Since moving to Kenya just over 2 years ago, I’ve been sharing my love for the Kenya coast and its unmatched beauty like it’s my job. It’s just that beautiful! So much more than a safari destination, Kenya offers some of the longest and most beautiful - and easy to enjoy - coastline on the continent!
One of the most frequently-asked questions I’ve been receiving from South African travellers recently is “Where should I go on the Kenya coast?” followed by “What’s the best beach destination in Kenya” or simply “Diani Beach, Lamu or Watamu?”. And having spent time in Lamu Island, Watamu and Diani Beach, I’m happy to be able to share my personal experiences and recommendations, hopefully inspiring you to grab your passport and head to Kenya for your next beach holiday.
Situated on the coast of Kenya, Watamu is a small town renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and diverse marine life. Located about 105 km north of Mombasa and 15 km south of Malindi, Watamu is a small coastal town on the Indian Ocean that has a name that translates to “Home of the sweet people” in Swahili, and it truly lives up to that reputation.
Watamu is a gorgeous coastal town in Kenya, about 105km north of Mombasa and 15km south of Malindi. Watamu sits with the Indian ocean brushing along its beaches. These are the same waters that grace the idyllic destinations of the Maldives and Mauritius. I haven’t been to either of those destinations just yet, but my time in Watamu certainly gave me a taste for the luxury lifestyle offered there.
Why Choose Watamu?
Of all the wonderful coastal destinations in Kenya, Watamu Beach town is the place I like best, and it is not difficult to see why this town keeps drawing me back in. Known for its pristine white sandy beaches and tropical relaxed vibe, this is an ideal destination for family holidays, romantic getaways, for wild solo and group coastal adventures.
Read also: Waste to Wonder: Flip Flop Art
Watamu is a delightful Coastal town located about 15km from Malindi and just about 110km from Mombasa town. Watamu means ‘The Sweet Things’ or ‘The Sweet Ones’. Kenyans like to say ‘Watamu ni Tamu!’ - which means Watamu is Sweet!
Sheltered by the curve of the tidal Mida Creek and fringed by a barrier reef, Watamu, on Kenya’s central coast, is a mecca for snorkeling and diving, and makes for a relaxing post-safari stay. If you had asked me a month ago, if I’d ever spend 2 whole weeks vacationing in a single location, I’d have said ‘maybe, it depends on the location‘. If you had then given the location as Watamu, a small fishing town on the Kenyan coast, I’d have answered with a definite ‘no!’. This is because I don’t consider myself a ‘beach bum’ and I like to travel fast.
I would never have thought to go to the Kenyan coast for fine white sand beaches, ridiculously perfect temperature waters and palm trees. Add in turtles, coral reefs, incredible coffee, sunshine and open-air treehouse accommodation with yoga by sunrise and sunset, and you can imagine just how dreamy our post-safari beach days were in Watamu.
Snorkeling in Tropical Fish World @ Watamu National Marine Park Safari Blu 20/12/2017
Getting There and Around
The easiest and fastest way to get to Watamu Beach is to fly to Malindi, which has the closest airport. The nearest airports to Watamu are Malindi (30 minutes away) and Mombassa (2-3 hours away). From there, you will need to get to Watamu by car. If you’re staying here, your accommodation should be able to arrange a transfer for you.
Transport: From Nairobi, options include travelling by bus which is a journey that usually takes about 10 hours and sets you back about 1,500/- for a one way trip on a regular seat. The Standard Gauge railway train to Mombasa which usually costs about 1,000 for economy class and 3,000 for business class on a one way trip is the second option. In terms of time this does not confer any advantage to the bus option since Watamu is still about 2hours away from Mombasa. The third option is a flight from Nairobi to Malindi and prices for the flights usually start at 5,300 for a one way trip and the cost is variable depending on the day of the week and the season. Transfers from Malindi to Watamu usually cost about 2,000 for a solo traveller but if in a larger group this usually comes to around 4500 per vehicle.
Read also: Discover Sentrim Elementaita Lodge
Once you get to the coast, it’s easy and affordable to get around using taxi cabs and tuk-tuks. The easiest way to get around Watamu Beach is via tuk-tuks and motorbikes.
Accommodation Options
Choosing the right place to stay can elevate your experience in Watamu. Luckily, you will find accommodation options for every budget type in this town. Regarding where exactly to base yourself, it all depends on your preference. There's also another thing to consider when choosing your accommodation - which part of the town to stay in? A fork in the road splits Watamu into two parts. If you have a good amount of days to spend, it might be great to split your stay between the two parts to get a feel of both.
Accomodation: There are multiple hotels and resorts to choose from and even more villas on Airbnb for all budgets. We opted to stay at Turtlebay Resort, an all inclusive, beachfront eco friendly resort that is located on Watamu beach road. ( Review of the resort will be done on a separate post). The rates are variable with the season and time of the year. At the time of our stay we paid 18,000 for a double per night on all inclusive basis.
