Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Watamu is a small resort town on Kenya's coast, renowned for the Watamu Marine National Park—one of Kenya's oldest and most biodiverse marine protected areas. The beach combines pristine white sand with world-class snorkeling and diving on coral gardens. Whale sharks visit seasonally, and the area is a critical nesting site for sea turtles. The nearby Gede Ruins add historical depth to a beach visit.
Fly into Malindi Airport (MYD) or Mombasa (MBA). Watamu is 20 km south of Malindi and 120 km north of Mombasa on the coastal road. Matatus and taxis available. The village is small and walkable once you arrive.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Beauty | Exceptional |
| Uniqueness | Exceptional |
| Access | Easy |
| Preservation | High |
Watamu Marine National Park protects coral gardens, seagrass beds, and mangroves. Snorkelers encounter parrotfish, angelfish, and moray eels. Whale sharks aggregate October–March. Green and hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches, with local conservation groups offering night patrols during nesting season (April–August).
Watamu Beach is in Kilifi County on Kenya's north coast, approximately 105 km north of Mombasa and 20 km south of Malindi. It sits within the Watamu Marine National Park, part of the UNESCO Malindi-Watamu Biosphere Reserve.
Watamu is exceptional for its marine biodiversity. The Watamu Marine National Park protects pristine coral reefs, and the area is a critical sea turtle nesting site. The Local Ocean Conservation runs a turtle rescue and rehabilitation centre open to visitors.
Fly into Malindi Airport (MYD), which is 20 km north of Watamu, or Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa and drive north (2–3 hours). Matatus and buses run between Mombasa and Malindi, passing through Watamu.
The best months are October to March (warm, calm seas, excellent snorkeling visibility). July to September is also good but can be cooler. Avoid April–June (long rains). Turtle nesting season peaks from April to June.
Yes, Watamu offers world-class snorkeling in the marine national park. Glass-bottom boats take visitors to coral gardens. The protected reef supports over 600 species of fish and 110 species of coral. Snorkeling equipment can be rented locally.
The Local Ocean Conservation (formerly Watamu Turtle Watch) operates a sea turtle bycatch release and rehabilitation programme. Visitors can witness turtle releases, visit the rescue centre, and even adopt a turtle. Five species of sea turtle nest on Watamu's beaches.
