2 Best Sights in Kenya

Located on the south coast off Shimoni, and south of Wasini Island, this marine reserve is known for its beautiful coral gardens. More than 250 species of fish can be spotted feeding around the reef including barracuda, groupers, emperors, angelfish, parrotfish, lionfish, moray eels, and stingrays. Green and hawksbill turtles and humpback, bottlenose, and spinner dolphins are a common sight. The shallow water can be easily reached by boat arranged from the jetty at Shimoni. However, the easiest way to visit is on the popular Wasini Island day trip that can be organized at any of the south coast resorts—from US$135 including park fees. The day typically includes a transfer to Shimoni where you board a dhow to explore Kisite Mpunguti and go snorkeling. This is followed by a seafood lunch at one of the restaurants on the tiny Wasini Island with time to explore before the return dhow trip. Near Wasini village you'll find the ruins of 18th- and 19th-century houses and a Muslim pillar tomb inset with Chinese porcelain.

Home to an impressive variety of colorful coral, you'll find two main reefs here that are separated by a deep sandy-bottom channel. There's very little commercial fishing in the area, which means the kingfish found here are trophy size. The water ranges from 25°C (77°F) to 29°C (84°F), making this a particularly pleasant place to snorkel or scuba dive, although visibility is not very good from January to March. If you want to stay dry, try one of the glass-bottom boats, which can be arranged from most hotels and resorts.