Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve

Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve is one of Kenya's most important marine conservation destinations and was established in 1968 as Kenya's first Marine Protected Area. Located just south of Malindi town, the protected area combines coral reefs, sheltered lagoons, seagrass beds, mangroves, mudflats and sandy beaches to create a remarkably diverse Indian Ocean ecosystem. 

The approximately 6 km² marine national park contains some of the area's most important coral habitats, including the Coral Gardens and North Reef. The surrounding Malindi Marine National Reserve covers approximately 213 km², extending along the coast and incorporating a broad range of marine and tidal habitats. 

The waters support an impressive variety of marine life, including humpback dolphins, sea turtles, rays, reef sharks and colourful reef fish. Calm lagoons and clear tropical waters make Malindi particularly suited to snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat excursions and other water sports. 

The destination also combines marine adventure with history. The iconic Vasco da Gama Pillar, one of Malindi's best-known landmarks, stands near the park and provides a natural cultural complement to a marine safari.

In 1979, the Malindi and Watamu Marine Protected Areas were designated as a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve, recognising their importance for biodiversity conservation, research and sustainable coastal development. The biosphere reserve has since expanded to include the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest.