Off the coast into the deep Indian Ocean, Mombasa Marine National Park exhibits the aquatic life of the ocean. Kenya is well known for being the best safari destination in the world because it hosts as of the best savannah national parks that have interested several tourists and attracted many from far and wide. Well, other than the savannah beauty, Kenya also boasts of having a marine national park that showcases what lies underneath our waters. Mombasa Marine National Park is located on the coast of Mombasa and is the most popular marine park in the country. It was established in 1986 stretching for about 10 square kilometers and 200 square kilometers in total. It was established to protect the coral reefs which are an important ecological site. The pristine white sand beaches, palm trees, tranquil blue waters, and beautiful and colorful coral reefs make this Mombasa Marine National Park an asset to the country, and visitors from far and wide flock to the coast to witness it.
Marine life at the Mombasa Marine National Park
This incredible marine park is situated off the coast of Mombasa town with several attractions and activities to entertain the visitors. The Mombasa Marine National Park is also a reserve that protects underwater creatures and contains the Bamburi Nyali fringing reef, lagoon, and reef crest ecological systems. The park boasts of harboring all the aquatic species of the Indian Ocean. Some of the creatures spotted in the Mombasa Marine National Park include crabs, sea urchins, jellyfish, snappers, groupers, surgeonfish,lionfish, turtles, parrotfish, urchins, sharks, loggerhead turtles, stonefish, octopus, sea cucumber, hawksbill, damselfish, zebrafish, starfish, humpback dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, green sea turtles, angelfish, and sweetlips to mention but a few.
What are the activities done at Mombasa Marine National Park?
Mombasa Marine National Park offers several activities that visitors can engage in and these activities include both underwater and offshore activities. Below are some of the following activities.
Diving
Diving is an interesting underwater activity that exposes the visitor or diver to the aquatic life of the park. This is a great way to explore the ocean bed swim alongside incredible creatures and view the colorful coral reefs as they decorate the ocean. Diving in the Mombasa Marine National Park is done in two sessions one in the day and the other in the night and both sessions offer breathtaking sceneries and views. Visitors can carry their diving gear or hire on the ground. Diving professional guides are provided to help the inexperienced dives.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a bit similar to diving however the difference is in the gear used. Diving requires scuba diving training and heavy diving gear that includes a swimsuit, swimming goggles, and an oxygen tank holstered at the back of the diver among others. Snorkeling on the other hand is swimming underwater while breathing through a tube called a snorkel. This is a perfect way to observe and explore the marine park without requiring diving training and equipment.
Windsurfing
The coast of Mombasa is lined and decorated by the pristine white sand beaches. As the coastal winds pick up speed on the ocean waters, they form large waves that surfers that advantage of and ride them. This is a spectacular activity and very entertaining for several visitors as they flock to the coast from far and wide.
Fishing
Mombasa Marine National Park is also a sport fishing hub since there are a lot of various fish species. Anglers jump on boats to the marine park and prepare their fishing gear for fishing. Some of the species to fish in the park include large tunas, sharks, stingrays, and others.
Birding
The coast of Mombasa is a hub of several bird species and these can be spotted on a birding safari experience to the park. There are endemic resident birds and migratory birds spotted here. Some of these birds include crab plovers and roseate terns to mention but a few.
In conclusion, visiting Mombasa Marine National Park is a spectacular way to journey and explore the incredible aquatic sanctuary of beautiful marine species that color the ocean floor. You will indulge in the different activities at the Mombasa Marine National Park including diving underwater with breathtaking marine creatures like octopus, sea cucumber, and hawksbill to mention but a few. You will also enjoy the beach activities like sunbathing, windsurfing, etc.