White sand on the north mainland, a fringing reef offshore and, at low tide, a warm lagoon you can wade across to the coral.
Mombasa Marine National Park protects the coral reef and lagoon off Nyali and Bamburi, just north of the island city.
Glass-bottom boats and snorkelling trips leave from the beach hotels. They head out over seagrass and coral gardens to see parrotfish, starfish and sea urchins.
The tide decides everything here. At low tide the sea draws back to reveal a shallow lagoon and sandbars that you can wade across, with pools full of life.
At high tide the water comes right up the beach, good for swimming but with less to see.
Check the tide table first and plan round low water.
Agree the price, park fee and length of trip at a hotel or with a licensed operator.
Out over the coral gardens to the edge of the reef.
Fish, starfish and corals in shallow, clear water.
Walk across the shallows as the tide pulls back.
Back on the beach for a swim as the water returns.
.jpg?width=960)
Taxi or tuk-tuk over the Nyali bridge from the island, about 15 minutes.
Use licensed operators; beach boys offering trips may skip the park fee and safety kit.
Vendors are persistent but friendly; a polite "no, asante" works.
Mombasa practical notes →Photographs from Wikimedia Commons and Pexels under their licences.
.jpg){kind=link}
