1 / 4Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve
Size
39 km²
Entry fee
$117
Ideal stay
2 days
Established
1978
Nearest airport
Mombasa International Airport (MBA), 90 km north; Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 500 km north
About Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve
Best time to visit
Wildlife highlights
Things to do
Getting there
Nearest town: Shimoni, 11 km away — departure point for all park boat tours; Mombasa, 90 km north — largest coastal city with hotels and services; Diani Beach, 70 km north — beach resort area
Safari packages visiting Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve?
Park entrance fees are $117 USD for adults and $30 USD for children [4]. Most full-day snorkeling packages from Shimoni cost $180-250 USD per person and include park fees, boat transport, snorkeling equipment, a trained marine guide, and seafood lunch on Wasini Island. Budget operators charge $150-180 USD, while premium diving packages with PADI instruction run $250-350 USD per person.
What is the best time to visit Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve?
June to October is ideal for snorkeling and diving due to calm seas, clear water visibility, and minimal rainfall. July through September offers the best seabird viewing on Kisite Island when breeding colonies of roseate terns and crab plovers are active. December to February provides warm, dry conditions but slightly reduced underwater visibility. Avoid April and May when heavy rains make boat access difficult and water clarity drops significantly.
What wildlife can you see at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve?
The park is home to over 250 fish species, 70 resident dolphin pods, 56 coral genera, and abundant green and hawksbill sea turtles [1][2]. Seasonal visitors include humpback whales (June-October) and whale sharks (August-October). Kisite Island hosts breeding colonies of roseate terns and crab plovers (July-September). Common reef fish include trigger fish, moray eels, angelfish, butterfly fish, groupers, parrotfish, snappers, and damselfish.
How do you get to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve?
Fly into Mombasa International Airport (MBA), 90 km away, then drive 2-3 hours south to Shimoni Pier where all boat tours depart. Alternatively, fly into Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 500 km away, and drive 8-9 hours to Shimoni. All park access is by boat only—traditional dhows and modern speedboats depart daily from Shimoni Pier, typically at 7:00-8:00 AM.