Visit Watamu, Kenya

Snorkeling among a tropical reef, canoeing along a mangrove-lined creek, and sampling fresh fish, in the coastal village of Watamu

Sheltered by the curve of the tidal Mida Creek and fringed by a barrier reef, Watamu, on Kenya’s central coast, is a mecca for snorkeling and diving, and makes for a relaxing post-safari stay. You can take a boat out to Watamu Marine National Park to explore the kaleidoscopic sea life that flits among the corals. You could also explore by paddleboard, try kitesurfing, or navigate the creek by dugout canoe.

Between activities, relax on white-sand beaches or, at low tide, investigate shallow pools filled with shells, seaweed, and skittering ghost crabs. In the village, you can browse stalls selling bright fabrics and local carvings, sip drinks in the cafes, and taste seafood fresh from fishermen’s nets. You might also like to venture just outside town to visit the Ruins of Gedi — remnants of a medieval Swahili trade hub.

Snorkeling & diving in Watamu Marine National Park

Lying just 300 m (984 ft) offshore, the coral gardens that form Watamu Marine National Park provide habitat for around 600 fish species, many invertebrates, crustaceans, and molluscs, as well as whale sharks, manta rays, and octopuses. It’s the best protected coral reef along Kenya’s entire coastline, and snorkeling or diving in the warm, clear water gives you a glimpse into this underwater world.

You can take a boat trip (arranged locally or through your resort) or even swim out to the reef at low tide. Look out for green, hawksbill, and olive ridley turtles, which nest on Watamu’s main beach between April and October.

The coral itself is also a highlight, with over 150 species of hard and soft corals thriving here, including cerebral-looking brain corals, delicate fan corals, and sponges.

Mida Creek by boat, kayak, or dugout canoe

This tidal creek, surrounded by mangroves and fringed with palms, cuts into Arabuko Sokoke Forest to create an oasis for wildlife. Fish teem in its waters, crabs hide among the mangroves of smaller streams, and migratory birds touch down here to rest and refuel on their long journeys.

You can take in the natural grandeur by dugout canoe or kayak, paddling through small channels that cut through the mangroves. Or, join a boat trip, sipping dawa (a local cocktail with vodka, sugar, and lime) as the sun sets and spotting wildlife as you go, from kingfishers diving for prey to fish eagles perched on nearby trees. Mida is also where you’ll find the community-run Crab Shack, which serves fresh crab alongside crisp samosas and cold drinks, all while supporting locals.

Watamu village & beach

Around Watamu, shimmering sand is lined with private beachfront homes, jagged islands and rock pools invite exploration at low tide, and people come and go in brightly painted tuk-tuks.

You can stroll through the village, which blends Kenyan, Arab, and Italian influences, to browse its shops and relax in its cafes, or admire some of the handicrafts sold from bright and cheerful stalls. The village’s population of Italian expats have left their mark on the cuisine, and you’ll find authentic pizza and gelato alongside freshly caught fish.

The Ruins of Gedi

Just outside Watamu, you can visit the remains of a medieval Swahili settlement, the walled town of Gedi. Here, you’ll see remnants of stone buildings used by Arab traders until the 17th century, including a palace, mosques, and distinctive pillar tombs — structures topped with a pillar or column.

Best time to visit Watamu

While it’s warm or hot in Watamu year-round, July to October experiences the driest conditions with clear skies and milder, more comfortable temperatures. January to early March is generally dry but can get humid as temperatures soar. Between October and April seaweed occasionally collects along Watamu’s shoreline, so you may not have the same pristine beaches as other times of year.