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Bushking Safaris
Fishermen on Mida Creek near Watamu at high tide

Kenya · The Coast

Watamu

Properties
4
Luxury
2
Mid-range
2

Overview

Watamu is Kenya's most ecologically significant coastal destination, a compact village on the northern coast where conservation, community, and extraordinary natural beauty converge in a way unique on the African coast.

The Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve, gazetted in 1968 as Kenya's first marine park, protects one of the most biodiverse coral reef systems in the Western Indian Ocean. The park is home to over 600 fish species, five species of marine turtle, and seasonal whale sharks that pass through the bay, making Watamu one of the few places in the world where whale shark encounters can be reliably arranged.

Adjacent to the park, Mida Creek is a vast mangrove estuary of exceptional birding importance. Local Ocean Conservation runs one of Africa's most respected sea turtle conservation programmes, and visitors can participate in turtle tagging, beach patrols, and hatchery visits.

Watamu is also the centre of Kenya's kite surfing scene, with a colony of Italian expats who have built world-class facilities and dining. The historic Gede Ruins, a 12th-century Swahili trading town in the coastal forest, adds a remarkable cultural dimension.

When to go

Watamu, month by month. This month is September.
  1. Best SeasonOct to Mar

  2. Kite SurfingJan to Mar, Jul to Sep

  3. Whale SharksOct to Feb

  4. Avoid Long RainsApr to May

  5. Turtle nestingOct to Mar

  • This month
Best Season
Peak diving and snorkelling visibility. Warmest, sunniest weather. Turtle nesting season Oct–Mar. November particularly excellent for diving.
Kite Surfing
Strong, consistent trade winds. January–March especially favoured.
Whale Sharks
Best window for encounters, though not guaranteed.
Avoid Long Rains
Reduced water visibility. Some properties close.

Park fees

Marine park fees (effective Oct 2025)
Marine park / ActivityNon-residentEA citizenEA resident
Watamu Marine National Park, AdultUSD 25 / visitKES 500 / visitKES 675 / visit
Watamu Marine National Park, ChildUSD 15 / visitKES 250 / visitKES 350 / visit

Charged per visit at the gate, and only for boat, snorkelling and diving trips into the marine park: there is no fee for using the beach. Under 5 free. Ages 5–17 pay the child rate. East African citizen and resident rates are charged in Kenyan shillings.

Park fees are not included in accommodation rates and are added at quotation stage. Effective October 2025, reverified annually.

Watamu in pictures

Where you'll stay

Luxury · 2

  • Photos to come

    Hemingways Watamu

    Named for the great American writer, a boutique property of 18 suites on Watamu Bay with the informal elegance and genuine warmth that distinguishes the Hemingways group. One of four Hemingways properties in Kenya, known for exceptional food, personal service, and a tradition of game fishing that Ernest Hemingway himself would have appreciated. The location on the bay provides direct access to Watamu Marine National Park and the whale shark snorkelling that makes Watamu one of the world's most remarkable ocean experiences. A long-running favourite among Nairobi's discerning travellers.

    Bed and breakfastBoutique Luxury Hotel

    Luxury
  • Photos to come

    Medina Palms

    An Arabesque-inspired luxury retreat, 32 suites in Moorish architecture with detailed carved plasterwork, open courtyards, and an aesthetic that reflects the Indian Ocean's centuries of Arab trading influence. Each suite has its own private garden or plunge pool. Known for meticulous service, exceptional cuisine, and a genuinely romantic atmosphere that makes it a consistent choice for honeymoons and anniversary celebrations. The integration of Swahili architectural tradition with contemporary comfort is executed with rare care.

    Bed and breakfastBoutique Beach Resort

    Luxury

Mid-range · 2

  • Photos to come

    Ocean Sports Resort

    Watamu's original dive resort, a no-frills, sports-focused property where the conversation is about the dive conditions rather than the thread count of the sheets. 30 rooms of honest comfort organised around a PADI dive centre and game fishing operation. Known for excellent guiding on the marine park, a convivial bar popular with the Watamu diving community, and a genuinely enthusiastic team of water-sports specialists. The choice for serious divers and anglers who want to be in the water rather than by the pool.

    Bed and breakfastSports & Diving Resort

    Mid-range
  • Photos to come

    Turtle Bay Beach Club

    Watamu's established all-inclusive anchor, 145 rooms on Watamu Bay offering a comprehensive all-in package with activities, food, and drinks. Known for an excellent programme of water sports, a good dive centre, and enthusiastic management of the marine park access. The scale allows comprehensive resort amenities including a kids club and evening entertainment. A reliable choice for families and groups seeking value on an all-inclusive basis in a genuinely beautiful marine park setting.

    Bed and breakfastAll-Inclusive Beach Resort

    Mid-range

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Frequently asked questions

Peak diving and snorkelling visibility. Warmest, sunniest weather. Turtle nesting season Oct–Mar. November particularly excellent for diving.

Charged per visit at the gate, and only for boat, snorkelling and diving trips into the marine park: there is no fee for using the beach. Under 5 free. Ages 5–17 pay the child rate. East African citizen and resident rates are charged in Kenyan shillings.

Watamu is Kenya's most ecologically significant coastal destination, a compact village on the northern coast where conservation, community, and extraordinary natural beauty converge in a way unique on the African coast.

Start planning your Watamu trip

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