Watamu walking tour & city guide
White sand, turtles and coral gardens.
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Watamu, a small village south of Malindi, has some of Kenya's most beautiful beaches, a marine national park and a turtle rescue center.
The sea
Watamu Marine National Park has coral gardens, sea turtles and dolphins. Glass-bottom boats go out from the beaches, and Local Ocean Conservation rescues turtles.
Around
Mida Creek is a tidal inlet with mangroves and birdlife. The Gede Ruins, a 13th-century Swahili town, lie in the forest nearby.
Good to know
Watamu is about 30 minutes south of Malindi and two hours north of Mombasa. The marine park's coral gardens are best seen at low tide, when the water is calm and clear. Sea turtles nest on the beaches, and Local Ocean Conservation offers educational visits. The Arabuko Sokoke Forest, nearby, is home to rare birds and elephant shrews. The beaches face east, so sunrise over the ocean is spectacular.
Why people love it
Watamu has a relaxed village feel, with small guesthouses, Italian cafés and a lively local market. Its beaches, like Turtle Bay and Garoda, are separated by rocky outcrops, and at low tide you can walk to small islands. Mida Creek, a tidal inlet fringed with mangroves, is great for kayaking and birdwatching, with flamingos and crab plovers. The Gede Ruins, a 13th-century Swahili town lost in the forest, are just a few minutes away.
Top sights in Watamu
- 1
Watamu Marine National Park
Coral gardens.
- 2
Mida Creek
Mangroves and birds.
- 3
Gede Ruins
A ruined Swahili town.
- 4
Turtle Bay Beach
A beautiful beach.
- 5
Arabuko Sokoke Forest
A coastal forest.
Food markets & where to eat in Watamu
Watamu village
Local eateries.
Beachfront
Seafood restaurants.
Mida Creek
Seafood in the mangroves.
Food to try in Watamu
Grilled lobster
Fresh from the reef.
Pilau
Spiced rice.
Madafu
Fresh coconut water.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Watamu
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in WatamuCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Watamu.
- eSIM for KenyaStay online from the moment you land.
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