Tucked away in the coral gardens south of Wasini Island, is Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, an unspoiled, stunningly sun-kissed marine protected area (MPA). Kisite welcomes thousands of visitors every year due to its thriving coral reefs (the rainforests of the sea), vibrant underwater experiences, unique marine life, and sparkling clear waters.
But it is its dolphin population that makes this park really stand out. Kisite is home to a documented population of 70 resident dolphins and up to 200 migratory ones. They are often sighted as single individuals or as a pod of 2-25 dolphins breaking above the ocean waves.
In this article, Kendirita Tours takes a closer look at what makes Kisite Mpunguti such an enchanting place to visit and explore.
Incredible Underwater Experiences
Kisite Mpunguti is a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Simply put, snorkeling is an underwater experience in which a person swims through a body of water while fitted with a diving mask, a breathing tube called a snorkel, and swim fins.
The Kisite Marine Park is an exceptional location for both beginners and professional divers due to its pristine shallow warm waters, vibrant marine life, and thriving coral gardens.
As a tip, we often encourage our visitors to go snorkeling early in the morning when the ocean is most calm.
Dolphin and Whale Spotting
Imagine swimming alongside dolphins at sea. As magical as this experience sounds, it is also very real at Kisite Mpunguti. Kisite is home to two species of dolphins; the Indo-Pacific bottlenose and the humpback dolphin. The Indo-Pacific dolphins, in particular, are the more seen of the two and can be identified by their distinctive long snouts and grey color.
Kendirita Tours thrives in organizing dolphin-watching tours. We offer boat rides that take visitors to the waters surrounding Kisite Mpunguti to observe and interact with the dolphins. if the conditions are appropriate, our tours let visitors swim or snorkel with them.
Dolphins also tend to follow boats whose occupants feed them, much to the delight of all aboard. Such interactive encounters with these intelligent and playful marine mammals are a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we wish for all our guests.
If fortunate to visit this park between July and December, you will get a chance to spot the humpback whale that raises her calves in the warm waters of Kisite as well as the migratory whale shark; the largest fish in the world.
Turtle Territory
As part of its vibrant marine ecosystem, Kisite Mpunguti also boasts a growing turtle population. Hawksbill and green sea turtles are known to nest and feed in the waters around Kisite Mpunguti. You may have the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures while snorkeling or diving.
Due to the declining global turtle populations, the government of Kenya, in collaboration with Kisite Marine Park and other key stakeholders has been at the forefront of protecting these wonderful creatures. Visitors and locals have also been involved in conservation efforts such as the ‘Adopt a Turtle’ initiative by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), proper waste disposal, and policies to prevent the by-catch of turtles through thoughtful, sustainable fishing practices.
Conclusion
Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve is a haven for all nature enthusiasts and marine lovers. It offers you a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of the Indian Ocean’s marine life.
There is a lot to see and do while here, not to mention the numerous opportunities to participate in noble conservation efforts that help keep this ecosystem alive and thriving. Be sure to give us a call for more information on how you too can participate.
Writer: Winnie Wekesa