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Kenya coast destination
Watamu, reefs, turtles and quiet bays
A laid-back village beside one of Kenya’s oldest marine parks.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
Kilifi County, Kenya
Protected waters
Marine National Park
Ideal stay
3 to 4 nights
Best time
June to March
Village overview
Where the forest meets the reef
Watamu is a small, relaxed village on Kenya’s north coast, set on a string of sheltered bays and coral-lined beaches. Just offshore, the Watamu Marine National Park protects reefs, seagrass and the turtles that come here to feed and nest.
Inland, the Arabuko Sokoke Forest is the largest remaining stretch of coastal forest in East Africa, home to rare birds and butterflies. Add the mangroves of Mida Creek and the mysterious Gede Ruins, a medieval Swahili town, and Watamu offers far more than beach days.
- About 105 km north of Mombasa
- Close to Malindi airport
- Marine park right on the doorstep
Why go
Six reasons to choose Watamu
Nature, history and some of the coast’s best snorkelling.
Marine National Park
Coral gardens and clear water just off the beach.
Turtle conservation
Local projects protect nesting turtles and release them back to the sea.
Arabuko Sokoke Forest
East Africa’s largest coastal forest, full of rare birds and butterflies.
Gede Ruins
The remains of a medieval Swahili town hidden in the forest.
Mida Creek
Mangroves, a boardwalk and some of the coast’s best birdwatching.
Deep-sea fishing
A long-standing base for big-game sport fishing.
Marine life
What you will find in the ocean
Watamu’s protected waters are some of the richest on the Kenyan coast.
Sea turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles feed in the marine park.
Nesting turtles
Turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on quiet beaches.
Dolphins
Often seen on boat trips beyond the reef.
Reef fish
Bright shoals among the coral gardens.
Waders and seabirds
Thousands of birds feed in Mida Creek at low tide.
Humpback whales
Passing offshore, usually between July and October.
When to visit
Watamu through the year
The coast is warm all year. Choose the season that suits your plans.
Peak season
December to March
Hot and dry
Calm seas, clear water and long sunny days. Ideal for beaches, snorkelling and diving.
Great time
July to October
Cool and dry
Pleasant temperatures and the season when humpback whales pass along the coast.
Quiet season
April to June
Long rains
Heavy showers, lush scenery and quieter beaches, with some hotels offering lower rates.
Good value
November
Short rains
Brief afternoon showers between sunny spells, before the festive season.
Things to do
More than the beach
Reefs, forest and creeks, all close to your hotel.
Snorkelling and diving
Explore the coral gardens of the marine park.
Arabuko Sokoke Forest
Walk forest trails in search of rare birds and elephants.
Mida Creek by dhow
Sail through the mangroves and watch the birds at sunset.
Deep-sea fishing
Head out for marlin, sailfish and tuna with local skippers.
Kitesurfing
Ride the steady coastal winds in the bays.
Sunset on the water
End the day on a traditional boat as the sky turns gold.
Plan your visit
Getting there and staying over
The practical details, so you can focus on the coast.
By road
About two hours north of Mombasa along the coast road, or a short drive from Malindi.
By air
Daily flights from Nairobi land at Malindi airport, around 30 minutes from Watamu.
Where to stay
Beach hotels, small boutique lodges and private villas along the bays.
Coast trips
Trips that include the Kenyan coast
Safari and beach holidays that finish by the Indian Ocean. Every itinerary can be tailored to you.
- 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 questions, answered
The things travellers most often ask before visiting. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
Fly to Malindi and transfer by road, or drive about two hours north from Mombasa.
Turtles can nest at different times of year. Ask us and we will check with local conservation projects.
Three or four nights gives you time for the marine park, Mida Creek and some beach days.
Yes. The marine park offers some of the best snorkelling on the Kenyan coast, especially at low tide.
Yes. Tsavo East is a short journey away and pairs perfectly with a beach stay.
Yes. Calm bays, turtles and rock pools make it a favourite with children.
Ready for Watamu?
Tell us your dates and whether you would like to add a safari, and we will plan your Watamu stay around you.
