In short
- Non-residents pay USD 15 for adults and children.
- Kenyan citizens pay KES 300 (adults) or KES 200 (children).
- Organized tours usually bundle the fee into the ticket price.
In this article
Entering Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park requires a ticket from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Since the park is 11 km offshore, you also need to pay for a boat to reach the coral gardens. Knowing what is included helps you budget your day on the water.
How much is the Kisite-Mpunguti park entry fee?
Non-residents pay USD 15. Kenyan citizens pay KES 300 for adults and KES 200 for children.
The Kenya Wildlife Service sets these entry fees. The non-resident rate of USD 15 applies to both adults and children. This fee only covers admission to the protected marine area.
Do guided tours include the marine park entry fee?
Yes, most organized full-day tours include the national park fee.
A full-day dhow cruise from Diani costs from USD 60 to USD 120. These packages usually cover your marine park ticket. They also provide lunch, snorkeling gear, and boat transport.
Booking a tour is the most hassle-free way to visit. You will not need to buy a separate ticket at the jetty.
How much does a basic boat ride cost?
You can rent a basic shared boat for approximately KES 3000 to KES 5000.
This price covers the 30 to 45-minute ride from Shimoni to the reef. It does not include your park entry fee. You must pay the KWS entry fee separately before entering the water.
Are there additional charges for scuba diving?
Scuba diving costs extra on most snorkeling tours.
Some operators charge an additional USD 40 for diving. Another private tour lists an extra charge of 59 EUR per person. You usually pay this directly on the day of the trip.
Does the KWS park fee cover Wasini Island entry?
No, Wasini Island is not part of the national park.
The island has its own community-run boardwalk fees. These fees support the Wasini Women's Group. If you book a full-day tour, the operator normally covers these costs.
What is the entry fee for Mpunguti Marine Reserve?
The same park fee grants you access to the entire marine protected area.
This includes both the 28-square-kilometer Kisite Park and the 11-square-kilometer Mpunguti Reserve. You do not need to buy two separate tickets.
Questions travellers ask
Are park fees the same for adults and children?
Non-resident adults and children both pay USD 15. Citizen children pay a reduced rate of KES 200 instead of KES 300.
Do I need cash for the Kisite park fee?
If you book an organized tour, you usually pay the total online in advance. If hiring a local boat, ask your captain how to handle the KWS ticket payment at Shimoni.
Does the entry fee include snorkeling gear?
No. The KWS fee is for park entry only. Snorkeling gear is included in guided tour packages, or you can bring your own.
