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    Kenya

    City

    Watamu is a small seaside resort south of Malindi on Kenya's North Coast, whose bays are part of one of Kenya's first marine national parks. Coral gardens lie only a few hundred metres offshore, and sea turtles nest on its beaches.

    by Felix Gillen

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    Watamu is a small seaside resort south of Malindi on Kenya's North Coast, whose bays are part of one of Kenya's first marine national parks. Coral gardens lie only a few hundred metres offshore, and sea turtles nest on its beaches.Mida Creek with its mangroves, the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, and the Gede Ruins are in the immediate vicinity.

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    Watamu Marine National Park
    Park

    1Watamu Marine National Park

    Founded in 1968 as one of Kenya's first marine parks and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1979. The coral gardens are located about 300 meters off the coast; boat operators offer snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours. Green sea turtles are common here.
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    Local Ocean Conservation
    Attraction

    2Local Ocean Conservation

    The non-profit organization operates a rehabilitation center for sick and injured sea turtles, monitors 50 to 100 nests annually, and rescues turtles from fishing nets. Visitors can visit the Marine Centre.
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    Mida Creek
    Attraction

    3Mida Creek

    An inlet with sandbanks and mangrove forest, a resting place for local and migratory birds. Green and Hawksbill sea turtles also use the creek.
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    Restaurants in

    1

    Pilipan Restaurant

    One of Watamu's best-known restaurants, with Indian-style food, great cocktails, and water views.
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    Food and Drink

    In Watamu, much revolves around seafood from the ocean and Mida Creek, complemented by dishes of Swahili cuisine.

    Mida Crab

    Large mangrove crab from Mida Creek, which is served as a specialty at the community restaurant in Dabaso.

    Grilled Sea Delicacies

    Mixed platters with fish, shrimp, and calamari are on the menu in almost all beach restaurants.

    Pilau

    Rice seasoned with cloves and cardamom, often cooked with coconut milk.

    Marinated Fish

    Grilled fish in a coconut and tamarind sauce.

    Sea and Nature

    Watamu Marine National ParkThe park was established in 1968 along with the Malindi Marine Park and has been part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1979. The coral gardens are located approximately 300 metres off the coast, home to over 500 fish species according to some sources. Green sea turtles are common in the park.Local Ocean ConservationThis non-profit organisation runs a rehabilitation centre for sick and injured sea turtles in Watamu. Its work includes monitoring 50 to 100 nests annually and a program that frees turtles from fishing nets. Visitors can visit the Marine Centre.Mida CreekThis tidal inlet, with its sandbanks and mangrove forest, is a resting place for native and migratory bird species. In Dabaso, the Dabaso Creek Conservation Group operates the Crab Shack restaurant, which features a boardwalk through the mangroves.

    Nightlife

    1

    Papa Remo Beach

    Beachfront restaurant with a deck in Watamu Bay, which local tourism media rank among the legendary spots for dance nights. Party dates vary; current info is available directly from the venue.
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    2

    Ocean Sports

    Historic house on the beach with a veranda bar over the sea, popular for lunch, seafood, and sunset drinks.
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    3

    Lamphouse

    Waterfront bar at Temple Point, known for sunsets and hammocks with views of the sea inlet. It is considered one of the iconic places for parties and special evenings in Watamu.
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    Getting Here and Around

    Getting ThereThe nearest airport is Malindi, with domestic flights from Nairobi. From Mombasa, the coastal road leads north via Kilifi.Getting AroundTuk-tuks and boda-bodas connect the town with the bays, including Gede and Mida Creek.Boat operators offer snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours for the marine park. According to the KWS fee schedule, non-resident adults pay 25 US dollars per day from October 1, 2025, with payment via eCitizen.For current and authoritative travel and safety advice, see the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice, linked on the country page.

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    Nearby

    Gede Ruins

    Gede Ruins

    The ruins of Gede are the remains of a Swahili town in the coastal forest near Watamu, a few kilometers from the beaches. Since 2024, they have been a UNESCO World Heritage site, with mosques, a palace, and pillar tombs lying here among ancient trees.The town was probably founded in the 11th or 12th century and abandoned in the 17th century.
    Malindi

    Malindi

    Malindi is an ancient Swahili port city on Kenya's north coast, some 100 kilometres northeast of Mombasa. Vasco da Gama docked here in 1498 on his way to India; the column named after him commemorates his visit. Today, with its marine national park, long beaches, and a large Italian community, the city is a popular holiday destination.The UK FCDO has specific travel advice for parts of the coast north of Malindi. Check the current FCDO travel advice before travelling.
    Arabuko-Sokoke Forest

    Arabuko-Sokoke Forest

    The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest near Watamu, at approximately 420 square kilometers, is the largest preserved piece of coastal forest in East Africa. It is home to rare, globally threatened species like the Golden-rumped Sengi and Clarke's Weaver.For birdwatchers, it is one of the most rewarding destinations on the coast, and it is located directly next to the Gede Ruins and Watamu.
    Coast

    Coast

    Kenya's coast on the Indian Ocean stretches from the Tanzanian border to the Lamu Archipelago, combining white beaches, coral reefs, and a Swahili culture shaped over centuries. Here are several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Lamu Old Town, the Gede Ruins, and the sacred Kaya Forests of the Mijikenda.Many travelers combine an inland safari with a few days by the sea, for example in Diani, Watamu, or Malindi.
    Kilifi

    Kilifi

    Kilifi is situated on a wide creek, approximately halfway between Mombasa and Malindi. The Kilifi Creek, with its mangroves, sailboats, and birdlife, defines the area, and on the southern bank, atop a hill, stand the Mnarani ruins of a Swahili city.Kilifi also features Bofa Beach, a long sandy beach with several beach restaurants and a kitesurfing centre.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
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