13+ Unique Things to Do in Watamu
Watamu is a small coastal town located 2 hours north of Mombasa and only 30 minutes south of Malindi. Whether you are staying in Mombasa or Malindi you can still enjoy the beauty of Watamu on a day trip. In this article, we’ll look into unique things to do in Watamu.
Unique things to do in Watamu include kite surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving at the Watamu marine park, visiting an archeological site, enjoying glass-bottom boat rides, or simply enjoying a walk along the beach.
Now let’s dive into the list of all the fun and free things to do in Watamu.
1. Visit Watamu Marine National Park
If there’s only one thing you can do in Watamu, is visit this UNESCO biodiversity site. Watamu marine park is very rich in biodiversity and comes second to the Great Barrier Reef. As you approach the park you will spot hundreds of dolphins swimming and playing on the water’s surface.
To get a full experience and enjoy the true beauty of the marine park, you have to dive into the water. Swim with the dolphins, snorkel, free dive, or scuba into the reef. Watamu marine park has been voted the best snorkeling and scuba diving site in Africa.
The park is located about 300 m off the beach. To access it you will need to pay an entrance fee paid at the beach, then hire a local guide to take you there. You can also rent snorkeling gear from the guides. Alternatively, you can ask your hotel to organize the tour for you with a local dive company. Keep in mind this will be slightly expensive but has more perks and convenience.
2. Scuba Dive at Watamu marine park
If you are a diving enthusiast, then you will love diving at Watamu. Inside the reef you will encounter dolphins, dozens of green turtles, hundreds of different fish species, sharks, manta rays, and the occasional whale sharks that visit the park.
These are only a few members of the diverse ecosystem at the park. The reef is also rich in corals available in vibrant colors and shapes. It’s easy to see why the marine park is voted as one of the best scuba diving and snorkeling sites in the world and in Africa.
While enjoying your dive, remember to dive responsibly. Protect the corals and the entire ecosystem and also avoid reef-damaging sunscreen.
3. Kite Surfing
Besides Diani, Watamu is the next best place to engage in water sports such as kite surfing. The beautiful beaches of Watamu provide the best playground for these activities. Since the beaches are sparsely populated, there are enough training grounds for everyone.
In addition, there a many licensed water sports centers in Watamu. These include the Turtle Bay Dive and water sports center and Tribe water sports center. As a beginner,, you can relax knowing you are working with professionals.
If you wish to participate in more water spots besides kite surfing, simply organize with the center. To get a good deal combine water sports with a tour of Watamu Marine Park.
4. Bio-Ken Snake Farm
A fun place to visit with kids or alone. Explore the diverse snake farm and research center dedicated to educating the community on the different types of snakes found within the region.
With over 200 snake species both venomous and non-venomous, the facility is helping save lives. Creating awareness and education helps protect the snakes as well. Snakes are not always seen as an endangered species in many communities and are always seen as dangerous. Save the Snake Campaign at Bio-Ken snake farm, is an enlightening project for visitors of all ages.
5. Tour Gede Ruins
An ancient Swahili village dating back to the 12th century but only discover in the 19th century. The Ruins of Gede or Gede Ruins as it’s commonly known in Kenya, are located within the Arabuko Sokoke Forest.
The village appears like it was abandoned in a hurry and no one has a conclusive idea of why it was abandoned. When it was discovered, many basic items such as pots were found in the buildings. The village has fascinating architecture divided by a wall. It’s believed that the wall divided the lite from the low-class members of society.
On the inner side of the wall, there is a mosque and a palace, and a few buildings. It’s believed that this is when the pulling class is occupied. When visiting, you can hire a guide and plan more about the ancient Swahili culture.
6. Arabuko Sokoke National Park
While visiting the Gede Ruins, explore the protected forest. The park stretches through the Kenyan coast region all the way to northern Tanzania. Here you will find many endemic bird and mammal species.
