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PrivateKisite MarinePark Diving
Kisite-Mpunguti is a marine park near the Tanzanian border, known for clear water, biodiversity and dolphin sightings on the crossing.
We run it as a private full-day trip: $700 for a small boat or $1,200 for a large one, plus $50 per diver and marine park fees.
Written by The Scuba Duka team · Reviewed by Ali, founder and Divemaster Instructor · October 2026
Duration
Full day from Diani
Format
Private group only
Suitable for
Divers and snorkellers
Park fees
Payable — confirmed at booking
Why a marine park dives differently
Protection changes what you see. Where fishing pressure is removed, fish grow larger and stay in the open instead of hiding, coral cover recovers, and predators return because there is something to hunt. Kisite-Mpunguti has been protected for long enough that the difference is obvious within the first few minutes of a dive.
It is also further offshore than the Diani reefs, which usually means clearer water — and a crossing where dolphins are seen often enough that guests stop expecting it and are still delighted every time.
How the day runs
01
Early pickup
An early start from your hotel — Kisite is a full day, and the calmest water is usually in the morning.
02
The crossing
South along the coast towards the park. Flying fish, occasional dolphins, and a coastline most visitors never see from the water.
03
Two dives, or dive and snorkel
Sites chosen inside the park on the day. Snorkellers in the group are looked after on the same trip rather than left on the boat.
04
Surface interval and return
A proper break with food and water before the second dive, then the run back up the coast with the afternoon light behind you.
What you may see
Every visit is different. Some trips are turtles from the first minute; others produce schools of fish thick enough to lose your buddy in. Coral cover here is among the healthiest on this coast, and the reef fish variety is what most divers remember.
Dolphins
Seen regularly on the crossing rather than in the water. Approached responsibly and never chased.
Turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles feeding and resting on protected reef.
Schooling reef fish
Larger and bolder than on unprotected reef — the clearest visible effect of protection.
Sightings are never guaranteed, and no wildlife is pursued for a photograph. Park rules and the marine authority's requirements are followed throughout.
Why we only run it privately
Kisite is a long day, the crossing costs real time, and the park is busy with boats in season. Running it privately lets us leave early, choose our sites away from the crowd, and set the pace around your group instead of a shared timetable. It costs more, and we would rather tell you that than sell you a compromised version of it.
Frequently asked questions
Are park fees included?
They are payable for every visitor and confirmed in writing at booking, so there is no surprise at the gate. Whether they sit inside or outside the quoted figure is stated on your confirmation.
Can non-divers come?
Yes, and many do. Snorkelling inside the park is excellent, which makes this the trip mixed groups book most often.
How long is the crossing?
Long enough that this is a full day rather than a morning. We confirm the timings with your booking once we know the tide and your pickup point.
What if the sea is rough?
The crossing is more exposed than a Diani reef trip, so we move the day rather than run it in poor conditions.
Is food provided?
Water and fruit are included, and a full-day trip includes a proper surface interval. Meal arrangements are confirmed with your booking.
Are dolphins guaranteed?
No. They are seen often on this route, which is not the same thing, and we will never chase them to improve the odds.
Who you will dive with
Seven people run the centre, four of them born and raised in Diani Beach. Between the four instructors sit more than 13,000 logged dives on this stretch of the Indian Ocean. Two qualified dive guides, Sampuli and Captain Michael, guide dives alongside them.
Ali
Founder · Divemaster Instructor25+ years diving in Kenya and abroad. Born and raised in Diani Beach.
Kassim
Scuba Instructor17+ years and 8,000+ logged dives, from Diani to Kisite Mpunguti. SSI and PADI certified.
Salim Swaleh
Scuba Instructor4,000+ logged dives on Diani sites. Teaches SSI beginner to specialty courses.
Omari
Scuba InstructorSSI and PADI Open Water Instructor, 1,000+ logged dives. Shoots underwater photo and video.
Sampuli
Dive GuideBorn and raised in Diani Beach. 100+ logged dives. Guides guest divers and runs equipment checks.
Michael
Dive Guide · Captain20+ years scuba diving and captaining boats. Handles the boat and guides dives.
