Watamu, a small coastal town in Kenya, is a hidden gem known for its pristine white sandy beaches, rich marine life, and cultural heritage.
If you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Watamu has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the 13 best things to do in Watamu to make your trip enjoyable and worth it.
Key Takeaways:
- Travel Tips: Bring an underwater camera, plan guided tours, and balance water activities with cultural experiences.
- Watamu Climate: Warm season (Nov–Apr), cool season (Jun–Sep), and two rainy seasons (Mar–Apr, Nov–Dec).
1. Explore Watamu Marine National Park
Watamu Marine National Park is one of Kenya’s premier marine parks. Actually, it one of the first few marine parks that were established in Kenya.
Its widely known to be offering stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life, and crystal-clear waters. It has the soft and hard corals for example the fan corals, sponges and the bun corals that give essential nutrients the fish.
The park has over 550 species of fish while ethe reserve has over 1000 species. Its is the most popular attraction with the whale sharks and the manta rays catching the eyes of the tourists.
Watamu Marine National ark provides a place where you can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and even glass-bottom boat tours to witness vibrant sea creatures like turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish.
2. Go Snorkeling at Turtle Bay
Turtle Bay Beach is a haven for snorkeling lovers. On the safety of the tourist, the National Marine Park is protected by Kenya Wildlife Service who ensure that all marine life within its boundaries is protected.
The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for beginners, while the thriving coral reefs attract a variety of colorful marine species. Snorkels and goggles are available for use by the travelers or tourist shop located near the swimming pool.
A pro tip: Remember to bring an underwater camera to capture the beauty beneath the waves and the turtles.
3. Visit the Bio-Ken Snake Farm
If you’re a nature enthusiast, the Bio-Ken Snake Farm is a must-visit. It is situated just outside Watamu. The farm has over 200 snake species including the vipers, cobras and the puff adder.
The farm has the largest collection of snakes in East Africa and tourists visit this place regularly in year. Its both a research center and a laboratory, specializing in anti-venom research and the study of snake bites.
You can learn about venomous and non-venomous snakes, their roles in the ecosystem, and how they are used for medical research. Get started by booking a tour with Natural World Kenya Safaris.
More about Bio-Ken Snake Farm;
Climate: The temperature ranges from 24oC/76oF to 320C/900F. There are two rainy seasons – the long rains happen in March/April and the short rains November/December.
Location: Watamu, on Gede Watamu Road.
Operating Hours: 10:00 hrs. to 17:00 hrs. (5 pm), seven days a week
4. Take a Boat Ride to Mida Creek
Mida Creek is a stunning tidal inlet surrounded by mangrove forests, offering breathtaking scenery and a tranquil environment. The place offers a good breading ground for species of fish including Jacks, Groupers, Emperors, Rabbit Fish, Parrotfish.
These grounds in Mida Creek offers tourist a good place where they can enjoy the view of different kind of fish species.
A boat or canoe ride through the creek allows you to spot flamingos, kingfishers, and crabs while enjoying the peaceful waters.
5. Relax at Watamu Beach
Watamu Beach is one of the most tranquil beaches in Kenya, with powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Its located 110 KM from the south of Malindi.
The beach provides the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, or just unwinding with a good book while enjoying the coastal breeze. Is the best spot for vacations and holiday breaks.
The beach has coral reefs which offer enjoyable sea diving, surfing boat riding experiences that you can like. With popular hotels and restaurants around the beach you can enjoy stays and food while in the Watamu. You can also plan for romantic lunches and candle lit dinners while in the small city.
More about Watamu;
Climate: Daytime: Warm season (November–April) is around 31–33°C (88–91°F), cool season (June–September) is around 27–28°C (81–82°F). Nighttime: Warm season is around 23–25°C (73–77°F), cool season is around 22°C (72°F).
6. Explore the Gede Ruins
The Gede Ruins are an ancient Swahili village located in Arabuko Sokoke Forest, which is south of Malindi. It’s a well maintained ruins offering a glimpse into Kenya’s rich history and culture, with impressive stone structures, mosques, and a palace surrounded by a mysterious aura.
The ruin also include a museum and different kind of animal sanctuary comprising the guenon monkeys, butterflies, snakes, lizard and turtles. They offer a nice tourist attraction site the both local and foreign visitors love and enjoy.
