Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve Entry Fees

This post looks at Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve Entry Fees. Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve was Kenya’s first Marine Protected Area, established in 1968. In 1979, UNESCO designated it as a Biosphere Reserve under the Man & Biosphere Programme. The park is located south of Malindi town, near the famous Vasco-Da-Gama Pillar, and extends to Watamu. Malindi Marine National Park is believed to be the oldest marine park in Africa.

The Park is rich in natural resources, including fringing reefs, coral gardens in lagoons, seagrass beds, mangroves, mudflats, and a diverse array of fish and marine mammals. Humpback dolphins, sea turtles, and shorebirds are examples of these. This marine park is home to a variety of bird species, including reef fish, sweetlips, surgeon fish, butterfly fish, damsels, and parrotfish. Sponges, marine worms, and crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters, crayfish, and shrimp are examples of invertebrates. Artisanal fishing provides a source of income for local fishermen.

Other natural and historical attractions include the mangrove forest and the Vasco da Gama pillar. The Malindi nightlife is also a big draw for visitors to the Coastal town. Large schools of Barracuda and the occasional reef shark are common on the leeward side of the north reef, which has a low coral cover, as are large Rays that feed on the bottom. Whether snorkelling or scuba diving, you will be amazed by the underwater beauty and may come across other regular visitors, such as sea turtles feeding on the thalassic beds and dolphins feeding on shimmering schools of sardines.

Malindi Marine National Park Attractions and Activities

Swimming in the crystal-clear warm waters of the Indian Ocean, visitors can also enjoy and participate in recreation activities such as glass bottom boat rides and tours, bird-watching, camping, scenic viewing, snorkelling, scuba diving, sunbathing, beach walking, reef walks, picnicking, island barbeques, weddings, and filming in and around the garden. Visitors can participate in water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, kayaking, and jet skiing. This stunning stretch of Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline is ideal for relaxation.

Conferencing Facilities: A resource centre with a conference hall that seats 50 people and is equipped with audio-visual equipment. There is also an educational facility where visitors can view informative posters for free.

Visit the coral garden to see tropical fish in their natural habitat. A trip to the famous Sardinia Magical Island, where you can have a barbeque and fresh seafood for lunch, is a must.

Malindi Marine National Park Entrance Fees

High Season (July–February)

Low Season (March–June)

Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve Contacts

Phone: (020)2335684

Email: malindimarine@kws.go.ke