Watamu Tourism (2024) - Kenya > Top Places, Travel Guide

Watamu Travel Essentials

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"Where Culture and Conservation Meet on Coastal Shores"

Watamu Tourism

Watamu is a charming coastal town situated on Kenya's north coast, along the Indian Ocean. Much like its neighbouring town, Malindi, Watamu offers a mix of beach fun, marine adventures, and nature experiences in a coastal town known for its relaxed atmosphere and conservation efforts. Watamu is home to the Watamu Marine National Park, which is great for underwater exploration and coral reef conservation.

It's a popular spot for activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and water sports. The town also has a long sandy beach for relaxation and swimming. There are turtle conservation projects, and you can often see baby turtles being released into the sea. The area includes Mida Creek for birdwatching and Arabuko Sokoke Forest for hiking and wildlife viewing. You can also experience local culture and markets in Watamu.

1. Watamu Marine National Park - Home to Majestic Turtles, Vibrant Marine Life, and Pristine Beaches

Watamu Marine National Park, located on the Kenyan coast, is renowned for its thriving Green turtle population, nesting and hatching on its pristine sandy beaches. The park's turquoise waters are home (Read More) to diverse coral gardens, housing over 500 species of fish and marine creatures. The interesting marine life has grouper, damselfish, lionfish, octopus, parrotfish, and moray as well as humpback dolphins and whales. With crystal-clear turquoise waters and captivating coral reefs, the park offers an enchanting experience for beachgoers, snorkelers, and nature lovers.

2. Watamu Beach

Watamu Beach, right in town, is a great place for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports. You can spend as much time as you like, and it's perfect at any time during daylight hours.

3. Turtle Conservation Projects

Watamu is also home to several Turtle Conservation Projects where you can witness the release of baby turtles into the sea. This experience lasts a few hours, with the best times being late afternoon (Read More)or early evening for turtle releases. Planning your visits to these attractions with the right timing and activities in mind will enhance your Watamu experience.

4. Kipepeo Butterfly Project

You can explore the Kipepeo Butterfly Project, located near the Gede Ruins. This educational visit allows you to learn about butterfly conservation and observe a variety of butterfly species. It's a r (Read More)elatively short excursion lasting around 1-2 hours, with the best times to visit being in the morning or early afternoon for guided tours.

5. Mangrove Boardwalks

Take a stroll along the Mangrove Boardwalks, found near Mida Creek. These boardwalks wind through mangrove forests, offering opportunities for birdwatching and experiencing the unique coastal ecosyste (Read More)m. Allocate about 1-2 hours for this exploration, with mornings or late afternoons being ideal for a visit due to more comfortable temperatures.

6. Arabuko Sokoke Forest

Arabuko Sokoke Forest, located approximately 20 kilometres from Watamu, is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing, including elephants and buffalo. The best times to visit are early mo (Read More)rning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Must Know Before You Travel to Watamu

Local Transport: Tuk-tuks, matatus (shared minivans), and motorcycle taxis are common local transport options for short trips within Watamu. You'll also find regular taxis, which are safer and more comfortable, especially at night.
Advance Booking: Pre-booking is essential for certain activities, like deep-sea fishing or scuba diving. During peak seasons, accommodations should also be booked in advance.
Day Pass/Multiple-Day Pass: Some attractions offer combination tickets for multiple sites, providing cost-efficient access. For example, you can purchase a pass that includes entry to both the Watamu Marine National Park and Gede Ruins.
Seaweed Season Alert: Between June and October, seaweed might accumulate along Watamu's shores, impacting the beach's cleanliness. Visit during other times for cleaner beaches.
Snorkelling Rules: To snorkel in Watamu's waters, you'll need a permit. Buy one at the KWS hut next to Turtle Bay to follow the local regulations.

(Read More)

Watamu Travel Packages

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Shopping in Watamu

Shopping in Watamu is a unique experience with a focus on locally made goods and items reflecting the Swahili and Giriama cultures. Popular spots include the Watamu Shopping Centre, which offers handmade jewellery, clothing, and traditional crafts. The Bio-Ken Snake Farm has a shop with snake-related merchandise. The Gede Ruins area often features local artisans selling their crafts, and you can find artists and their work near the Mida Creek Boardwalks. In Watamu, you'll discover a variety of items, from jewellery and woodwork to fabrics, all made by local artisans, making it a great way to take home a piece of the local culture.