The ruin is important because it showcases the the Swahili architecture and town planning.
7. Go Deep-Sea Fishing
Watamu offers some of the best deep-sea fishing destination, attracting anglers from all over the world. You can catch marlin, sailfish, tuna, and other big game fish.
Their are numerous charter companies offer fishing excursions with experienced guides for example the Mohamed’s Fishing Charters, Al Fathi Fishing sports Watamu Kenya and Tiara Deep Sea Fishing.
8. Visit the Watamu Turtle Watch
The Watamu Turtle Watch is a must-visit for anyone that is into wildlife conservation. This dedicated organization that was started in 2012 to protect endangered sea turtles through rescue efforts, hatchery programs, and community education. Both local and foreign are allowed learn about the different species of turtles that nest along Watamu’s beaches at a small fee.
One of the fun activity that you can do at Watamu Turtle Watch is participating in turtle releases, where rehabilitated or newly hatched turtles are guided back to the ocean. The experience provides insight into the importance of marine conservation and the ongoing efforts to preserve these sea turtles.
9. Try Kite Surfing
Watamu offers an exciting way to experience the coastal beauty and the thrill of riding the waves for visitors who love kite surfing. The steady winds and warm, shallow waters in Watamu beach create ideal conditions for both beginners and seasoned kite surfers.
The main kite surfing season starts from December and ends in March while from June to September, when the winds are most favorable.
Several local schools such as Jckite School that provide professional kite surfing lessons and equipment rentals, making it easy to get started with the activity.
10. Go Stand-Up Paddleboarding
The coastal beach of Watamu offers stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) activities, one of the fun things to do in watamu allowing visitors to enjoy. The activity can easily be done by both children and adults, allowing you to glide over crystal-clear waters.
While doing paddleboarding you’ll get to enjoy the panoramic views of the lush surroundings and diverse marine life.
SUP excursions in Watamu often include guided tours through the mangrove creeks and open waters. SUP in mangrove creeks allows you to observe exotic birds, fish, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
11. Discover the Arabuko Sokoke Forest
The Arabuko Sokoke Forest is the largest remaining tropical coastal forest in East Africa. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature. The tropical forest is home to rare and endangered wildlife, such as the golden-rumped elephant shrew, butterflies, birds, monkeys, endemic bird species like the Sokoke Scops Owl, and unique plant life.
If you’re a nature close up person or likes to experience walks, take a guided nature walk or a cycling tour through the forest’s well-maintained trails. The hike is well marked with clear paths of about 4km. Some of the activities here come at a small cost.
Various pols such as the Kararacha pool located in Watamu offer a good view for the birds, whistling Duck pool and the amphibians. Also, you can view the golden-rumped elephant shrew at suitable spots such as Nyari Cliff.
Local guides are available and will help you spot wildlife and explain the ecological significance of the area.
12. Take a Dhow Safari to Sudi Island
A traditional dhow safari to Sudi Island is one of the most magical things you can do in Watamu. It involves sailing on a beautifully crafted wooden dhow, gliding over the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
Along the way, you can spot dolphins and take a close look at the Kenya beautiful coastal scenery. Once you arrive at Sudi Island, you can also enjoy delicious Swahili-style seafood lunch that encompasses the freshly caught fish and prawns.
The lush mangrove forests provide a serene environment for a leisure walk or boat ride. You can also swim in the warm waters, snorkel among vibrant marine life, or simply sit and relax on the sandy shores.
13. Visit the Crab Shack Dabaso
Crab Shack Dabaso is a charming community-run restaurant located within the mangroves of Mida Creek. It offers unique dining experience making your visit to Watamu even better.
This restaurant eatery offers fresh, locally sourced seafood, including their famous crab samosas and grilled fish.
The place has an open-air deck where you can enjoy your meal while enjoying the stunning views of the creek and its abundant birdlife such as the herons and flamingos.
Conclusion
Watamu is town filled with numerous adventure, culture, and relaxation. This coastal gem offers something for every kind of traveler. There are so much activities that can done here, whether you’re a wildlife lover to diving into water sports.
Some of the nice places to visits here include, marine life of Watamu Marine National Park to the historic charm of Gede Ruins and the serene beauty of Mida Creek. Whether you’re up for a short trip or planning an extended vacation, these 13 things to do in Watamu will ensure you capture the essence of this incredible town.