Some endemic species found here include, the elephant shrew a small bird that looks like a tinny elephant, Clarke’s weaver, Aders’s duiker, and Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose found on the Tanzanian side. Other animals found within the forest include baboons, savannah elephants, monkeys, and a diverse amphibian population among many others.
In addition, the forest is very diverse with about 3 different vegetation covers. If you love discovering new animal and plant species or simply want a different safari experience in Kenya, this is the place to visit.
7. Explore the Mida Creek
The creek stretches inland from the Indian Ocean into the Arabuko Sokoke National Park. Surrounded by mangroves and palms, Mida Creek is a true hidden gem in Watamu and the perfect place to relax. You will find flamingoes, turtles, fish, and kingfishers among many others.
You can choose to explore the creek on a dhow cruise or simply take a walk along the boardwalk. Enjoy a sunset over the forest as the creek turns orange, or on the boardwalk while sipping your drink with friends. There are several restaurants and budget-friendly places to stay in Watamu along the creek.
8. Visit Marafa Hells Kitchen
Another archeological site you must visit when in Watamu or Malindi. The canyon dates back thousands of years ago and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors are fascinated by the vibrant layers of the eroded limestone leaving behind distinct red, white, and yellow lines.
Locals believe that a very rich community lived here and would often take milk baths. The gods were not happy with their ways and sunk the village. According to the myth, the white coloration is from the milk that villages bath in.
Travel tip: Visit the site early morning or in the evening as it gets very hot during the day. You can hire a guide to walk you through the canyon, but it’s not mandatory.
9. Go on a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
Another great way to explore the underwater in Watamu. If you are afraid of snorkeling or are not in the right health to do so, you can still see the diverse fish and green turtle population in Watamu.
Simply hire a local guide with a glass bottom boat or a relaxing tour over the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Most of the boats also have a top deck where you can sit, if that’s something you would like to try out.
In addition to glass-bottom tours, many companies also organize evening boat rides. Unlike the glass-bottom, here snacks, drinks, and entertainment is included. A great way to unwind, enjoy fresh seafood, and meet new people. (Check with your accommodation for this experience)
10. Visit the Local Ocean Trust
Looking for things to do in Watamu with kids? Then visit the Local Ocean Trust. A non-profit committed to conserving endangered marine species such as green turtles. Any endangered species caught by fishermen are bought here for rehabilitation.
In addition to the conservation and protection efforts, the trust also educates the community on the importance of these endangered species to the marine ecosystem and our future generations.
Young kids always love exploring this place and seeing the animals in a controlled environment.
11. Sundowner at Prawns Lake
After a long day exploring Watamu, this hidden gem in Watamu is the best place to relax and enjoy fresh seafood. Appreciate surrounding nature as you wait for your delicious meal, participate in water sports available, catch a beautiful sunset, or simply do nothing but chill.
Since it’s located along Mida Creek, you can pop in after a dhow cruise. Open till 8.30 pm and is suitable for everyone including kids. If you are looking for a different experience away from the resort or the best restaurants in Watamu, this is a perfect choice.
12. Visit Watamu Beach
One of the free things to do while in Watamu is to visit the beach. If you are not staying in beachfront accommodation, make a point to visit the white sandy beaches. Watamu Beach is free for everyone and is filled with fun activities. It’s also a calming place to go for an evening walk. From the town center, the beach is only 5 minutes walk away.
13. Yoga at Watamu Tree House
If you are a yoga enthusiast or would love to meet other yogis, book a session at the Watamu tree house. This beautiful and unique hotel offers the best yoga studio overlooking the forest and the ocean. The perfect environment for you to relax while doing yoga.
14. Kipepeo Butterfly House
Another fun place to visit with kids. Located very close to Gede National Monument and Gede Ruins you can stop by on your way to or from the ruins. (Kipeepeo is the Swahili name for butterfly).
The Butterfly House has a wide variety of butterflies that will keep kids entertained. The project is community-based and by visiting you get to support the local communities and learn about different butterfly species.
