"Home to Majestic Turtles, Vibrant Marine Life, and Pristine Beaches"

Watamu Marine National Park, Watamu Overview

Watamu Marine National Park, along the Kenyan coast, is known for its Green turtles nesting on its beautiful sandy beaches. The park's clear turquoise waters are home to a variety of marine life, including over 500 fish species like grouper, damselfish, lionfish, octopus, and parrotfish. With its crystal-clear waters and fascinating coral reefs, the park is a fantastic destination for beach lovers, snorkelers, and nature enthusiasts.

Watamu Marine National Park offers an array of activities for nature enthusiasts. Explore the vibrant coral gardens while snorkeling, witness the nesting and hatching of Green turtles on pristine beaches, and marvel at the diverse marine life, including grouper, damselfish, lionfish, octopus, parrotfish, and more. Humpback dolphins and whales also contribute to the marine diversity. The crystal-clear turquoise waters provide an enchanting setting for beachgoers and snorkelers alike, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a close encounter with nature's wonders.

Must Know Before You Visit Watamu Marine National Park

Special Activities Fee : Boat Rides (half a day) - KSH 2500
Scuba-Diving - $40 to $120 per dive
Snorkelling - $20 to $50 per person
Kite Surfing - $50 to $100 per hour
Wakeboarding and Water Skiing - $50 to $100 per hour

Best Time to Visit : January and March & July to September

Things to do in Watamu Marine National Park

1. Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Watamu is a great place for snorkelling and scuba diving. You can explore colourful coral reefs and see various marine life. Popular spots include Blue Lagoon, Turtle Reef, Coral Gardens, Three Sister (Read More)s, and Whale Shark Reef. The best times for better visibility are early morning or late afternoon.

2. Watamu Turtle Watch

Watamu Turtle Watch offers a chance to see endangered sea turtles nesting and baby turtles hatching. For nesting, it's best at night, and for hatchings, early morning or late afternoon is ideal. Join (Read More)a guided tour or coordinate with turtle conservation groups for responsible viewing and learning about these creatures.

3. Glass Bottom Boat Rides

Visitors can have a unique experience of observing marine life and coral reefs through a clear-bottomed boat.

4. Water Skiing and Wind Surfing

Watamu offers water skiing and windsurfing in Turtle Bay Beach and Mida Creek's turquoise waters. Best enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon for optimal wind and water conditions.

5. Beaches

Watamu Park, on the Kenyan coastline, has three beautiful beaches – Watamu, Blue Lagoon, and Turtle Beach. Perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports.

6. Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, East Africa's largest coastal forest at 420 sq km, offers diverse wildlife like the golden-rumped elephant shrew, 240+ bird species, and unique creatures like flying han (Read More)dkerchief butterflies. The reserve is home to elephants, Aders' duiker antelope, and abundant Sykes' monkeys and yellow baboons. Enjoy guided nature walks and birdwatching, especially in the early morning or late afternoon for optimal bird activity.

Read More on Watamu Marine National Park

Fauna in Watamu Marine National Park

Watamu Marine National Park is a sanctuary for various turtle species, including Green, hawksbill, and olive ridley turtles, nesting and hatching on its protected beaches. Dolphins, like the Indo-Pacific bottlenose and humpback dolphins, also call this park home.

Dive into the diverse underwater world featuring 600 fish species, from butterflyfish to barracuda. Encounter whale sharks, manta rays, and humpback whales during migration. Explore vibrant coral reefs with damselfish, groupers, and octopus. The park's avian residents, including the Black Kite and Common Bulbul, add a colorful touch to the bush, creating a haven for birdwatchers. With over 110 types of stony coral, the park teems with marine life, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

Must Know Before You Travel to Watamu Marine National Park

Watamu Marine National Park in Kenya does not have a specific entrance. Instead, it can be accessed from various points along the beachfront in Watamu.
Aqua Ventures is renowned for scuba diving, while Tribe Sports organizes various water sports like kite surfing, waterboarding, and water skiing. You can rent all the necessary equipment and gear from these tour organisers.
Turtle nesting and hatching is usually an all-year-round activity but is highest in summer between May to August. However, it is important to know that the sighting can’t be guaranteed.
Big Game Fishing competitions are held from December to March which is the prime fishing season.
There is no lodging available within the park. But you can find plenty of options in Watamu town.
If you don't have your own snorkelling and scuba diving equipment, you have the option to rent it within the park.
It is recommended to hire guides for all the activities in the park.

How to Reach Watamu Marine National Park

By Flight: Access Watamu Marine National Park through Malindi Airport, situated 25 kilometers away. Regular domestic flights from Nairobi, available through Jambojet and EaseMyTrip, take about 1 hour, costing $100-$300 for a round-trip. A short 30-minute taxi ride from Malindi Airport to Watamu can be arranged.
By Road: From Mombasa, enjoy a scenic 120-kilometer drive via the A109 and B8 highway, taking around 2.5 to 3 hours. If coming from Malindi, a quick 30-minute drive covering 27 kilometers via the B8 road gets you to Watamu.
By Bus: Opt for affordable public buses or matatus for travel within Kenya, including the Nairobi to Malindi route. For updated schedules, fares, and travel times, consult local transportation providers.