Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve is the first marine protected area in Kenya which was created in 1968. under the Man & Biosphere Programme, UNESCO declared it as a Biosphere Reserve in 1979. The park extends to Watamu and is situated south of Malindi town, next to the well-known Vasco-Da-Gama Pillar. The Malindi Marine National Park is thought to be the continent of Africa’s first marine park.
The Park is abundant in natural resources, including mudflats, mangroves, seagrass beds, lagoons with coral gardens, bordering reefs, and a wide variety of fish and marine mammals. These include shorebirds, sea turtles, and humpback dolphins. Numerous bird species, including reef fish, sweetlips, surgeon fish, butterfly fish, damsels, and parrotfish, can be found in this marine park. Marine worms, sponges, and crustaceans such crabs, lobsters, crayfish, and shrimp are examples of invertebrates. Artisanal fishing provides a source of income for local fishermen.
The Vasco da Gama pillar and the mangrove forest are two other historical and ecological landmarks. Another major appeal for tourists to the coastal town of Malindi is its vibrant nightlife. On the leeward side of the north reef, which has a low coral cover, enormous schools of Barracuda, occasionally reef sharks, and large Rays that graze on the bottom are frequent. You will be in awe of the underwater magnificence whether you snorkel or scuba dive, and you might run into other frequent visitors like sea turtles grazing on the thalassic beds and dolphins feeding on shimmering schools of sardines.
Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve activities
Visitors can enjoy and take part in recreational activities like glass bottom boat rides and tours, bird watching, camping, scenic viewing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunbathing, beach walking, reef walks, picnicking, island barbeques, weddings, and filming in and around the garden in addition to swimming in the warm, clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Water sports that are available to participants include sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. The magnificent Indian Ocean shoreline of Kenya is the perfect place to unwind.
Conferencing Facilities: a center for resources with a conference room for 50 persons and audio-visual equipment. Additionally, there is a place of learning where guests can examine free informational posters.
View tropical fish in their natural environment by visiting the coral garden. A visit to the renowned Sardinia Magical Island is a must for lunch, where you can enjoy a barbecue and fresh fish.
