. A 30 metre wide strip above high water mark is included in the Reserve, which extends seawards to three-mile 4.5-km territorial limit. The area covered is 214 km.

MALINDI AND WATAMU MARINE NATIONAL PARKS

It is convenient to treat both these Parks as one unit as they are incorporated in the same Marine National Reserve.  A visit in a glass-bottomed boat over the coral gardens, as they are called, is a highlight of a holiday visit to Kenya.  The best time to make the trip is at low tide when visibility is at its best. To float slowly over the coral beds is an unforgettable experience, with its ever changing panorama of strange branched corals, brilliantly coloured marine fishes, often of bizarre shapes, spiny sea urchins, brightly hued sea slugs, crabs and starfish. If you decide to snorkel you will find this is even more thrilling than watching through a glass-bottomed boat. Whale Island, off the entrance to Mida Creek, is the nesting ground of Roseate and some Bridled Terns from June to September, when they should not be disturbed.  Razor sharp rocks and rough seas help protect them from visitors. Shore birds are common along the beaches, especially Sandpipers, Little Stints, Whibrel and Greenhanks and three species of Plover, Grey, Great Sand and Mongolia Sand. In late April, just before they migrate, birds in full breeding plumage may be observed.

Terns and gulls, which are often common non-breeding visitors, include Swift, Lesser Crested and Saunders' Little Terns and the sooty or Hemrich's Gull.

KISITE MPUNGUTI MARINE NATIONAL PARK

Three Islands lie within the boundaries of this Marine National Park, one of which, Kisite Island is or was the breeding ground of colonies of Roseate and Sooty Terms. Before the Park was established these colonies were raided frequently so that in recent years relatively few birds have appeared during May to September. Its is hoped that with protection the colonies will eventually build up to their original size.

Access to this Marine National Park is in boats, which can be hired from the nearby Pemba Channel Fishing Club. The coral gardens surrounding Kisite Island afford the best snorkeling.