“Home of the Dolphins”

Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park

Essentially unspoiled and entirely different in terms of culture and landscape from the mainland, this peaceful island invites exploration. It features a picturesquely sculptured rocky coastline, low rag coral forest cover, numerous baobab trees and two small villages. Once below the waves, but now merely washed by the incoming tide, the surreal grey-white coral gardens in Wasini Village are run by the friendly ‘Wasini Women’s Boardwalk’. They offer guided walks, cold drinks and a handicraft shop. The two and a half acres of petrified coral gardens and mangrove swamps have a meandering boardwalk through the circuit.

Attraction

Beautiful and sun kissed, Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park was established to protect the scenic islands and special habitats of a wide range of endemic marine animals and breeding migratory birds. It lies in the coral gardens south of Wasini Island and encompasses three small coral rag forest islands, each with considerable areas of fringing reef

Kisite is one of the most rewarding snorkeling locations in the coast and additionally, visitors can enjoy bird watching, diving, boat safaris, coral viewing, sunbathing and swimming with the dolphins. Marine life comprises about 250 recorded fish species, dolphins, sea turtles, and whales, a genera of corals, sea grass and gastropods.Visitors can spot seabirds in large nesting colonies and internationally significant numbers of roseate terns and crab-lover.

The Kenyan barrier reef and the most outstanding feature of the Kenyan coast, is the pristine and well-developed coral barrier reef that extends all the way from Shimoni in the South to Malindi in the North, without significant break, except at the mouths of the rivers. The coral reefs referred to as the rainforests of the sea, are one of the most fascinating ecosystems on earth, sheltering nearly one million types of marine life.

The marine park is famous for its population of turtles: Green and Hawksbill turtles normally spotted in their hang out, Kijamba cha Kasa. An enchanted realm of living coral gardens, sculptedislands, wheeling seabirds and sparklingly clear waters, this world famous Marine Park promises an underwater world of unbelievable color and vibrancy. The reef provides food and shelter for an entire marine community. A shifting rainbow of small fish, octopus and clams hide in the gaps between the rainbow corals.

Kisite Island is an Important Bird Area (IBA). IBAs are globally important habitats for conservation of bird populations. It is a flat, treeless rocky outcrop with many patches of grass and surrounded by a magical sandy beach that’s exposed during low tide. This makes it an ideal seabird habitat supporting the pelagic-feeders and breeding colonies of roseate and sooty terns commonly arriving to breed in July and leave with their fledglings from September every year.

Snorkeling and diving expedition to Kisite-Mpunguti National Marine Park. Join us on our snorkeling and diving expedition to Kisite-Mpunguti National Marine Park. Once aboard of one of our dhows, you'll be greeted by our professional guides, who are dedicated to ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout the day.

WHEN TO GO?

The Park is open all year round. Snorkeling is good throughout the year but the sea gets rough between April and July during South East monsoon winds and its advisable to visit the park as from 08:00.

Day trip on a traditional dhow

Join us on our snorkeling and diving expedition to Kisite-Mpunguti National Marine Park. Once aboard of one of our dhows, you'll be greeted by our professional guides, who are dedicated to ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout the day.

While you spot for dolphins in the marine park, indulge complimentary soft drinks, tea, coffee, and snacks, ensuring you stay refreshed and energized for your aquatic adventures. You will be equipped with full snorkeling gear and for those eager to explore the depths, diving can be arranged at an additional cost.

ACTIVITY OPTIONS

• Snorkeling
• Sunbathing
• Recreational activities that are environmentally friendly
• Licensed filming
• Bird watching
• Dolphin Watch
• Diving

CODE OF CONDUCT;

Like all wild animals, dolphins, whales and whale sharks are unpredictable. They may spend many minutes in surface waters or may be seen for a few seconds then suddenly disappear. We are careful not to disturb them as we are, after all, in their territory and must treat them with utmost respect. We approach them slowly keeping our distance, gaining their TRUST and appreciating the chance to view these wonderful creatures. The captain’s considerate boat driving is also important.

As members of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and International Dolphin Watch we ensure that we follow their CODE OF CONDUCT when encountering these wonderful creatures of the wild which reads as follows:

INTERACTION WITH MARINE MAMMALS:

• Do not chase or harass. Allow them to take the initiative. If they swim away do not continue to pursue them.
• Do not crowd around them. If more than two boats move away.
• Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Maintain boat in neutral gear.
• Take special care when young ones are present.
• When feeding or mating keep your distance and observe quietly.
• Move away if you notice any signs of distress.

Pick up and transfers from either north coast or south coast shall depend on each hotel location and to be confirmed at the trip booking.

North Coast pick up times are;
From 05:00 to 06:00

South Coast pick up times are;
From 06:45 to 07:25

Arrive in Shimoni jet
0830 hours to 0900 hours

Prepare for the cruise start, use of wash room, a boarding the boat, welcome by our crew and take off at 09:00

Cruise to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserve. Soft drinks are provided on the way, with a good chance of spotting dolphins as you cruise along

11:00 to 12:15
Snorkelling in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserve

12:15 to 13:15
Sailing to Wasini Island as you take soft drinks

13:15 to 14:30
Lunch is served at an ocean facing restaurant

LUNCH:

• Crab
• Fish
• Selected drinks
• Sea weed
• Rice with coconuts sauce
• Vegetarian or chicken options
• Special food available if ordered in advance could be arranged

13:15 to 14:30
Relaxing in the restaurant enjoying the ocean view and breeze
Visit Shimoni Slave Caves Community project (optional at an extra fee)

WHAT TO BRING

• Water friendly Shoes
• Hat
• Swimming Costume
• Towel
• Good Sun Protection
• Money for souvenirs and cave visit