Along Kenya's coast, this small beach town has white coral sand beaches, marine parks with sea turtles, and ancient Swahili ruins at Gedi dating to the 13th century.
Located 105 kilometers north of Mombasa, Watamu stretches along Kenya's Indian Ocean coast. You can watch green sea turtles nest on white sand beaches, snorkel among brain coral formations in the marine park, or spot African fish eagles diving for prey in Mida Creek. In the nearby forest, you'll find coral stone walls and chambers of the 13th-century Gedi settlement.
Swimming and Snorkeling in Watamu Marine National Park
The marine park's clear waters contain over 600 species of fish, 110 types of coral, and several species of sea turtles. Water visibility peaks at 25 meters between December and March, when temperatures reach 30°C. Buy your permit at the Kenya Wildlife Service Hut near Turtle Bay Beach Resort before entering the park. Local boat operators will take you about 1 kilometer offshore to snorkel spots where damselfish dart through brain coral formations, lionfish hover near fan corals, and moray eels peek out from rocky crevices.
Exploring Mida Creek
Mida Creek branches inland from the Indian Ocean through dense mangrove forests. You can paddle board through narrow channels, kayak in deeper waters, or take sunset boat trips to watch kingfishers and African fish eagles hunt. The community-run Crab Shack, built on wooden platforms above the water, serves fresh seafood while supporting local initiatives. During low tide, walk along the exposed sandbanks to spot fiddler crabs and mudskippers.
Wildlife Conservation
The Local Ocean Trust protects endangered marine species, focusing on sea turtles. From May to August, female turtles lay their eggs on Watamu's beaches. Visit the Marine Information Centre to learn about ongoing conservation projects. At Bio-Ken Snake Farm, you'll find East Africa's largest collection of snakes, including the Naja ashei - the world's largest spitting cobra.
Ancient History at Gedi Ruins
The Gedi settlement, 8.4 kilometers from Watamu, was a thriving Swahili trading center in the 13th century. Walk through the coral stone mosque with its carved wall patterns, explore the palace's multiple chambers, and see houses that once connected East African traders with merchants from Arabia, Persia, and India.
Getting to Watamu
Fly into Malindi Airport, 30 minutes away, with daily flights from Nairobi (1.5 hours) and twice-daily flights from Mombasa (30 minutes). By car from Mombasa, drive north along the coast road for about two hours. Within Watamu, use local tuk-tuks to reach beaches and nearby attractions.
