Malindi Marine National Park
National Park Kenyan marine park protecting coral reefs and marine life
Malindi Marine National Park protects coral reefs off Kenya’s coast and attracts snorkelers, scuba divers and sport fishers to its clear waters, coral gardens and seasonal boat trips from Malindi town.
Malindi Marine National Park is a protected marine area off the town of Malindi in Kilifi County on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast, established to conserve coral reef and nearshore marine habitats. The park protects reef systems, sandbanks and seagrass beds close to shore.
Coral gardens, reef topography and relatively shallow waters make the park a popular destination for snorkeling and diving, with boats operating from Malindi. The area supports a diversity of reef fish, invertebrates and other nearshore marine life.
The park was designated in the 20th century as part of Kenya’s efforts to protect important reef and coastal habitats and to regulate tourism and fishing around Malindi.
The park lies immediately offshore from the town of Malindi on Kenya’s north coast, in the Indian Ocean.
- Activities: Snorkeling and diving trips operate from Malindi to reach the reefs and submerged features protected by the park, with most access by boat from the town.
How to Get to Malindi Marine National Park #
Malindi Marine National Park is offshore from Malindi town in Kilifi County. Visitors usually depart from the main Malindi jetty or from Silversands area; most hotels and dive shops in Malindi can arrange licensed boats. Malindi is about 120 km north of Mombasa by road (roughly 2.5-3 hours), and has a small airstrip served by domestic charters.
Tips for Visiting Malindi Marine National Park #
- Book a boat with a licensed operator in Malindi town rather than accepting unsolicited offers on the beach-licensed skippers know reef rules and KWS boundaries.
- Bring reef‑safe sunscreen and a rash vest; the sun is sharp and a few hours snorkeling can be punishing.
- Go early morning for the calmest water and the best visibility; avoid the windy season (usually June-August) when the surface gets choppy.
- Ask the boat crew where the best hard coral patches are; some shallow areas look similar but hide very different marine life.
Best Time to Visit Malindi Marine National Park #
The quarter between January and April is the most consistently calm and clear for snorkelers and divers; avoid the peak trade‑wind months if visibility is a priority.
Weather & Climate near Malindi Marine National Park #
Malindi Marine National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (849 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Almost no rain.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The driest month with just 3 mm.
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March
March is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Light rainfall.
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April
April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (264 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
