Watamu Beach located on Kenya northern coast near the town of Watamu. It is a stunning destination renowned for its natural beauty, clear waters, and vibrant marine life. The beach is situated 105km North of Mombasa and 15km south of Malindi. It has pristine white sand and is a great spot for scuba diving or snorkeling. The coastal village of Watamu is famous for its wonderful white sand beach. The Watamu Marine National Park protects the region.
The Marine National Park is about 1 km from the coast of the Beach. It contains 600 fish species, 110 species, 110 species of stony coral, and countless invertebrates, crustaceans and molluscs.
The village has a population of Italian expats who left their mark on the local cuisine through authentic Italian pizza and ice cream
Here’s a detailed look at what makes Watamu Beach a remarkable place to visit:
Watamu Beach Kenya Overview:
- Location: Watamu Beach in Kenya is situated approximately 120 kilometers north of Mombasa. It is part of the larger Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve. It is known for its excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Highlights:
- Pristine Beaches: The beach features soft white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It creates a picturesque setting perfect for relaxation and beach activities.
- Marine Life: The waters around Watamu Beach are home to a diverse range of marine life, including coral reefs, sea turtles, and various species of fish. The Watamu Marine National Park offers fantastic snorkeling and diving experiences.
- Watamu Marine National Park: People know the park for its well-preserved coral reefs, diverse marine species, and beautiful seagrass beds. It’s a protected area that promotes sustainable tourism and conservation.
- Turtle Conservation: Watamu Beach is also involved in sea turtle conservation efforts. The area provides nesting sites for endangered turtles, and visitors can learn about conservation projects and possibly see turtle hatchlings.
Watamu Beach Kenya Activities:
- Snorkeling and Diving: The clear waters and vibrant coral reefs make Watamu an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving. Popular sites include the Mida Creek and the coral gardens within the marine park.
- Kite Surfing and Windsurfing: The consistent winds and warm waters make Watamu a good location for kite surfing and windsurfing, especially during the windy season.
- Boat Tours: Traditional dhow boats offer scenic tours around the area, including visits to nearby islands and fishing expeditions.
- Fishing: The area is popular for both deep-sea and shore fishing, with opportunities to catch a variety of fish species.
- Exploring Mida Creek: A tidal creek near Watamu that offers boat tours and bird-watching opportunities. It’s a mangrove ecosystem that provides a different perspective on the coastal environment.
Watamu Beach Kenya Accommodations:
- Luxury Resorts: Watamu has a range of luxury resorts and boutique hotels offering beachfront views, private villas, and high-end amenities. Some popular options include the Hemingways Watamu and the Medina Palms.
- Budget-Friendly Options: There are also more affordable lodgings and guesthouses catering to different budgets, ensuring a wide range of choices for visitors.
Dining and Culture:
- Restaurants: The area features several restaurants and beachside cafes where you can enjoy fresh seafood, local Kenyan cuisine, and international dishes.
- Local Culture: The local culture of Watamu reflects a blend of Swahili and coastal influences, with opportunities to experience traditional music, dance, and crafts.
Travel Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Watamu Beach is during the dry seasons, which run from December to March and June to October, for optimal weather and water clarity.
- Getting There: The nearest major airport is Moi International Airport in Mombasa, from where you can drive to Watamu. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Conservation Respect: Given the area’s focus on marine conservation, visitors should be mindful of environmental practices, such as not touching or stepping on coral reefs and supporting eco-friendly tourism initiatives.
Watamu Beach offers a blend of natural beauty, marine adventure, and relaxation. This makes it a fantastic destination for both romantic getaways and family vacations in Kenya.
Itinerary
Arrive at the airport for your scheduled flight to Mombasa, which takes approximately one and a half hours.
Upon arrival in Malindi, Panora Tours and Safaris driver will pick you from the airport and transfer you to your hotel for lunch and relaxation by the pool or beach the entire afternoon.
Dinner and over night stay at The One Watamu or similar.
Early breakfast then drive to Watamu marine park for a glass bottom boat ride where you’ll have a chance to view over 100 species of fish that you can watch from the glass bottom boat. There are also green turtles, whale sharks, manta rays and barracuda. Activities; deep sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunbathing e.t.c. Later proceed to Gedi Ruins which is one of the few remaining ancient towns in Kenya, blessed with unexplored treasures & unique landmarks, this site has baffled many since there are no written records of it. Then afterwards proceed to Mida Creek for a boat ride and sea exploration. After dinner explore Watamu night experience.
Dinner and over night stay at The One Watamu or similar.
Have breakfast, head over to the sandy beaches to capture the last moments in Watamu. Enjoy the last shots on the beach and in the environment of the hotel. Visit the Watamu marine park.After lunch in your hotel, our driver comes pick you for a transfer to Malindi Airport for your flight back to Nairobi.
