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Kenya coast destination
Watamu
Coral gardens, nesting turtles and soft white beaches on Kenya’s north coast. Plan Watamu tours and safaris with a local Kenyan team.
Location
Kilifi County, Kenya
Marine park
Watamu Marine National Park
Ideal stay
3 to 6 nights
Best time
December to March
Famous for
Coral reefs and sea turtles
A coastal village built around the reef
Watamu is a small village on Kenya’s north coast, about 105 km north of Mombasa and a short drive south of Malindi. Its beaches are broken up by coral outcrops and quiet coves, and just offshore lies the Watamu Marine National Park, one of the oldest marine parks in Africa and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The reef is home to hundreds of species of fish, along with green turtles, rays and, in season, whale sharks and humpback whales further out. On land, the mangroves of Mida Creek attract wading birds, and the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest protects rare birds and mammals found almost nowhere else.
Watamu is also one of the best bases on the coast for history and safari. The ruins of Gede, an ancient Swahili town, are a few minutes away, and Tsavo East is close enough for a day or overnight safari, making Watamu tours and safaris easy to combine.
Why Watamu belongs on your Kenya itinerary
Six reasons Watamu is a favourite with divers, families and nature lovers.
Marine national park
Snorkel or dive protected coral gardens full of colourful reef fish.
Sea turtles
Learn about turtle rescue and nesting with local conservation groups.
Mida Creek
Walk the mangrove boardwalk or paddle a canoe among wading birds.
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
East Africa’s largest remaining coastal forest, rich in rare birds and butterflies.
Gede Ruins
Explore the remains of a Swahili town abandoned centuries ago.
Quiet beaches
Sheltered coves and long beaches that rarely feel crowded.
When to visit Watamu
Watamu is warm all year. The dry seasons give the clearest water for snorkelling and diving.
December to March
Hot dry season
Calm seas and the best visibility on the reef. The busiest time of year.
- Peak season rates
July to October
Cool dry season
Breezy weather and fewer visitors, with whales passing offshore.
- Mid season rates
April to June
Long rains
Heavy showers and rougher seas. Some hotels close for part of the season.
- Lowest rates of the year
November
Short rains
Short showers between sunny days, before the holiday season.
- Good value rates
Marine life and nature around Watamu
The reef, the creek and the forest make Watamu one of the richest wildlife areas on the Kenyan coast.
- Birdlife
Wading birds
Flocks of waders and terns feed on the sand and mud flats at low tide.
- Mida Creek
- Best October to April
Things to do in Watamu
Watamu combines lazy beach days with some of the best nature experiences on the coast.
Beach days
Relax on soft sand beaches and swim in the calm lagoon at high tide.
Glass-bottom boat trip
Head out to the coral gardens to snorkel among fish and look for turtles.
Gede Ruins
Walk among the coral stone mosques and houses of a lost Swahili town.
Mida Creek canoe trip
Paddle through the mangroves at high tide with a local guide.
Safari to Tsavo East
Spend a day or a night watching elephants in Tsavo East National Park.
Planning your Watamu trip
Practical details to help you get to Watamu and choose where to stay.
Getting to Watamu
- By air: fly from Nairobi to Malindi, about 30 minutes’ drive from Watamu.
- From Mombasa: around 105 km by road, usually 2 to 3 hours.
- By train: take the Madaraka Express to Mombasa, then continue by road.
Where to stay
- Beach hotels: resorts along Watamu Beach and Turtle Bay.
- Boutique stays: small villas and guesthouses close to the coves.
- Self-catering: cottages for families and longer stays.
Good to know
- Tides: plan snorkelling and swims around the tides, as the lagoon empties at low tide.
- Marine park fees: charged for boat trips into the marine park.
- Health: the coast is a malaria area, so use repellent and speak to your doctor about prevention.
Watamu travel questions
Answers to the questions travellers ask us most. Planning a trip? Send us your question and our team will reply.
Where is Watamu?
Watamu is on Kenya’s north coast in Kilifi County, about 105 km north of Mombasa and close to Malindi.
What is Watamu known for?
Watamu is known for its marine national park, coral reefs, sea turtles, Mida Creek and quiet beaches.
Can I go on safari from Watamu?
Yes. Tsavo East is the closest major park and works as a day trip or an overnight safari from Watamu.
When is the best time to visit Watamu?
December to March offers calm seas and the clearest water. July to October is cooler and breezy.
Is Watamu good for snorkelling?
Yes. Watamu Marine National Park has some of the best snorkelling on the Kenyan coast, especially at low tide.
Start planning your Watamu trip
Tell us your dates and interests, and our team will plan a Watamu beach and safari holiday that fits.
