Dolphin Watching and Snorkelling Day Trips
Dolphin watching and snorkelling in Kenya offer a unique opportunity to awaken your adventure spirit. Spotting dolphins and snorkelling day trips are highly enjoyed in coastal towns in Kenya, including Watamu, Diani, and Mombasa. Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park is an iconic spot for dolphin watching and snorkelling.
Where to go for Dolphin Watching & Snorkelling Day Trips
Wasini Island & Kisite-Mpunguti National Park
Lying along the Southern coast of Kenya are Wasini Island and Kisite-Mpunguti, iconic sites for the best Dolphin watching and snorkelling day trips. Wasini Island is located 3 km from the Indian Ocean and about 75 km from Mombasa. The Kisite Marine Park is situated close to the Shimoni and Wasini Islands in Kwale County, adjacent to the border with Tanzania. This Marine Park covers 11 sq. km, and the Mpunguti Reserve expands 28 sq. km.
The Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park is home to a unique ecosystem along Kenya’s southern coast. They include coral reefs and about four tiny islands: Kisite Island and 3 Mpunguti Islands, comprising Liwe la Jahazi, Juu, and Chini. The islands offer ideal breeding sites for various migratory birds, such as roseate terns and crab plovers. The scenic forest cover features the Mpunguti Islands. A wide array of marine species can be explored at the Kisite-Mpunguti.
The key attractions to explore on Dolphin watching and snorkelling day trips in Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park include 360 species of fish, 45 coral species, and more. Possible sightings include humpback whales, green sea turtles, whale sharks, angelfish, triggerfish, wrasses, pufferfish, snappers, and dolphins, among others.
How many Dolphins are in Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park?
A total of about 200 dolphins are concentrated in the Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park. They include the bottlenose, spinner, and humpback dolphins. July to December offer an excellent time for spotting these aquatic species.
Kisite Island is recognised as an Important Bird Area in Kenya. The Island contains a variety of bird species. July marks the peak arrival season for the seabird species that congregate here for breeding. The seabirds depart by September.
Visitors can enjoy snorkelling in the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. The entire snorkelling expedition is likely to take about 2 hours. Early mornings are an excellent time for snorkelling in this marine protected area. Beyond snorkelling, you can also expect to experience the best of bird-watching, scuba diving, camping, sunbathing, and dhow cruise excursions.
At the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, expect to stay in the lodges such as Shimoni Reef Lodge, Mpunguti Lodge, Baobab Beach Resort & Spa, Saruni Ocean Beach Hotel, and Leu Marlin Beach Hotel.
Watamu Marine Park
Watamu is one of the best places to experience dolphin and snorkelling adventures. This marine park features shallow coral reefs ideal for snorkelling. Diving into the Watamu’s crystal-clear water offers you a perfect opportunity to sight dolphins in their natural setting. Expect to capture incredible moments, and have a camera with ample storage for the pictures.
The 229 sq. km Watamu Marine National Park contains the stunning white-sand beaches, reef-protected lagoons, and more. It is home to diverse marine life, making it a favourite spot for snorkelers and divers.
Watamu was established in 1968, making it among the first marine parks in Magical Kenya. This marine park is 140 km North of Mombasa, and features 300m coral gardens. Other marine life to explore in the Watamu Marine Area includes more than 500 fish species, manta rays, barracuda, octopus, and whale sharks.
Diani Beach
Diani Beach offers an incredible spot for tourists to enjoy dolphin-watching and snorkelling day trips. A full day of snorkelling and dolphin watching at Diani allows you to dive and swim in the crystal waters of Diani Water. Diani is among Africa’s leading beach destinations and features extensive white-sandy shores and turquoise waters. Diani Beach offers a half-day snorkelling and diving adventure, as well as Dolphin watching. It attracts families and enthusiastic marine lovers.
The Dolphin and sea turtle snorkelling expedition takes about 2 hours in Diani. At Diani beach, expect to spend at least 2 hours having an adventure with dolphins. Guests embark on these marine adventures.
Mombasa Marine Park
Mombasa Marine National Park shouldn’t be left out when it comes to dolphin and snorkelling opportunities in Kenya. The best way to enjoy dolphin watching in Mombasa is to take a traditional dhow cruise to watch them swim. Snorkelers also explore the coral and marine life of Mombasa.
The Best Time for Dolphin Watching & Snorkelling Day Trips
Dolphin and snorkelling adventures are best done early morning and late afternoon. Marine life often becomes active, and the water is clear in the morning and late afternoon. If you want snorkelling adventures, consider timing it for low tide/spring low tides (lower water levels of the day). These offer clearer water and better visibility for marine life.
Dolphin watching and snorkelling in Tanzania
In Tanzania, you can enjoy snorkelling and dolphin watching in Zanzibar. The tranquil coastal waters along Zanzibar Island offer abundant opportunities for snorkelling and dolphin spotting for tourists on a Tanzania safari.
Famous sites to consider for snorkelling and dolphin tours in Tanzania include Mnemba Atoll and Kizimkazi. At Kizimkazi, visitors can enjoy the best of boat tours and swimming opportunities with bottlenose or spinner dolphins.
The Mnemba Atoll is best known for thrilling snorkelling and offers a higher chance of spotting dolphins. The best time to enjoy dolphin and snorkelling adventures in Tanzania is during the peak dry season, from June to October, and/or from January to early March.
Dolphin & Snorkelling Tours with Wildlife Safaris
Marine adventures, such as snorkelling and dolphin watching, can be combined with savanna wildlife viewing. You can explore the Big Five and other animals on the savanna plains, along with coastal adventures. Possible land-and-sea safari combinations include Diani Beach and Tsavo West/Tsavo East National Park.
Tsavo East National Park lies in the semi-arid area and was created in 1948. This Park currently covers the land area of 13,747 sq. km. The vast Tsavo East is home to wildlife such as lions, buffalo, rhinos, leopards, elephants, spotted hyenas, impalas, bushbucks, hunters’ hartebeest, gazelles, dwarf mongoose, giraffes, and a total bird population of 500.
Exciting experiences on a safari in Tsavo East include birding, game drives/viewing, and bush walks/hiking. Places to stay in the Tsavo East National Park include Satao Camp, Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Aruba Public Campsite, Voi Safari Lodge, Tsavo East Safari Lodge, and others.
Tsavo West National Park is situated in the Taita-Taveta County of Kenya and covers 9,065 sq. km. The diverse wildlife to explore on a Kenya tour in Tsavo West NP includes cheetahs, hyrax, crocodiles, 600 bird species, zebras, hippos, buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopards, mongooses, and wild dogs. The Park also contains a diversity of other herbivores, including dik-dik, hartebeests, lesser Kudus, and more.
You can also combine the Masai Mara National Reserve (Great Migration), Amboseli National Park, and Diani Beach. A combination of Big 5 and the Great Migration, plus beach experience at Diani Beach, rewards holidaymakers with an unforgettable vacation. Plan and book dolphin-watching and snorkelling day trips with Native Africa Tours
