Skip to content 
Kenya · Coastal Destinations
Watamu
Coral gardens, turtles and quiet bays beside one of Kenya’s oldest marine parks.
Location
Kilifi County, Kenya
Marine park
Watamu Marine National Park
Best time
December to March
Ideal stay
Three to five nights
The village
Reefs, turtles and quiet bays
Watamu is a small village on Kenya’s north coast, about 105 km north of Mombasa. Its white beaches and sheltered bays lie inside the Watamu Marine National Park, established in 1968 and one of the first marine parks in Africa, with coral gardens close enough to snorkel from shore.
Inland, the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest protects rare birds and butterflies, Mida Creek is a haven for wading birds among the mangroves, and the Gede Ruins reveal a Swahili town abandoned centuries ago. Local projects work to protect the sea turtles that feed and nest here.
Watamu is easy to combine with Kilifi and Mombasa, or with a safari in Tsavo East.
Places your guide will show you
Watamu Marine ParkMida CreekArabuko-Sokoke ForestGede RuinsTurtle BayMalindi
Founded in 1968
One of Africa’s first marine parks
Marine life
Life in the marine park
Watamu’s protected waters are some of the richest on the coast. Sightings vary with the season.
Scroll for more →
01
Sea turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles feed on the reef and nest on the beaches.
02
Dolphins
Seen on boat trips beyond the reef.
03
Humpback whales
Pass offshore roughly from July to October.
04
Coral gardens
Shallow reefs full of colourful fish.
05
Reef fish
Divers find large shoals on the outer reef.
06
Crabs
Busy on the mudflats of Mida Creek.
Experiences
Things to do in Watamu
Spend your days between the reef, the forest and the creek.
Snorkelling and diving
Explore the coral gardens of the marine park.
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
Guided walks in search of rare birds and elephant shrews.
Mida Creek birding
Look for wading birds from the boardwalk through the mangroves.
Dhow sunset
Sail across Mida Creek as the sun goes down.
Kitesurfing
Windy months bring good conditions on the open beaches.
Gede Ruins
Explore the remains of an old Swahili town in the forest.
When to visit
The best time for the coast
The coast is warm all year. Dry months bring the clearest water for snorkelling and diving.
Jan – Mar
Peak season
Hot and dry
Calm seas, clear water and sunshine. The peak beach season.
Apr – Jun
Long rains
Humid with heavy showers and rougher seas. Some hotels close.
Jul – Oct
Cool and dry
Pleasant days, steady breezes and humpback whales offshore.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Brief showers early on, then busy festive weeks.
Getting there
Reaching Watamu
By air
Fly from Nairobi to Malindi, about 30 minutes by road from Watamu.
By road
Around two hours north of Mombasa along the coastal highway.
By train
Take the Madaraka Express to Mombasa and transfer north.
Where to stay
Beach hotels and villas
01
Beachfront hotels
Resorts and small hotels overlooking the marine park.
02
Boutique lodges
Quiet, stylish stays in Watamu village.
03
Private villas
Houses with staff for families and groups.
Pairs well with
Marine park fees are set by the Kenya Wildlife Service. Ask us for current rates when you request your quote.
Ready-made trips
Safari and coast holidays
We do not run fixed trips to Watamu yet, but any of these coast holidays can include it. Ask us when you enquire.
- Tsavo West, Tsavo East, Amboseli
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West
- 3 Days 2 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Mombasa, Diani
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Amboseli, Diani, Mombasa
- 7 Days 6 Nights
Good to know
Watamu FAQs
Where is Watamu?
On Kenya’s north coast in Kilifi County, about 105 km north of Mombasa and near Malindi.
Is Watamu good for snorkelling?
Yes. The marine park protects coral gardens that you can explore by boat or from the beach at low tide.
How do I get to Watamu?
Fly from Nairobi to Malindi, then drive about 30 minutes, or drive around two hours from Mombasa.
Can you see turtles in Watamu?
Turtles are often seen while snorkelling, and local projects protect nesting sites. Sightings are never guaranteed.
When is the best time to visit Watamu?
December to March for calm, clear water, and July to October for cooler days.
What else is there to do near Watamu?
Visit the Gede Ruins, Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Watamu and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Plan your Watamu stay
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape a Watamu itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
