Established in 1973, Kenya's Kisite Marine National Park is an area along the nation's southern coast which has been free from fishing of any kind since the 1990's. The results are astonishing; in cooperation with Tanzania's Mtang'ata Collaborative Management Area which is located across the border, and which has outlawed destructive fishing practices, authorities have managed to increase fish stocks, reduce damage to corals, and maintain biodiversity even within areas not encompassed by the Marine Park. While it is possible to enjoy some nice dive sites outside the park, those which have benefitted from the effects of protection the longest are inside Kisite's boundaries. Here, the fish are more numerous and biodiversity is much higher. Let’s take a closer look!
Diving Kisite Marine Park
The marine park itself is located 40 kilometers from Ukunda town in Kenya's Msambeni District. The area encompassed by the park includes four small islands surrounded by coral reefs. While Kisite Island is covered in low grasses, the Mpunguti Islands feature dense coastal equatorial forest growth. With white, sandy beaches and shallow reef areas suitable for snorkeling, the area is home to a number of beautiful bird species that are just as much fun to watch as the fish themselves are.
At Outer Kisite Marine Park, depths vary from 5 to 12 meters, enabling you to enjoy plenty of bottom time in conditions ideal for underwater photography. If you're not a photographer you might wish you were; here, you'll find pistol shrimps enjoying commensal life with gobies, along with numerous pipe fish including ghost pipe fish. Invertebrates and crustaceans are commonly encountered, including some large lobsters; in addition, this area is home to octopus and moray eels, a number of different ray species, and sea turtles. Most who dive here either encounter dolphins while exploring the reef, or spot them playing in the distance while on the beach or on the boat.
Inner Kisite is even shallower, with a maximum depth of only eight meters. This is the best spot to encounter turtles, and it is also a good place to come face to face with crocodile fish. Watch for titan triggerfish, lots of butterfly and angelfish, and many other tropical species as you explore; whether you snorkel or dive, you will feel as if you are inside a massive natural aquarium.
Nearby, outside the boundaries of the park, Hassan Reef offers a maximum depth of just 16 meters, and features beautiful swathes of lilac blue soft corals, as well as some unspoiled hard coral species. This lively reef is a photographer's dream come true; the orange fairy damselfish that school here provide a lovely contrast to the blue corals, and large angelfish are seen here as well. Finally, the site is a favorite with the area's sea turtles, and off to the west end, there are huge coral heads where you'll find sweetlips and jacks, rays, and the occasional shark.
The nearest accommodations are at Shimoni, which is also close to Wasini Island, where there is more exceptional diving to be had. Local dive operators are well-equipped, and with so many dive sites to explore just in this small portion of Kenya, you'll find yourself longing for a longer holiday.