Our slice of the Kenyan coast, including the nearby Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve, is a sanctuary for some truly incredible residents. Protecting them is our daily mission.

1. The Majestic Sea Turtles

Seeing a sea turtle gracefully glide through the water is a bucket-list moment for any ocean lover. Nyali Beach and the surrounding coastline are known nesting grounds, primarily for the endangered Green Turtle. The Conservation Angle: Female turtles return to the same beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. Human activity, light pollution, and plastic waste pose huge threats to these slow-moving mothers and their tiny hatchlings. That’s why we, and our neighbours, work closely with organizations like the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and local community groups. Our job? To minimize light disturbance, keep the beachfront clean, and, if a nest is found nearby, ensure the area is monitored and protected until the hatchlings make their epic, tiny dash to the sea. Fun Fact Alert: Did you know that the temperature of the nest determines the sex of the turtle hatchlings? Warmer sand tends to produce more females, a process called Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination!

2. The Mighty Coral Reefs

Just a short distance from our beach is the Mombasa Marine National Park, a protected area established primarily to conserve the delicate fringing coral reef. These reefs are essentially the rainforests of the ocean. The Conservation Angle: Coral reefs provide shelter, food, and nurseries for thousands of species, from brightly coloured parrotfish and angelfish to lobsters and crabs. They also act as natural sea walls, protecting our coastline from strong waves and erosion. We champion responsible tourism: all snorkeling and diving activities we promote through our Bahari Beach Hotel Experiences emphasize a strict hands-off policy—no touching the coral, no feeding the fish. It’s simple: look, but don’t interfere with this vital underwater city.

3. The Nyali Beach Itself (The Sand)

Beach preservation might not sound as exciting as turtle protection, but the health of the sand is crucial. The Conservation Angle: The sand is not just for sunbathing! It’s home to countless invertebrates, hosts turtle nests, and supports coastal dune vegetation. Our regular, coordinated clean-up drives, especially those tied to Mazingira Day, focus on removing harmful debris—especially plastic—that can take centuries to break down and is lethal to marine life when ingested. We encourage all guests, whether staying for one night or one week, to join us in adopting the Swahili ethic of cleanliness: taka taka ni mali (waste is treasure/resource) if handled correctly.