Relax on the Sands of Watamu
Watamu is a serene, picture-perfect village on Kenya's north coast, nestled between the warm Indian Ocean and historic creek systems. Its long stretches of white sand and the famous sandbars that appear at low tide make it one of Kenya's most idyllic coastal escapes.
The village fronts the Watamu Marine National Park, a vital part of the Malindi-Watamu biosphere reserve, where vibrant coral gardens shelter hundreds of fish species, turtles and dolphins. Watamu also plays an important role in turtle conservation, with a well-known local turtle watch programme.
Basic Information
Just inland, the mysterious Gede Ruins - the remains of a 13th-century Swahili town - offer a fascinating window into a vanished civilisation, while the laid-back coastal lifestyle and superb seafood complete the picture.
- Destination
- Country
- Best Time to Visit
- Region
- Marine Park
- Nearest Airport
- Coast
- Watamu
- Kenya
- Jan-Mar & Jul-Oct
- Kilifi County, north coast
- Watamu Marine National Park
- Malindi
- Indian Ocean
At low tide the sandbars rise like white ribbons from turquoise water, while beneath the surface coral gardens teem with turtles and fish - Watamu is the coast's gentle wild heart.
The Gorge Tours Safari Guide
The best time to visit Watamu is during the dry months from January to March and July to October, when skies are clear, the sea is calm and conditions are perfect for snorkelling, diving and sandbar trips.
From swimming among colourful reef fish and watching green turtles nest to wandering the forest-shrouded Gede Ruins, Watamu blends beach serenity with rich Swahili heritage.
Sample 3-Day Watamu Itinerary
Arrive at Watamu and check in to your beachside accommodation. Unwind on the soft white sands, swim in the warm ocean and enjoy a seafood dinner as the sun sets over the sea.
Take a boat trip into Watamu Marine National Park to snorkel the vibrant coral gardens. Continue to the sandbar for a swim in shallow turquoise water, and spot turtles and dolphins along the way, before returning for a relaxed evening.
Explore the mysterious Gede Ruins in the forest, then paddle through the mangroves of Mida Creek, a haven for birds and local fishing communities. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at a creekside restaurant.
This is a sample itinerary and can be fully customized to suit your dates, budget and interests.
Highlights
- Swim & snorkel from pristine white-sand beaches
- Boat to the shifting sandbars at sunset
- Dive the coral gardens of Watamu Marine Park
- Visit turtle conservation & rehabilitation centres
- Wander the forest-shrouded Gede Ruins
- Paddle the mangroves of bird-rich Mida Creek
- Fresh seafood dinners by the ocean
