Watamu
Save15 hand-picked places in 5 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓Show on the map
Tips
7 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Protected coral gardens with turtles and reef fish, ideal for snorkelling.
3 tips
- Go at low tide for the best snorkelling
- Park fee is paid at the KWS office
- Glass-bottom boats suit non-swimmers
📷 Photos
- 2
White-sand beach with coral islets exposed at low tide.
3 tips
- Walk out to the islets at low tide
- Beach boys can be persistent; say no politely
- Seaweed season is roughly May to August
📷 Photos
- 3
Mysterious ruins of a 13th-17th century Swahili town in the forest.
3 tips
- Hire a site guide for the stories
- Look out for Sykes monkeys
- Small site museum at the entrance
📷 Photos
- 4
Tidal mangrove creek rich in wading birds, with canoe trips and sunsets.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Visit at high tide for dhow or canoe rides
- Bring binoculars for migrant birds
- Sunset dhow trips are popular
📷 Photos
- 5
East Africa's largest coastal forest, home to rare birds and elephant shrews.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Start at the visitor centre near Gede
- Hire a local bird guide
📷 Photos
- 6
Calm sheltered bay at the edge of the marine park, great for swimming.
3 tips
- Boat trips to the reef leave from here
- Calm water suits children
- Shade is limited at midday
📷 Photos
- 7
Community butterfly farm beside Gede Ruins supporting forest conservation.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Combine with Gede Ruins
- Small fee supports local farmers
📷 Photos
Take this map with you
Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.
Before you go: Watamu tips
Transportation
- Fly into Malindi: Malindi airport has flights from Nairobi and is a short road transfer to Watamu, much quicker than driving from Mombasa.
- Get around by tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks run between the village, the beach hotels and Mida Creek; agree the fare before you set off.
- Take a matatu to Malindi: Minibuses from the Gede junction on the main road run often to Malindi, a cheap way to reach its markets and old town.
Security
- Book with licensed operators: Beach boys will offer snorkelling and dhow trips; book through your hotel or KWS-approved operators instead.
- Protect against malaria: The Kenyan coast is a malaria area; use repellent, sleep under nets and ask a doctor about prophylaxis before you go.
- Avoid the beach at night: Do not walk deserted stretches of Watamu beach after dark; take a tuk-tuk between restaurants and your lodging.
Saving
- Pay with M-Pesa: Mobile money is used everywhere, from tuk-tuks to beach bars; a local SIM with M-Pesa saves on cash withdrawals.
- Eat Swahili food in the village: Local cafes serve pilau, biryani and mahamri for far less than the beachfront resort restaurants.
- Walk the low-tide sandbars: At low tide you can wade across the lagoon and explore rock pools for free instead of paying for a boat.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack light cottons: Watamu is hot and humid all year; bring loose, breathable clothes, reef-safe sunscreen and a sun hat.
- Plan around the long rains: April to June brings heavy rain and rougher seas; December to March is calmer and best for snorkelling.
- Bring reef shoes: Sea urchins and sharp coral are common in the shallows of the marine park, so water shoes are a must.
Cultural
- Dress modestly in the village: The Swahili coast is largely Muslim; cover shoulders and knees away from the beach, especially during Ramadan.
- Greet before you ask: Start with Jambo or Habari before any question; locals value greetings, and pole pole, slowly, sets the pace here.
- Try coastal dishes: Order samaki wa kupaka, grilled fish in coconut sauce, and viazi karai, spiced fried potatoes, for real Swahili flavour.
Local Hacks
- Time snorkelling with the tides: Watamu Marine National Park is best near low tide when the coral gardens are calm and clear.
- Walk the Mida Creek boardwalk: The mangrove boardwalk and suspension bridge are great for birdwatching, especially at high tide at sunset.
- Combine Gede and Arabuko Sokoke: The Gede Ruins of a Swahili town and the Arabuko Sokoke forest sit close together; visit both on a morning trip.
1-day itineraries in Watamu
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.