What is Watamu Known For? (10+ Reasons)
Watamu is a small coastal town on the Kenyan north coast of the Indian Ocean. Located over 100 km north of Mombasa and only 15 km south of Malindi. This small town is part of the larger Kilifi county a popular tourist destination in Kenya. To a first-time visitor, Watamu is just a tiny village and you may wonder why Watamu is famous or what it’s known for.
Watamu is known for Watamu Marine National Park, which is rich in marine life and a popular snorkeling and diving destination. In addition, Watamu is famous for its world-class beach resorts, Watamu beach, and delicious Swahili cuisine.
Don’t let the very small town fool you into thinking you made a wrong decision visiting Watamu. The action happens along the beaches, the Mida creek, and other hidden gems within the town. From the town’s shopping center, you can walk to the beach or your resort.
Below are the top attractions and destinations making Watamu famous and popular far and beyond. If you are looking for a reason to visit Watamu, you are in the right place!
Watamu Marine Park and Reserve
Located a short boat ride from the white sandy beach. This UNESCO Biosphere reserve and an internationally renowned marine park is a snorkeling and scuba diving haven. Here you will find hundreds of dolphins entertaining visitors, dozens of green turtles, occasional whale sharks, and over 200 fish species.
Visitors can swim, scuba dive, and snorkel with dolphins, and green turtles. Enjoy the rich marine ecosystem, colorful corals, dugongs, and the cold waters of the Indian Ocean. The marine diversity here is truly unmatched and you won’t see any other rich marine ecosystem on the Kenyan coast.
The marine park is easily accessible whether you a staying in Watamu or Malindi. If staying in Watamu you can walk, or take a tuk-tuk or a motorcycle from your accommodation.
Beach Front Resorts
Watamu is home to some of the best beachfront resorts on the Kenyan coast. From the luxurious Hemingways Watamu, Medina Palms, to Watamu tree house. If you are looking for a luxury resort to just relax and feel pampered, you can find many luxury beachfront hotels along Watamu beach.
Budget accommodation options are also available starting from $35 USD. Keep in mind most of these won’t be located right next to the beach but are a short walking distance.
Turtle Bay Beach
Another popular site in Watamu is turtle bay beach. Thousands of green turtles hatch on this beach each year. If you are lucky you can catch some younglings hatching. If not, you can always swim with these beautiful turtles at the marine park.
Since entry to Watamu beach is free, visitors have the opportunity to walk around the beach and spot turtles.
Mida Creek
Mida Creek is another popular site to explore while in Watamu. The 32 km creek is rich in mangroves easily explored using a canoe boat. If you wish to learn about the different mangrove species here, simply ask your boat captain. Enjoy a beautiful sunset on a boat ride or a long boardwalk.
Mida Creek is located further south of Watamu town. Looking for unique accommodation, you can stay in Watamu tree house, the Mida Creek boutique hotel, or the Rock and Sand bubble resort.
Gede Ruins
An archeological site dating back to the 12th century. The Gede ruins are a good place to learn and understand the ancient Swahili culture and traditions.
In the ruins, is a palace, a mosque, several houses, and two walls believed to have separated the elite from the low class. The rich members of the society are believed to have lived in the inner wall while the low-class citizens lived on the outside.
Marafa Hells’ Kitchen
Earning its name from the very high temperatures, especially during the day. Marafa Hell’s Kitchen is a mini canyon with numerous colorful sandstone formations dating back thousands of years.
The dramatic color scheme is attributed to iron, calcium, and sulfur deposits. Locals however have a myth that, the gods sunk the town inhabited by the wealthy who would bathe in milk causing the coloration.
Visitors can walk through the canyon, enjoy colorful sunsets and learn the history surrounding this beautiful canyon. The best time to visit is early morning or late in the evening to avoid the hot sun.
Watamu Beach
The 7 km long white sandy beaches of Watamu are popular for their pristine blue waters and super soft sand. The beach is open to the public and is free to access. Resorts, however, have the right to the beaches in front of their properties, only those staying at the resorts can access them.
Popular activities on Watamu Beach include kite surfing, glass bottom boat rides, and swimming.
Swahili cuisine
Enjoy Swahili cuisine and fresh seafood straight from the ocean. Due to its location and distance from the major shopping centers, Watamu is the best place to experience real Swahili dishes. You will love the pilau, coconut beans, and fried fish among many other dishes.
In addition to Swahili cuisines, Watamu is known for authentic Italian dishes. Some resorts are owned by Italians and make their pasta from scratch giving you a real taste of Italy.
Tropical weather
Unlike other coastal towns that tend to get very hot, Watamu has ideal tropical weather. While temperatures can be quite high, especially in January and February, the lush green forest and mangroves provide a cool breeze.
Its location by the ocean’s pristine beaches and surrounding lush tropical rainforest of Arabuko Sokoke National Park offers the best relaxation environment.
Fewer Tourists
If you want to get away from populated beaches in Mombasa, Diani, or Malindi, this is the place to go. As mentioned earlier, Watamu town is really small and most visitors stay in the resorts. Meaning most of the public beach area is nearly empty, except for a few locals and some tourists.
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FAQs
Watamu is a coastal town in Kenya, a region known for high temperatures throughout the year. Wear light and loosely fitting clothes preferably linen for comfort. This is a comprehensive guide on what to wear while visiting Kenyan coastal towns.
Yes, malaria is present in Watamu. Its location right next to the Indian Ocean and the surrounding Arabuko Sokoke National Park, increases mosquitoes. However, malaria prevalence and risk is low in the town and all accomodations have mosquito nets.
Watamu is a safe place to visit.
Since the town is sparsely populated, avoid walking dark streets alone at night or along the public beach.
Watamu is on the north coast of Kenya.
The town of Watamu is located in Kilifi County.
Watamu is 108 km north of Mombasa town.
Only a 2-hour drive when self-diving or using a taxi.
If using public transport, this could take longer since the buses make multiple stops along the way. (cheapest way )
A taxi will cost you anywhere from $60-100 USD.
A trip starting at Mombasa town is cheaper compared to those coming from Mombasa international airport or the train station.
1. From Nairobi, board a local flight to Malindi then take a taxi to Watamu.
2. Alternatively, take a train from Nairobi to Mombasa and then a taxi to Watamu.
3. If you are already in the coastal region, you can take a short flight from your location to Kilifi or Malindi, and then a taxi to Watamu. You can also hire a taxi or car and drive there, or use public transport.
*Avoid road travel when coming from Lamu. Flying is highly recommended and safer.
