Diani Chale National Reserve
Marine Park / Reserve
North Coast Marine Protected Area
Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve
Africa’s Oldest Marine Park, Magical Islands, Zebra Fish
Kenya’s pioneering marine protected area, with coral gardens, lagoons, seagrass, mangroves, reef fish, turtles and dolphins just south of Malindi.
Overview
About Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve
Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve protects a varied near-shore ecosystem of fringing reefs, lagoon coral gardens, seagrass, mangroves and mudflats. Warm clear water makes it well suited to snorkeling, diving and boat excursions, while dolphins, turtles, rays, reef sharks and colourful fish add strong wildlife appeal.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Coral gardens
Warm lagoon waters
Dolphins and sea turtles
Seagrass and mangrove habitats
Reef walks
Snorkeling and diving
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Swimming
- Boat excursions
- Reef viewing
- Water sports
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Humpback dolphins
- Sea turtles
- Rays
- Reef sharks
- Reef fish
Stay nearby
Accommodation
KWS homes & cottages
- Malindi Small Cottage
- Malindi Big Cottage
Public campsites
- Malindi Campsite
Private lodges & camps
- Billionaire Resort & Retreat
- Diamonds Malindi
- Lion in the Sun Malindi
- Sandies Hotel & Resort
- Met 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
Established in 1968 as Kenya’s first marine protected area and designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1979.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
About 5 km from Malindi town via Casuarina Road.
By air
Malindi Airport provides direct air access.
By rail
SGR to Mombasa followed by a coastal road transfer.
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
Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve FAQs
What is Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve best known for?
Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve is especially known for Coral gardens, Warm lagoon waters, Dolphins and sea turtles, Seagrass and mangrove habitats. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve?
Road: About 5 km from Malindi town via Casuarina Road. Air: Malindi Airport provides direct air access. Rail: SGR to Mombasa followed by a coastal road transfer. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve?
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 Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve?
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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