Diani Chale National Reserve
Marine Park / Reserve
South Coast Marine Protected Area
Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Home of the Dolphins and Coconut Crabs
A celebrated Shimoni–Wasini marine ecosystem with coral islands, clear water, dolphins, turtles, reef fish and important seabird habitat.
Overview
About Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Kisite–Mpunguti is one of Kenya’s strongest snorkeling and dolphin-watching destinations. KWS describes a protected seascape of coral rag islands, fringing reefs and clear Indian Ocean water supporting diverse reef fish, turtles, dolphins, seabirds and coral ecosystems close to Wasini and Shimoni.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Coral gardens
Dolphin encounters
Kijamba cha Kasa turtle habitat
Kisite Important Bird Area
Scenic islands and beaches
Clear snorkeling and diving water
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Swimming
- Dolphin-watching
- Boat safaris
- Birdwatching
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Dolphins
- Green and hawksbill turtles
- Reef fish
- Seabirds
- Coral communities
Stay nearby
Accommodation
KWS homes & cottages
- Shimoni Cottages
Private lodges & camps
- PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa
- Serena Beach Resort & Spa
- Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa
- Voyager Beach Resort
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
KWS states the marine protected area was established in 1973 and gazetted in 1978. Kisite Marine National Park is about 28 km² and Mpunguti Marine National Reserve about 11 km².
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
Travel to Shimoni in Kwale County, about 90 km from Mombasa; the protected area lies offshore.
By air
Use Moi International Airport or Ukunda Airstrip, then continue by road and boat.
By rail
SGR to Mombasa followed by road transfer to Shimoni.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, suitable beachwear and a basic first-aid kit.
Use reef-safe practices and do not remove coral, shells or marine life.
Confirm local sea and weather conditions before snorkeling, diving or boat excursions.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 15 | USD 10 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 25 | USD 15 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park FAQs
What is Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park best known for?
Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park is especially known for Coral gardens, Dolphin encounters, Kijamba cha Kasa turtle habitat, Kisite Important Bird Area. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park?
Road: Travel to Shimoni in Kwale County, about 90 km from Mombasa; the protected area lies offshore. Air: Use Moi International Airport or Ukunda Airstrip, then continue by road and boat. Rail: SGR to Mombasa followed by road transfer to Shimoni. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 500 and non-resident adults from USD 25 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
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