An underworld thriving with colors popping life into the cold deep turquoise waters rich of aquatic flora and fauna have breathed more life into the coastal shores of Kenya than the fast food arm’s length restaurants and luxurious white beach hotels. Aqua life is one of natures proudest existence yet endangered by over-fishing and other uncontrollable human and environmental factors. Kenya’s marine parks have outlined the importance of conservation of marine life and established regions to protect and conserve these rare species. Sailing out beyond the coral reefs to experience this magnificence is breathtaking and refreshing
How best to get in touch with the Marine life:
• Scuba diving.
• Glass boats tours.
• Snorkeling and Under water diving.
• Underground Aquatic pool walks.
• Dhow sailing beyond the coral reefs.
See also: Water sports Fun Activities
TOP MARINE NATIONAL PARKS IN KENYA.
WATAMU Marine National Park.
Photo source: Diani sea resort
Casuarina fringed, Mida creek mangrove forest in Watamu has over the years been a tourist magnet for people with the urge to experience the other side of the beach and ocean other than the relaxation at hotels. It is rich in coral formation, varied fish species floating over calm waters coral beds, crabs and prawns shedding under mangrove roots, beautifully colored star fish and numerous reef caves that act as breeding sites for turtles.
Home to a variety of small mainland wildlife species like dik dik, antelopes and reptiles, it is also a major tourist destination for bird watchers with millions of bird species including resident birds and migrating birds that come to nest here in between June to September. More info:Watamu marine
KIUNGA Marine National Reserve (LAMU)
The Lamu archipelago is held by approximately 50 islands and coral reefs offshore the Northern coastline. Varying in age as exposed by old eroded corals and size, these sheer walled reefs covered by extensive mangrove forests and sea grass protrude from the sea bed and beautifully dot the northern coast.
Rich in biodiversity this park greatly boasts of protecting endangered sea turtles, valuable coral reefs, reef fish, lobsters and other various forms of marine life ranging from reptiles, fish to aqua plants.
Diving and snorkeling are a great way to explore the marine life here while skiing and surfing are a major water sport activity to get in touch with the quiet islands. More info:Kiunga marine
KISITE-MPUNGUTI (Shimoni).
Bubbling with life at the south of Wasini Island, in Shimoni near Kenyan Tanzania border this paradise is characterized by four islands surrounded by coral reefs, large coral gardens and a variety of fish. Varied landscape and vegetation ranging from the rich equatorial coastal forest to grass and thickets give this National park the serene beauty it deserves.
Stretching from Tiwi beach south it’s the best place to site Manta rays, to dive and snorkel. The snorkeling with dolphins is everything this marine park has to offer.
More info: Kisite mpunguti
Photo source: kifaru tours(blogwasinidolphins)
MOMBASA Marine National Park.
White sandy beach shoreline lying between Mtwapa and Tudor creek, dominated by coconut palms, mangrove forests, coral reef creeks and hotels busting with tourists and local communities setting sail and nets is characteristic of the coastal beaches. Mangrove swamps and coral reefs providing a home to endangered fish species from overfishing have ensured the spectacular beauty of this marine life is not stripped off. Mombasa marine park is a haven for rich marine life both flora and fauna and coral heads that are trophies. Water sport activities are a must engage here ranging from surfing, skiing and diving. More info: Mombasa marine park
MALINDI Marine National Park.
Unique coral gardens housing Green turtles, a diverse rich marine life, white sandy beaches and an introduction into the famous Gede Ruins forming the complexity of Malindi national park gives this park a fulfilling marine adventure. Glass boats give you the total marine sea life experience into the deep blue waters when the colorful rare fish swim underneath your boat and if you are more adventurous then a dive into the ocean is more rewarding.
More info: Malindi Marine Park
