15 Best Things to Do in Watamu, Kenya (A Local’s Guide)

Watamu is a small fishing town on Kenya’s north coast, about 120 km north of Mombasa and 20 km south of Malindi. It is famous for white sand, turquoise water and one of the oldest marine parks in Africa. Our team was born and raised here, and this is the list we give friends who visit for the first time.

On and in the water

1. Snorkel in Watamu Marine National Park

Protected since 1968 and part of the Malindi-Watamu Biosphere Reserve, the marine park is home to coral gardens, turtles, rays and hundreds of species of reef fish. The best snorkelling is at low tide, when the water over the coral gardens is calm and clear. A boat takes you out from the beach in a few minutes.

2. Sail a traditional dhow on a Blue Safari

A full day on a wooden dhow is the classic Watamu day out: snorkelling at the reef, dolphin spotting when the sea is right, and a seafood lunch on a sandbank. See our Blue Safari: Dhow, Snorkelling and Dolphins.

3. Watch the sun set from a dhow

The light over Mida Creek in the last hour of the day is something guests talk about for years. Our Sundowner Dhow Cruise sails out in the late afternoon with drinks and snacks on board.

4. Kayak or paddle board through the mangroves

Mida Creek is a tidal inlet lined with mangrove forest. Paddling through it at high tide is quiet and beautiful, with kingfishers, herons and, in season, flocks of migrating waders. Join our kayaking and paddle boarding half day.

5. Look for whales and dolphins

Humpback whales pass the Watamu coast on their migration, mostly between July and October. Dolphins can be seen year round on calm days. No sighting is ever guaranteed, but the boat trips are worth it for the sea and the coastline alone.

6. Try kitesurfing or deep sea fishing

The steady trade winds make Watamu a well known kitesurfing spot, especially from June to September and December to March. Watamu and Malindi are also known for sport fishing, with most boats following a tag and release approach for billfish.

History, nature and culture

7. Explore the Gede Ruins

Hidden in the forest a few minutes from Watamu are the ruins of Gede, a Swahili town that thrived between roughly the 12th and 17th centuries and was then abandoned. Walk among the mosques, houses and the palace, with monkeys in the trees above you. Our Gede Ruins Day Trip includes a local guide.

8. Walk Mida Creek’s boardwalk

A wooden boardwalk and suspension bridge lead into the mangroves of Mida Creek. It is one of the best places on the coast for birdwatching, and the community project that runs it puts entrance fees back into the local villages.

9. Visit Arabuko-Sokoke Forest

The largest remaining coastal forest in East Africa sits right behind Watamu. It is home to rare birds, butterflies and the golden-rumped sengi (elephant shrew), found almost nowhere else on earth.

10. See Hell’s Kitchen at Marafa

Inland from Malindi, wind and rain have carved a sandstone canyon of red, orange and white cliffs. Come for the late afternoon, when the colours glow. We combine it with a lunch on Robinson Island in our Robinson Island and Hell’s Kitchen trip.

11. Spend a day in Malindi

Malindi has the Vasco da Gama Pillar, a lively old town and a long Italian connection you will notice in its cafés. Our Malindi Day Trip covers the highlights.

12. Meet the turtles

Watamu has an active sea turtle conservation community that rescues, treats and releases turtles caught in nets. Ask us about visiting the turtle rescue centre and how to support it.

Food, beach and slow days

13. Eat fresh seafood on the beach

Watamu’s food is a mix of Swahili and Italian cooking, with fish straight from the boats. At the Marafiki restaurant on Jacaranda beach we serve both, with weekend brunch and live music from Friday to Sunday.

14. Walk the beaches at low tide

When the tide goes out, sandbanks and rock pools appear between Watamu and Jacaranda. Walk early in the morning, when the sand is cool and the fishermen are coming in.

15. Add a safari

Tsavo East National Park is close enough to visit in a day from Watamu, and you can reach the Masai Mara with a short flight. Read our guide to Tsavo East safaris from Watamu or see all our safaris.

Practical tips

• Getting there: fly into Malindi airport (about 30 minutes away) or Mombasa (about two to three hours by road). We arrange transfers.
• Tides matter: snorkelling and sandbank trips are planned around low tide, so check with us before fixing your days.
• Dress: light clothes, a hat and reef-safe sun cream. Cover shoulders and knees in town and at the ruins.
• Money: Kenyan shillings and M-Pesa are used everywhere; cards work in larger hotels and restaurants.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Watamu?

Four to seven nights lets you snorkel the marine park, do one or two day trips, visit Gede and still have slow beach days. Add two or three nights if you want a safari as well.

Is Watamu good for families?

Yes. The water inside the reef is calm, the beaches are wide and most activities, from dhow trips to the Gede Ruins, work well with children.

Can you book activities on arrival?

You can, but trips around tides and the best dhow days fill up in high season. Message us before you travel and we will plan the days for you.

Ready to plan? Tell us your dates and what you like in our trip planner and we will reply with a plan, usually the same day.