We stayed a 5-minute tuk tuk ride down the coast from the centre of Watamu at Watamu Treehouse. As you step barefoot around the bridges, stairs and towers of Watamu Treehouse, you’ll dip in and out of the forest canopy. The area feels wonderfully untouched. Staying at Watamu Treehouse is a once in a lifetime experience.
Watamu Treehouse
There are seven bedrooms in this hand-crafted treehouse. They’re spread between two towers, all with unique interior design. Watamu Treehouse was set up by the owner Paul as a home for wellness, to be part of each guest’s individual journey to healing and good health. Should you wish to immerse yourself fully in the Treehouse, you can book a full board experience. It is recommended though that you go half board, which is exactly what we did. This leaves room to explore the town and support the local businesses.
Read also: Best Nairobi Excursions
Your stay at Watamu Treehouse is more than just food and accommodation. It’s a home. Paul has done an incredible job of making each and every guest’s stay feel personalised. The staff (most of whom are locals) are amazing. I can only hope that one day life brings me back to Watamu.
Things to Do in Watamu
Now, let's move on to the best part - what to do in Watamu Beach! Though it might seem like a sleepy town on the surface, there's an array of activities to do here. Itinerary: Watamu is a gift that kept giving because despite spending close to a week in the town, we still left with unticked activities and destinations.
Watamu Marine National Park
Watamu Marine National Park is the name given to the entire coastal area around Watamu and it managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). This protected area is renowned as one of East Africa’s best spots for snorkeling and diving, teeming with vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and occasional dolphin sightings.
You can take a boat out to Watamu Marine National Park to explore the kaleidoscopic sea life that flits among the corals. Lying just 300 m (984 ft) offshore, the coral gardens that form Watamu Marine National Park provide habitat for around 600 fish species, many invertebrates, crustaceans, and molluscs, as well as whale sharks, manta rays, and octopuses. You can take a boat trip (arranged locally or through your resort) or even swim out to the reef at low tide.
The National Park is made up of:
- Garoda Beach
- Turtle Bay
- Blue Lagoon Bay
- Watamu Bay
- Ocean Breeze
- Kanani Reef
- Jacaranda Beach
- Mida Creek
Thanks to the area’s crystal-clear, turquoise waters, rich marine life, and gorgeous coral reefs, the coastal community of Watamu, Kenya, is perhaps one of the best places for snorkeling and diving on the African coast. Watamu’s variety of snorkeling and diving activities are accessible to divers of all ability levels. Beginners can enjoy Watumu’s sprawling coral reefs and the marine life that call them home, while more experienced divers can explore deep wall dives and uncover shipwrecks scattered across the seafloor.
Snorkeling & Diving Centers
Remember that before you snorkel or dive in this protected area, it’s essential to get a permit from the Kenya Wildlife Service. Even if you plan on walking into the water from the shore in your snorkelling gear, you’ll need this permit beforehand. Once you’re all set, you’ll find several reputable PADI-certified dive schools in Watamu.
- Aqua Ventures - A well-respected centre that provides PADI courses, guided dives, and snorkelling outings. They also arrange dolphin and whale watching trips, allowing you to explore more of Watamu’s marine life.
- Scuba Diving in Kenya - Operating out of the Turtle Bay Beach Club, this centre offers PADI-approved training and daily dives in the surrounding waters, including excursions to Watamu Marine National Park.
- Bluefin Diving - A PADI-certified establishment featuring a broad range of courses suited for novices up to advanced divers. They lead excursions within the Marine Park and beyond.
- Ocean Sports Diving - Based at Ocean Sports Resort, they offer PADI courses, dive safaris, and tailored trips around the Marine Park, where you’re likely to encounter dolphins, turtles, and vibrant coral ecosystems.
- Peponi Divers - Known for delivering a safe, personalized experience, Peponi Divers covers everything from entry-level sessions to guided dives. They emphasize eco-friendly practices and marine conservation.
- Tribe Watersports - Although they focus mainly on kitesurfing and other water sports, Tribe Watersports also arranges diving expeditions and teams up with local dive schools to offer certification programs.
Mida Creek
To experience some of the most beautiful natural wonders of the African coast, we’d recommend setting sail on a cruise of Mida Creek. This tidal creek, surrounded by mangroves and fringed with palms, cuts into Arabuko Sokoke Forest to create an oasis for wildlife. You can take in the natural grandeur by dugout canoe or kayak, paddling through small channels that cut through the mangroves.
Snaking inland from the Indian Ocean down to the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, the mangrove-lined banks of Mida Creek are home to a wealth of diverse bird life, including flamingos, kingfishers and African fish eagles. Whether you choose to glide along its sunlit banks in a boat, kayak or a traditional Dhow (wooden boat), exploring Mida Creek is perhaps one of the best things to do in Watamu, Kenya.
Another fun activity in Watamu is kayaking or paddleboarding on Mida Creek. A dhow ride on Mida Creek is one of my favourite things to do in Watamu. There are several operators that organise this activity. We've gone with three different operators, and they were all excellent, but I only have contact details for one, which is Captain Sammy Dhow Boat.
