Swimming With Dolphins in Mombasa

Swimming With Dolphins in Mombasa

Swimming with dolphins in Mombasa is a fun-filled experience awaiting you on a Kenya safari. The activity offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience and shouldn’t be missed on a Mombasa tour. The warm coastal water in Kenya provides a rare opportunity for you to interact with lots of dolphins. Swimming with dolphins doesn’t require you to be an energetic swimmer.

Location of Mombasa

Mombasa is located in Southeastern Kenya, and it is a historical city. It lies on the Indian Ocean and is best known as the White City. Mombasa is not only popular for its diverse cultural fusion and unique architectural designs, but also an excellent destination for snorkelling and swimming with dolphins.

Where to go for swimming with dolphins in Mombasa

Key areas that offer swimming opportunities with dolphins in Mombasa include Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park, Diani Beach, Wasini Island, and others.

Wasini Dolphin Excursions

Located on the South Coast of Mombasa, Wasini is one of the best places to visit for dolphin-watching tours. Mombasa is 75 km away from Wasini Island. Wasini is a haven for the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins. At Wasini, you can spend a whole day on dolphin watching and snorkelling. Snorkelers have a better chance of spotting the dolphins. The island also features a spectacular coral garden, a community conservation initiative supported by the European and Kenyan Governments.

Besides dolphins, you can also expect to find other species. Wasini Island is also home to several different species, including lizards, tortoises, duikers, and blue monkeys.

While in Wasini, expect to retire for a night in one of the finest accommodation options, including Wasini Island Bandas, Wasini Mpunguti Lodge, Wasini Mpunguti Lodge and Restaurant, Blue Monkey Beach Cottages, and many more.

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park

Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve is one of the most reliable spots in Mombasa for swimming with dolphins. Located on the Southern coast of Kenya, Kisite-Mpunguti is an ecologically rich destination with about 70 resident dolphins, coral reefs, 250 species of fish, and 10 mangrove species.

The abundant marine species to explore in Kisite Mpunguti include Humpback whales, Damselfish, Triggerfish, Angelfish, Groupers, Moray eels, Hawksbill turtles, Rays, Scorpionfish, Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, and others. This Protected Area also features 2.5 acres of coral gardens and lush mangrove swamps.

Visitors can reach Kisite-Mpunguti in Kwale County, about 574 km from Nairobi. From Mombasa, expect to cover 75 km. Visitors to Shimoni can travel 11km to reach the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area. From the Northern end at the Tanzanian border to Kisite, expect to cover 8km.

What to do in Kisite Mpunguti National Park

Boat Tour Excursions

Boat rides in Kisite Mpunguti offer the most scenic experiences as you traverse the coastal water. While on a boat tour, expect to observe some marine species and appreciate the Indian Ocean’s breathtaking scenery.

Swimming

To all enthusiastic swimmers, Kisite is the right spot to consider. Expect to experience the warm waters of the coastline, but with safety gear, including jackets.

Dolphin tours

Kisite-Mpunguti is most famous for its abundant dolphin population. The Marine Protected Area is home to Humpback and Bottlenose dolphins. Guests can watch the dolphins up close. Ever imagined swimming with dolphins? Kisite-Mpunguti turns imagination into reality.

Snorkelling and diving adventure

Kisite-Mpunguti is the ideal location for snorkelers and divers, who shouldn’t be left out when it comes to marine adventures. These marine adventures are best enjoyed early in the morning, when seawater levels are low.

Explore the Rich Coral Reefs

Kisite-Mpunguti lies in the region where you can explore abundant coral reefs. Expect to find both hard and soft corals.

By air, you can depart from Wilson Airport/JKIA up to Moi International Airport. There is also an option of using a railway from Syokimau to Miritini train station, and you can later connect to the marine park by road.

Accommodation options present in the Kisite Marine NP include the Kisite Bandas Shimoni, Shimoni Reef Lodge, Funzi View, and others.

Diani Beach

Diani Beach is one of the top beaches along Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast. This beach is 30 km south of Mombasa and is situated in Kwale County. It boasts spectacular white-sand beaches, boutique resorts, and clear blue waters. At Diani Beach, expect to indulge in many water sports, including snorkelling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, and surfing.

At Diani Beach, there are multiple resorts to book for an overnight stay. They include Diani Reef Beach Resort, Bahari Dhow Beach Villas, Southern Palms Beach, Baobab Beach Resort and Spa, Water-lovers Beach Resort, Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, Swahili Beach, Leopard Beach Resort and Spa, Sunset Villa Boutique Resort, and many others.

Wasini Island

Wasini Island is one of the ideal spots to visit if you want to swim with dolphins. I just wanted to let you know that you’ll be on a snorkelling trip to watch dolphins. Wasini lies on the South coast of Mombasa and offers amazing dolphin-watching trips, dhow cruises, and snorkelling.

Combining Kenya Wildlife Safaris with Mombasa Tours

Planning Kenya safaris presents flexible opportunities. Visitors can enjoy a combination of savanna game-viewing experiences and coastal adventures in Mombasa. Key areas to combine with Mombasa tours include visits to the Masai Mara National Reserve, Tsavo National Parks, Amboseli Game Park, and others.

Masai Mara Tour 

The Masai Mara & Mombasa combo involves exploring the big five, witnessing the Great Migration, and spicing up the savanna game tours with thrilling coastal adventures. The Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s iconic wildlife reserve located in Narok County. This reserve hosts a diverse array of wildlife for you to observe, including rhinos, leopards, lions, buffalo, elephants, & wildebeest.

You will also be able to locate other interesting mammal species, including side-striped jackals, bat-eared foxes, spotted hyenas, elands, Thompson’s gazelles, impalas, black-backed jackals, and many more.

About 500 species of birds also live in the varying habitats in Masai Mara and include Goliath heron, secretary birds, Southern ground hornbills, superb starling, lilac-breasted rollers, saddle-billed storks, white-backed vultures, ostriches, griffon vultures, lappet-faced vultures, turkey-sized ground hornbills, abdim’s storks, European bee-eaters, yellow-throated sandgrouse, temminck’s courser, and Madagascar squacco heron, etc.

The amazing experiences that offer complete immersion in the Masai Mara National Reserve include Great Migration safaris, hot-air balloon tours, bush walks, game drives, and birding safaris.

Amboseli National Park 

The Amboseli National Park and Mombasa combo offers incredible experiences, ranging from game viewing and coastal beaches to cultural excursions in Mombasa. Connecting between the two destinations requires a flight.

Amboseli is a compact Protected Area that offers a diversity of wildlife and breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro. The Park hosts wildlife such as zebras, buffaloes, cheetahs, leopards, wildebeests, and lions, which range across its distinct habitats, especially savannas and woodlands. Amboseli is best visited from June to October, especially if you are interested in game drives.

Swimming with dolphins in Mombasa is possible on a Kenya safari. Book your safari early with Native Africa Tours, an expert on the ground, and get a lifetime opportunity to watch the dolphins.