Malindi Marine National Park in Malindi Beachfront, South Of The Vasco Da Gama Pillar, Malindi: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Water parks and pools in Malindi Beachfront, South Of The Vasco Da Gama Pillar, Malindi
Photo: Auto-generated feature card
Kenya's first marine national park, south of Malindi's Vasco da Gama Pillar, with coral reefs, snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips.
What is Malindi Marine National Park?
Malindi Marine National Park runs south from the Vasco da Gama Pillar along the Malindi coast, protecting coral reefs, seagrass and reef fish. It is Kenya's first marine protected area.
Visitors snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat from the beach, usually with a local boat operator. The reef is shallow and sheltered, which suits children who can swim; life jackets and snorkel gear are arranged on the beach.
The park protects fringing coral reefs, seagrass beds and reef fish, and was Kenya's first marine protected area.
Malindi Marine National Park ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Non-resident | KES 25 | KES 15 |
KWS rates reported: citizen adult KSh 500 and child KSh 250; resident adult KSh 675 and child KSh 350; non-resident adult USD 25 and child USD 15. Boat and snorkelling fees are separate.
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💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Two payments KWS entry is separate from the boat fee | Agree first
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | Okay | Beach only, no boat | 3-5 years |
Key details
- Address
- Malindi Marine National Park, Malindi, Kilifi County, Malindi
- Opening hours
- Daily 8am – 5pm
- How long to plan
- 2 to 3 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
What to expect when you visit
You pay KWS entry at the gate and separately for a boat or snorkelling trip, which is negotiated on the beach. Agree the price, duration and gear before boarding.
Check tide and sea conditions with the operator before booking, and bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Family essentials
- Safety notes
Coral cuts and currents are the risks; wear life jackets, do not stand on coral, and keep children within reach of the boat.
Tickets and costs
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Glass-bottom boat trips, snorkelling, boat hire
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Calm mornings
- Busiest times
- Weekends and holidays
- How to get there
The park starts at the Vasco da Gama Pillar and runs south along the Malindi shoreline.
- By car
- Within Malindi town, a few minutes from the centre
- Uber / Bolt estimate
- Tuk-tuk to the Vasco da Gama Pillar area
- Public transport
Tuk-tuk or boda boda within town
- Combine with
Vasco da Gama Pillar | Buntwani Waterfront Park
- What to bring
Swimwear | Towels | Reef-safe sunscreen | Cash for the boat
What to pack
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Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Malindi Marine National Park?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 500 and resident children pay KES 250. Non-resident adults pay KES 25 and non-resident children pay KES 15. KWS rates reported: citizen adult KSh 500 and child KSh 250; resident adult KSh 675 and child KSh 350; non-resident adult USD 25 and child USD 15. Boat and snorkelling fees are separate.
- What are the Malindi Marine National Park opening hours?
- Daily 8am – 5pm. Busiest: Weekends and holidays.
- How long do you need at Malindi Marine National Park?
- Plan for 2 to 3 hours.
- What is the best time to visit Malindi Marine National Park?
- Calm mornings. It is busiest Weekends and holidays.
- How do you get to Malindi Marine National Park?
- Within Malindi town, a few minutes from the centre. Ride-hailing: Tuk-tuk to the Vasco da Gama Pillar area. Public transport: Tuk-tuk or boda boda within town The park starts at the Vasco da Gama Pillar and runs south along the Malindi shoreline.
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