Watamu: beaches, turtles and snorkelling on the north coast
Watamu is a Swahili fishing village that has become the quietest resort on Kenya's north coast, about 100 km north of Mombasa and 25 km south of Malindi. White-sand bays backed by coral reef and mangrove creeks make it a natural stop after a safari. The atmosphere is calmer and more family-oriented than the south coast, with hotels, villas and small guesthouses rather than big resorts. The details below were checked in October 2026 and should be confirmed before you travel.
Highlights
Watamu's beaches
Several bays of pale sand follow one another along the village, including Watamu Beach, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay. The tide changes the scenery a lot: at low tide the reef exposes wide sandbanks and rock pools with starfish and small fish.
Snorkelling and boat trips
The reefs of the neighbouring marine park are visited by glass-bottom boat or outrigger. Trips leave from the main beaches and last a few hours. See the page on Watamu Marine Park.
Mida Creek and its mangroves
South of the village, Mida Creek is a large lagoon lined with mangroves, popular with migratory birds. You can explore it by canoe or from a wooden boardwalk over the mangroves, especially pleasant late in the day.
Practical info
Tips
- Local Ocean Trust (Watamu Turtle Watch) treats and releases sea turtles caught in fishing nets; a visit helps fund the centre. For the marine park, allow for the KWS entry fee, which for non-residents was USD 25 per adult and USD 15 per child per 24 hours under the October 2025 schedule. Agree the price of a boat before boarding and preferably pick an operator recommended by your accommodation; beach vendors are persistent but polite if you decline. Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for the reef and cash (shillings, M-Pesa) are useful. For where to stay, see Where to stay in Kenya.
How to get there
Fly to Malindi airport (about 30 minutes by road to Watamu) from Nairobi or Mombasa, or drive from Mombasa (about 2 to 2.5 hours via the A7 then the B8, depending on traffic). On the spot, tuk-tuks and piki-piki (motorbike taxis) link the beaches and the village; hotels also arrange transfers.
Opening hours
Nearby
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