Malindi Marine National Park

Gazetted in 1968, Malindi was the first marine national park in Africa and it protects a stretch of coral gardens, seagrass beds and sand flats south of the town, together with the larger reserve that surrounds it. Glass-bottom boats and snorkelling trips run out to the coral gardens at low tide, where the reef comes close enough to the surface to walk between heads in places; fish life includes angelfish, butterflyfish, groupers and the usual reef community, and turtles are regular. The park has a difficult neighbour in the Sabaki river just north, which discharges large volumes of silt after rains and periodically smothers the corals, so visibility and reef condition vary considerably through the year and between years. The Malindi and Watamu parks together form a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

What you actually see

• The coral gardens - shallow reef reachable at low tide.
• Glass-bottom boats - the standard way visitors see the reef.
• Turtles and reef fish - regular sightings over the coral.
• Seagrass beds - the flats between the reef and the shore.

When to go

October to March for clear water; the monsoon months bring rough seas and the Sabaki silt plume is worst after heavy rain. Low tide is when the coral gardens are best snorkelled. Mornings are calmest.

Honest expectations

Silt from the Sabaki can reduce visibility to almost nothing at times, which is the main disappointment here. Coral condition has declined over decades from bleaching and sedimentation. Boat operators vary in quality and touting on the beach is persistent. Check whether park fees are included before agreeing a price.

Nearby

Malindi town is north; Watamu marine park and Mida Creek lie south.