Sunset Kayaking in Mida Creek
If you're looking for an unforgettable experience in Watamu, kayaking through the mangroves at Mida Creek should be at the top of your list. We absolutely loved our adventure because it was a perfect mix of fun, challenge, and a refreshing workout. Midway through, we parked our kayaks and continued on foot to discover a hidden, secret beach. Our guide, King, shared fascinating stories about life in the nearby villages where he grew up, giving us a deeper appreciation of the area's culture and traditions.
The return trip was equally special. As the sun began to set, we gently paddled back, pausing to float on the calm waters, sipping tea and enjoying snacks while watching the sun dip dramatically below the horizon. The entire experience was magical, serene, and invigorating all at once.
Kayaking at Mida Creek is an incredible adventure we'd highly recommend to anyone visiting Watamu! We booked our experience via Watamu Treehouse.
Gede Ruins
Just outside Watamu, you can visit the remains of a medieval Swahili settlement, the walled town of Gedi. For explorers interested in the rich culture of the local Swahili people, the Gedi Ruins, situated 10 miles from Watamu, are an excellent place to spend an afternoon learning about the history of the region and its people. Dating back to the 13th century, the Gedi Ruins form the remnants of an ancient Swahili village, including houses, mosques, and even a great palace.
The Gede Ruins, situated just inland from Watamu, offer a captivating glimpse into a once-thriving Swahili settlement believed to date back to the 12th century. The ruins are small so you won’t spend to much time here. Although it was mysteriously abandoned in the 17th century, leaving behind few records about why, Gede’s remnants provide valuable insights into Swahili history, architecture, and trade.
Bio-Ken Snake Farm
A must-visit for animal lovers, Bio-Ken Snake Farm in Watamu, Kenya houses the largest collection of snakes in East Africa, with their scaled selection playing a vital role in research into snake bites and their treatment. Located just a short drive from central Watamu, the center was founded in 1980 and has dedicated itself to educating local people in snake identification, helping to save lives across the continent.
Arabuko Sokoke National Park
For those interested in embarking on one of the most exciting and diverse safaris in Watamu, look no further than Arabuko Sokoke National Park. Spanning 160 square miles of Kenyan coastline, this vibrant forest is home to a wealth of rare and endangered animal species, including African elephants, buffaloes and duikers. Containing over 260 species of bird, the park is also a beacon for bird watchers all over the continent.
Pristine Beaches
One of the biggest draws of Watamu is its beaches, with Garoda Beach standing out for its year-round freedom from seaweed. You’ll find sunbeds available for a small fee (often negotiable), and unlike some tourist hotspots, there’s minimal hassling from local vendors. You can order fresh seafood from your loungers and explore the craft stalls at the entrance. There is plenty of space on the beach if you want to just relax on the sand as well.
Garoda Beach is especially popular for kite surfing at high tide. The number one thing to do during a beach holiday is to relax.
Other Activities
- Kitesurfing: Speaking of sporting activities, here's another one to try out - Kitesurfing!
- Boat Excursion to Love Island: For those looking to visit one of Kenya’s most secluded islands, you can embark on a boat excursion from Watamu Beach to the picturesque Love Island.
Food Scene
Food. Unlike the South Coast, Most of the hotels in Watamu offer stays on bed and breakfast or halfboard basis. This provides you with the perfect opportunity to explore other Hotels and restaurants in the town. And although we were staying on an all inclusive basis we still had to explore other hotels such Visiwa beach resort and the restaurant at Ocean Sports resort.
Don't miss dining out in Watamu. I have written a blog post dedicated to some of the restaurants we dined at in Watamu.
Top tip: Head down to The Crab Shack (a local community project) for dinner on the wooden structures that sit on the edge of the Mangrove forest with views over the creek. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset, grab some fresh local seafood and all the money goes back into the local community.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re wondering when the best time to visit Kenya is, vacations to Watamu between May and August bring the opportunity to witness one of nature's most awe-inspiring natural phenomena. Summer is nesting season and during this time female sea turtles travel for thousands of miles to lay their eggs on Watamu Beach. With every species of sea turtle now being classified as endangered, Watamu’s Local Ocean Trust is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to conserving and protecting these majestic sea creatures.
While it’s warm or hot in Watamu year-round, July to October experiences the driest conditions with clear skies and milder, more comfortable temperatures. January to early March is generally dry but can get humid as temperatures soar.
Watamu is warm year-round, but rainy seasons (March-May and October-November) can affect visibility for snorkelling and diving. If you’re all about underwater adventures, consider visiting in drier months for better clarity.
Conclusion
Watamu truly embodies the spirit of a serene seaside retreat. It’s a place where the pace of life slows, the beaches remain unspoiled, and a breathtaking sunset kayak on Mida Creek can cap off your day in the most magical way. Whether you’re lounging on sunbeds at Garoda Beach, exploring ancient Gede Ruins, or venturing below the waves with a snorkel mask, Watamu’s natural beauty and warm hospitality make it a standout destination on Kenya’s coastline.
Popular articles:
tags: #Kenya
