Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, located off the south coast near Shimoni, is widely regarded as Kenya’s finest marine protected area. The park encompasses four small coral islands surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with tropical marine life.
The park is renowned for its resident pod of bottlenose and spinner dolphins, with sightings virtually guaranteed year-round. Between November and March, lucky visitors may encounter whale sharks and humpback whales migrating through the channel. The coral reefs here are among the healthiest in East Africa, supporting over 250 species of fish, sea turtles, and spectacular coral formations.
Snorkelling and diving in the park reveal a underwater wonderland of colourful reef fish, moray eels, octopus, and rays gliding over pristine coral gardens. Glass-bottom boat tours are available for non-swimmers, offering clear views of the reef ecosystem below.
Boat trips to Kisite depart from Shimoni — itself a historic town with slave caves that offer a sobering glimpse into the East African slave trade. The Wasini Island community nearby provides local Swahili seafood lunches and mangrove boardwalk tours.