Kisite marine park, renowned as the “Home of the dolphins,” is a pristine sanctuary nestled along kenya’s coastal region, offering a mesmerizing array of marine wonders. Established to safeguard the scenic islands and unique habitats of endemic marine animals and migratory birds, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and underwater adventurers alike.

The park’s most outstanding feature is the kenyan barrier reef, an unbroken stretch of pristine coral barrier reef extending from shimoni in the south to malindi in the north. This vibrant underwater realm, often described as an enchanted kingdom, teems with a kaleidoscope of marine life, from colorful coral gardens to majestic sea turtles and playful dolphins. Visitors are treated to breathtaking encounters with spinner, humpback, and bottle-nosed dolphins, often spotted in pods gracefully breaking above the waves.

Beneath the surface, the reef shelters a diverse marine community, including a shifting rainbow of small fish, octopus, clams, and a myriad of other marine species. From hunting rays and reef sharks to moray eels and starfish, the marine park offers a captivating glimpse into the intricacies of ocean life.

Kisite island, within the marine park, serves as a vital habitat for seabirds, attracting pelagic-feeders and breeding colonies of roseate and sooty terns. For diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, the park’s warm, clear waters and pristine coral reefs offer unparalleled opportunities to explore the vibrant underwater world.

Beyond its marine wonders, kisite marine park holds historical significance, with nearby shimoni slave caves serving as ancient coral caves that once provided sanctuary for local communities and, tragically, served as holding areas for captured slaves en route to arabian slave markets.

Visitors to kisite marine park are encouraged to explore its enchanting waters early in the morning when the sea is calm, and to tread lightly, avoiding damage to the delicate live coral. With its abundance of marine life, pristine reefs, and captivating coastal landscapes, kisite marine park promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of kenya’s marine paradise.