Watamu Beach & Marine Park Guide 2026
Watamu is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on Kenya north coast, known for pristine white sand beaches, a marine national park with coral reefs, world-class deep sea fishing, and sea turtle conservation. Located 120 km north of Mombasa, it is one of East Africa premier coastal destinations.
About Watamu
- Location: Kilifi County, north coast
- Distance from Mombasa: 120 km (2 hours)
- Distance from Malindi: 15 km (20 minutes)
- Nearest airport: Malindi (MYD)
- Known for: Marine park, turtles, fishing
- Best time: October-March (dry, warm)
- Water temperature: 25-29°C year-round
- UNESCO status: Biosphere Reserve
Watamu Marine National Park
Kenya oldest marine park (established 1968) protects coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves:
| Category | Fee (per day) |
|---|---|
| Non-resident adult | USD 17 |
| Non-resident child | USD 9 |
| East African adult | KSH 300 |
| East African child | KSH 200 |
Marine Life
- Over 600 species of fish
- 150+ species of coral
- Green, hawksbill, and olive ridley sea turtles
- Dolphins (can be seen year-round)
- Whale sharks (October-March)
- Manta rays and octopuses
Activities in Watamu
| Activity | Cost (approx.) | Duration | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snorkelling (marine park) | USD 20-40 + park fee | 2-3 hours | Oct-Mar |
| Scuba diving | USD 60-120/dive | Half day | Oct-Mar |
| Deep sea fishing | USD 500-1,200/boat | Full day | Aug-Mar |
| Glass-bottom boat | USD 15-25 | 1-2 hours | Year-round |
| Turtle conservation visit | KSH 500-1,000 | 1-2 hours | Year-round |
| Gede Ruins tour | KSH 500 (non-res) | 1-2 hours | Year-round |
| Mida Creek boardwalk | KSH 300 | 1-2 hours | Year-round |
| Kayaking (Mida Creek) | USD 25-45 | 2-3 hours | Year-round |
Deep Sea Fishing
Watamu is one of the world top deep sea fishing destinations, known for billfish:
- Species: Marlin (blue, black, striped), sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado
- Best season: August-March for billfish; wahoo and tuna year-round
- Cost: USD 500-1,200 per boat per day (4-6 anglers)
- Operators: Hemingways Watamu (catch-and-release policy) is the most famous
- Tournaments: Watamu International Billfish Tournament (March)
Nearby Attractions
- Gede Ruins: 13th-century Swahili town ruins in the forest, 5 km from Watamu. Entry: KSH 500 (non-resident)
- Mida Creek: Mangrove-fringed creek, boardwalk, kayaking, bird watching. Home to flamingos and waders.
- Arabuko-Sokoke Forest: Kenya largest coastal forest, home to rare birds and the golden-rumped elephant shrew
- Bio-Ken Snake Farm: Reptile research centre and snake park
- Malindi: Vasco da Gama Pillar, Malindi Museum, Portuguese Chapel (15 km north)
How to Get There
| From | Method | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | Flight to Malindi (MYD) | 1.5 hours | KSH 8,000-15,000 |
| Nairobi | Road via Mombasa | 8-10 hours | Bus KSH 1,500-2,500 |
| Mombasa | Road (A7 highway) | 2 hours | Matatu KSH 500-800 |
| Malindi | Road | 20 minutes | Tuk-tuk KSH 300-500 |
FAQ
October to March is ideal with warm, dry weather and excellent water visibility for snorkelling and diving. The long rains (April-June) bring cloudier water and some hotels close. July-September is cooler but still pleasant.
Yes! Whale sharks visit Watamu waters from October to March. Snorkelling trips to swim alongside these gentle giants can be arranged through local operators. They are most commonly spotted October-February.
Watamu is approximately 120 km north of Mombasa, about 2 hours by road. You can also fly to Malindi airport (MYD) which is just 15 km from Watamu.