The Indian Ocean off the coast of Kenya has long been revered by world-class anglers. While destinations like Watamu and Diani Beach often steal the headlines, there is one location that remains a well-kept secret among those who truly know these waters: Mtwapa Creek.
For anyone planning a deep sea fishing trip on Kenya’s North Coast, Mtwapa offers a combination of geography, biodiversity, and accessibility that no other departure point can match.
At Mamis Mombasa Tours & Safaris, we have spent years navigating these currents. In this guide, we will explain why Mtwapa Creek is a must-visit for serious anglers, what species you can target, when to go, and how to plan the perfect big game fishing adventure.
In this guide
Why Mtwapa Creek Is Perfect for Deep Sea Fishing
The Geographic Advantage
Mtwapa Creek is a deep, tidal inlet surrounded by lush mangroves and ancient coral cliffs. For the angler, this geography offers a “soft start.” You depart from calm, sheltered waters, giving the crew time to rig lures, brief guests, and prepare tackle before reaching the open ocean. This makes Mtwapa fishing trips ideal not only for experienced anglers but also for beginners and families.
Quick Access to the Continental Shelf
The real draw of deep sea fishing in Mtwapa is its proximity to the continental shelf drop-off. Within a short distance from the creek mouth, the ocean floor plunges into deep water where big game fish roam. As noted by established Mtwapa-based operators, boats can be trawling over 200 metres of depth in the Indian Ocean just 15 minutes after leaving the jetty — meaning you spend less time commuting and more time with lines in the water.
Less Crowded, More Productive
Unlike the heavily trafficked waters off central Mombasa or Diani Beach, Mtwapa maintains a focused, purposeful atmosphere. Fewer vessels on the water means less pressure on the fish, which translates to more aggressive strikes and a higher probability of landing a trophy catch on your Mombasa fishing charter.
What Fish Can You Catch in Mtwapa?
Kenya’s North Coast sits within one of the most biodiverse marine corridors in the world. When you book a fishing charter in Mtwapa, you have access to a remarkable range of species — from acrobatic billfish to hard-fighting reef predators.
The Speedsters: Yellowfin Tuna and Wahoo
If you prefer a fight characterized by raw power and blistering speed:
- Yellowfin Tuna : Abundant in the Indian Ocean off Mombasa, Yellowfin are known for their deep, powerful dives and relentless stamina. A 25 kg Yellowfin on light tackle is one of the most exciting fights in saltwater fishing.
- Wahoo : Among the fastest fish in the sea. A Wahoo strike is explosive and demands immediate reaction. This species is a frequent reward on full-day Mtwapa fishing charters, particularly during the Kusi season.
The Billfish: Sailfish and Marlin
Billfish are the crown jewel of big game fishing in Kenya, and Mtwapa is perfectly positioned along their migratory route.
- Black Marlin & Blue Marlin — The ultimate test of an angler’s skill and endurance. These heavyweights frequent the deep offshore banks just beyond the Mtwapa reef and can weigh several hundred kilograms. Kenya’s billfish fishery operates under a tag and release programme, supported by organisations such as the African Billfish Foundation, helping to preserve these populations for future generations.
- Sailfish — Known for spectacular aerial leaps and blistering runs, Sailfish are a regular target on North Coast Kenya fishing trips, particularly during the Kaskazi season.
The Prize Table Fish: Kingfish and Giant Trevally
- Giant Trevally (GT) : Found near the reef edges at the creek mouth, GTs are notorious for their brute force. They will test your tackle and your technique.
- Kingfish (King Mackerel) : A staple of Mombasa deep sea fishing and an aggressive striker on medium tackle. Excellent table fish too.
- Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) : A colourful, hard-fighting species that frequently shows up in the offshore waters around Mtwapa, particularly behind weed lines and floating debris.
Best Time for Deep Sea Fishing in Mtwapa
Timing your trip correctly can make the difference between a good day and an unforgettable one. Kenya’s coast is governed by two monsoon seasons, each bringing different conditions and target species.
Kaskazi Season (November – March) — Peak Billfish Season: This is the golden period for sailfish fishing in Mombasa and big game fishing along the entire Kenya coast. If Marlin or Sailfish are on your bucket list, plan your Mtwapa fishing trip between November and March.
Shoulder Months (October & April): These transitional months are often underestimated. Our captains have recorded some of the largest individual catches of the year during these periods, as fish move in response to shifting currents and baitfish migrations. They are also the quietest periods on the water — a bonus for anglers who prefer seclusion.
Who Is This Deep Sea Fishing For?
Deep sea fishing in Mtwapa is not just for professionals. Our fishing charters cater to a wide range of people.
- Experienced Anglers : Looking to check a specific species off the bucket list? Our captains focus on technical precision – the right lures, tackle selection, and GPS-informed positioning to find trophy fish.
- Families & Beginners : The calm departure through Mtwapa Creek makes this one of the most beginner-friendly big game fishing experiences on the Kenya coast. It is a fantastic way to introduce children to the ocean and marine life.
- Corporate Groups & Solo Travellers : Few experiences bond a group faster than a multiple hook-up on a Mombasa fishing charter. We cater to team-building excursions and solo travellers looking to join a shared boat.
How Much Does Deep Sea Fishing in Mtwapa Cost?
Pricing for deep sea fishing charters from Mtwapa varies depending on trip duration, group size, and whether you opt for a shared or private charter.
Shared charters are the most affordable option, splitting the boat cost across multiple anglers (typically 4–6 people). Private charters give your group exclusive use of the vessel — the preferred choice for serious anglers, corporate groups, and families who want to move at their own pace.
Contact Mamis Mombasa Tours & Safaris directly for current pricing, seasonal packages, and group rates.
Mtwapa vs. Diani vs. Watamu: Which Is Best for Deep Sea Fishing?
Mtwapa vs. Diani: Diani Beach is beautiful, but the reef is a considerable distance from most launch points and the inshore waters are heavily trafficked by tourist water sports. Mtwapa offers a more concentrated, authentic fishing experience with faster access to productive offshore grounds.
Mtwapa vs. Watamu:Watamu is world-famous for its Marlin fishing and is the venue for several international tournaments — it is a legitimate world-class fishery. However, it requires a two-hour drive north of Mombasa. For guests staying on the North Coast — Bamburi, Nyali, Shanzu, or Kikambala — Mtwapa delivers comparable big game fishing within 20–30 minutes of your hotel.
The Tudor Creek Factor:No other major fishing departure point in Kenya begins with the scenic experience of a deep-water tidal creek. The passage through Mtwapa Creek adds a layer of coastal beauty — birdwatching, mangrove forests, coral cliff formations — that is unique to this location. It is a complete experience, not just a fishing trip
[…] Read More : Deep Sea Fishing Trip Mombasa […]