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Watamu Beach
Coral gardens, sea turtles and quiet white-sand coves on Kenya’s north coast.
Location
North coast, about 105 km north of Mombasa and 30 minutes from Malindi airport
Best time
December to March and July to October
Known for
Watamu Marine National Park, sea turtles and Mida Creek
Ideal stay
3 to 5 nights
About Watamu Beach
Discover Watamu Beach
Watamu is a laid-back beach village on Kenya’s north coast, with soft white sand, rocky coves and some of the clearest water on the Indian Ocean shoreline. It is a favourite way to unwind after a safari, without the crowds of the bigger resorts.
Just offshore lies Watamu Marine National Park, one of Kenya’s oldest marine parks and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its coral gardens are home to hundreds of species of fish, and sea turtles nest on the beaches. Inland you can explore the mangroves of Mida Creek, the ancient Swahili ruins of Gede and the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest.
Highlights
Why visit Watamu Beach
Marine National Park
Snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat over colourful coral gardens.
Sea turtles
Learn about turtle conservation and, in season, see nesting beaches.
Mida Creek
Sunset dhow trips and a mangrove boardwalk rich in birdlife.
Gede Ruins
Explore the remains of a Swahili town hidden in the forest.
Experiences
Things to do
- Snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips
- Sunset dhow cruise on Mida Creek
- Gede Ruins and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest walk
- Deep-sea fishing
- Kitesurfing and diving
- Whale watching from July to October
Seasons
When to visit
December to March
Hot, sunny and calm seas; the best time for snorkelling and diving.
July to October
Dry and breezy, with humpback whales passing the coast.
April to June
Long rains; quieter, and some hotels close for part of the season.
Tailor-made
Watamu Beach safaris
Every safari we plan is tailor-made. Tell us your dates, budget and travel style and we will build a Watamu Beach itinerary around you, on its own or combined with other parks and the coast.
Start planning
Ready to explore Watamu Beach?
Tell us when you’d like to travel and what you’d love to see. A safari planner will reply within 24 hours with a tailored itinerary and a clear, all-inclusive quote.