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Kenya coast destination

Watamu

Coral gardens, nesting turtles and a quiet tidal creek on one of Kenya’s loveliest stretches of coast.

Watamu holidays
Plan your trip

Location

Kilifi County, Kenya

Best time

December to March

Ideal stay

Three to four nights

Famous for

Marine park and turtles

Location

Kilifi County, Kenya

Best time

December to March

Ideal stay

Three to four nights

Famous for

Marine park and turtles

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Don’t miss

Sunset over Mida Creek from the boardwalk, as the tide comes in.

A small village with a protected sea

Watamu is a small fishing village on Kenya’s north coast, about two hours from Mombasa. Its coral reefs and lagoons are protected by one of the oldest marine parks in Africa.

Turtles nest on the beaches, coral gardens lie just offshore, and the tidal waters of Mida Creek draw flocks of migrant birds. Inland, the Arabuko Sokoke Forest shelters rare birds and mammals, and the ruins of the Swahili town of Gede are close by.

Places to explore

  • Watamu Marine National Park
  • Mida Creek
  • Arabuko Sokoke Forest
  • Gede Ruins
  • Turtle Bay
  • Blue Lagoon

Marine and forest life

Reef, creek and forest all sit within a few kilometres of the beach.

Sea turtle

Green and hawksbill turtles nest here, protected by local conservation groups.

Dolphin

Dolphins are often seen on boat trips inside the marine park.

Humpback whale

From July to October, humpbacks pass offshore on their yearly migration.

Reef fish

The coral gardens are full of parrotfish, angelfish and moray eels.

Mida Creek birds

Waders and kingfishers feed on the creek’s mudflats at low tide.

Ghost crab

Bright crabs dart across the sand at dusk.

More than a beach break

Hover or tap a card to see how each experience fits into your days in Watamu.

Snorkelling and diving

Coral gardens close to shore.

Snorkelling and diving

Glass-bottom boats and snorkel trips take you over the reefs of the marine park, with dives for all levels.
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Turtle conservation

Meet the turtle protectors.

Turtle conservation

Visit a local turtle conservation centre and learn how nests and injured turtles are cared for.
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Mida Creek kayaking

Mangroves and tidal flats.

Mida Creek kayaking

Paddle through the mangroves at high tide, or walk the boardwalk to spot herons and kingfishers.
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Arabuko Sokoke Forest

Rare birds and elephant shrews.

Arabuko Sokoke Forest

Walk forest trails with a guide in search of rare birds, butterflies and the golden-rumped elephant shrew.
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Deep-sea fishing

Big game off the reef.

Deep-sea fishing

Head out beyond the reef for sailfish, marlin and tuna with an experienced local crew.
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Kitesurfing

Steady trade winds.

Kitesurfing

Ride the lagoon on reliable winds, with lessons available for beginners.
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When to visit Watamu

Watamu is warm all year. The season you pick shapes the weather, the sea and the wildlife.

Best time

December to March

Hot, dry season

Calm seas and the clearest water for snorkelling, diving and fishing.

April to June

Long rains

Heavy showers and rougher seas, but quiet beaches and low rates.

July to October

Cool, dry season

Breezy days, good kitesurfing and humpback whales passing offshore.

November

Short rains

Short tropical showers between sunny spells.

Planning your trip

The practical details, so you can decide how to travel and where to stay.

Getting there

Fly to Malindi or drive the coast.

  • By air: fly from Nairobi to Malindi, about 30 minutes’ drive from Watamu.
  • By road: about two hours north of Mombasa along the coast road.
  • Combined routes: pairs well with Tsavo East, Lamu or Diani.

Where to stay

Beach hotels and villas.

  • On the beach: hotels and boutique lodges facing the marine park.
  • Villas: private houses for families and groups.
  • Any budget: we match stays to your style, from simple cottages to luxury hotels.

Watamu Marine National Park fees are charged by Kenya Wildlife Service per person. Ask us for the current rates when you request your quote.

Safari and beach holidays

Ready-made trips that pair a safari in Tsavo East with relaxing days on the beach at Watamu.

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Watamu FAQs

Can’t see your question here? Our Nairobi team is available 24/7.

Talk to Serval Tours and Travel

Watamu is on Kenya’s north coast in Kilifi County, about two hours north of Mombasa and close to Malindi.

Fly from Nairobi to Malindi and drive about 30 minutes, or drive around two hours north from Mombasa.

Three to four nights is ideal for snorkelling, Mida Creek, the forest and some time on the beach.

Yes. The marine park protects coral gardens close to shore, and the water is clearest from December to March.

Yes. Green and hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches, and you can visit a local turtle conservation centre.

December to March is hot and dry with calm seas. July to October is cooler and windier. April to June is the wettest period.

Yes. Calm lagoons, rock pools and wildlife trips make it easy to keep children busy.

Yes. Tsavo East is within easy reach by road, so a safari and beach trip is simple to arrange.

Start planning your Watamu escape

Tell us your dates, group size and budget. We’ll come back with a Watamu plan built around the season and the experiences you want most.

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