Where to stay in Mombasa Marine Park
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Overview
Mombasa Marine National Park covers about 10 km² off the north coast of Mombasa, between Nyali and Mtwapa. It was gazetted in 1986, together with a surrounding marine reserve of about 200 km².
The park is a no-fishing zone that protects coral reefs, seagrass beds and a shallow lagoon. Fishing is allowed in the reserve, with restrictions.
It’s easy to reach from the beach hotels at Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu. Visitors come for snorkelling, diving and glass-bottom boat trips.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Marine life
Corals, reef fish, sea urchins, starfish and turtles are seen, and dolphins sometimes pass offshore.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: October to March, when the sea is calmest and clearest.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Oct – Mar | Calm season | Clear, calm water. The best snorkelling and diving. |
| Apr – Jun | Long rains | Rain and rougher seas. Visibility drops. |
| Jul – Sep | South-east monsoon | Windy, with choppier water. |
Snorkel at low tide, when the coral gardens are shallowest. Go with a licensed boat operator.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moi International (MBA), Mombasa | Coastal arrivals | About 30 minutes by road. |
By road
Boat trips leave from the beaches and hotels along the north coast. The park office is in Nyali.
Entrance & Fees
Kenya Wildlife Service charges a daily conservation fee per person, paid electronically through eCitizen. Mombasa is one of KWS's marine protected areas.
| Visitor | Adult | Child / student |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | US$25 | US$15 |
| African citizen | US$15 | US$10 |
| Kenyan resident | KSh 675 | KSh 350 |
| East African citizen | KSh 500 | KSh 250 |
Boat hire is extra. Confirm the current rates on the KWS website before you go.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the KWS conservation fees schedule (October 2025).
