Malindi/Watamu Marine National Reserve is located 119 kilometers from Mombasa and extends from south of Malindi town to Watamu. It was among the first marine reserves to be established in Africa and comprises of the Malindi and Watamu Marine National parks.
Major attractions in the Malindi Marine National Park are the North Reef running parallel to the shore and the famous coral gardens to the southern part which are very popular to the divers, snorkelers, and glass-bottomed boat viewers. The corals consist of myriads of brightly colored coral fish, corals and shells. Angel fish, Butterfly fish, Blue surgeon fish, Anemone, Domino, Scorpion and Parrot fish are the major species. Others include Moray eels, Sergeant major fish, Dugong and Octopus. Green turtle, Blue marlin fish, Sailfish, Giant grouper and Marko sharks are also seen in the park. Entertainment activities like water skiing, wind surfing, deep sea diving assisted by instructors, goggling and deep sea fishing can be organized by hotels which appear in a chain at the coastal front.