Nightlife in Watamu

Watamu's nightlife offers a unique blend of beachfront venues, providing a relaxed setting to enjoy the sea, drinks, and seafood.

The Crab Shack and Ocean Sports Bar offer live music, themed nights, and a friendly atmosphere.
Turtle Bay Beach Club is a popular spot for beachfront parties with live bands and DJs.
Ocean Sports hosts a Friday night disco for mingling with the local community, while Wednesday nights come alive at Papa Remo's beach party. If you're feeling lucky, the casino offers entertainment and free drinks, along with a great pizza restaurant.
Additionally, Savannah restaurant serves a variety of dishes and hosts social gatherings.

Watamu's nightlife is laid-back, making it an ideal place to meet both fellow travellers and locals while embracing the coastal vibe of this Kenyan town.

History of Watamu

Watamu, located on Kenya's coast, has a long history. It started as a Swahili settlement, part of a trade network connecting East Africa to the Middle East and Asia. Over the years, Arab traders and Portuguese explorers had an impact. The Gede Ruins nearby are remains of an old Swahili town from the 13th century. Later, it came under the control of the Sultanate of Zanzibar and then became a British colony in the late 19th century. During World War II, it was an important airfield. Today, Watamu's history is reflected in its diverse mix of cultures, including Swahili, Giriama, and European influences, making it a unique and culturally rich place.

Travel Tips for Watamu

Scams: While Watamu is generally safe for tourists, be cautious about street vendors and tour operators who may overcharge. It's best to book tours and activities through reputable and licensed providers.
Tap Water: It's advisable not to drink tap water in Watamu. Stick to bottled water to avoid any health issues.
Train Travel Advice: Get off one stop before Mombasa at Marikani to avoid city traffic and save time on your train as well as taxi journey.
Network Connectivity: Mobile network connectivity is usually good in Watamu, and you can purchase SIM cards or Internet bundles from local providers like Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom. However, signal strength may vary in more remote areas.

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How to Reach Watamu

How to Reach Overview

Reaching Watamu Marine National Park is convenient as it's situated approximately 125 kilometres (77 miles) from Mombasa and 27 kilometres (17 miles) from Malindi. Both road and air travel options are available. By road, the journey takes about 3 hours from Mombasa and 30 minutes from Malindi. For a faster option, domestic flights operate between Mombasa or Malindi airports and the nearby Malindi Airport, followed by a short drive to Watamu.

How to reach Watamu by flight

The nearest airport is Malindi Airport, which is roughly 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) away. Regular domestic flights connect Nairobi and Malindi, with about a 1-hour flight duration and a round-trip cost of approximately $100 to $300.

Jambojet offers flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Malindi Airport, and EaseMyTrip schedules regular flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Malindi.

From the airport, it's a quick 30-minute drive to reach the town, and you can arrange a taxi or request transportation through your tour operator or accommodation.

How to reach Watamu by road

Watamu is about 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Mombasa and can be reached in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by taking the A109 and B8 highways. The distance from Malindi to Watamu is around 27 kilometres (17 miles) via the B8 road, and the journey typically takes 30 minutes.

How to reach Watamu by train

The nearest major railway station is in Mombasa, where you'd need to continue your journey to Watamu by road. The SGR Train offers two daily journeys from Nairobi to Mombasa. The morning train trip takes approximately 6 hours.

Ticket prices are as follows: In first class, the fare is 3000 Kenyan Shillings for adults and 1500 Kenyan Shillings for children. In the second class, tickets cost 1000 Kenyan Shillings for adults and 500 Kenyan Shillings for children.

How to reach Watamu by bus

Public buses and matatus are available for travel within and between Kenyan cities, including the Nairobi to Malindi route. Costs vary based on distance and vehicle type, so it's advisable to check with local transportation providers or stations for the latest information on schedules, fares, and travel times.

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"Where Culture and Conservation Meet on Coastal Shores"

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