Malindi Marine National Park, established alongside Watamu's as one of Kenya's earliest protected marine areas, covers a stretch of coral reef and coastal water just offshore from the town. For visitors who want to see the marine environment without snorkelling, glass-bottom boats are the local speciality — flat-bottomed vessels with a viewing panel built into the hull that let you watch coral, fish and other reef life pass beneath you while staying dry.
It's a particularly good option for families, less confident swimmers, or anyone short on time, since the boats cover more reef area in less time than a snorkelling swim would. Operators typically combine the glass-bottom viewing with a stop for those who do want to snorkel or swim, so the trip works for mixed groups with different comfort levels in the water.
What you'll see
- Coral gardens in a range of colours and formations, home to parrotfish, angelfish and other reef species.
- Occasional turtle sightings, particularly closer to the reef edges.
- Clear water conditions that make the glass-bottom viewing genuinely effective, not just a gimmick.
Trips depart from Malindi's beachfront and typically run a couple of hours — an easy, low-effort way to fit the marine park into a day that also includes the town's Old Town and Vasco da Gama Pillar.
