Watamu on a budget: 3 days for less
Updated November 2026 · places and prices are live from WatamuPulse
Watamu is easy to enjoy on a budget: the beaches, sandbanks and sunsets are free, simple guesthouses and apartments cost far less than the resorts, and tuk-tuks make getting around cheap. Spend your money on one or two trips, like the Marine Park or a Mida Creek sunset.
Day 1: Arrival and the beach
🌅 Morning
Arrive and settle in
Check in, drop your bags and have a first walk to the beach.
☀️ Afternoon
Watamu Beach & Turtle Bay
White sand and calm lagoons. At low tide you can walk out to the sandbanks.
🌙 Evening
Sunset at Mida Creek
Mangroves, a boardwalk and famous birdlife. Sunset dhow trips and kayaking; best around low tide.
Day 2: Watamu Marine National Park
🌅 Morning
Watamu Marine National Park
Coral gardens, turtles and tropical fish. Snorkel from a glass-bottom boat or dive; best around low tide.
Book this with a local business:
☀️ Afternoon
Local Ocean Conservation
The sea turtle rescue centre in Watamu that protects nesting beaches and releases rescued turtles.
View & book on WatamuPulse🌙 Evening
Day 3: Gede Ruins
🌅 Morning
Gede Ruins
The remains of a Swahili town in the forest, lived in from about the 12th to the 17th century.
☀️ Afternoon
Garoda Beach
A wide, quiet stretch of sand south of the town, good for a long walk and a swim.
🌙 Evening
Serenos Dailydose
Delivers now · Book a table · Junction to Aquarius hotel opposite villa tuffa
Book a table on WatamuPulseWhere to stay
butahgardens: Deluxe Room
1 bedroom · up to 2 guests · Gede Watamu Road, Watamu
KSh 7,000 / night
Book now on WatamuPulse
butahgardens: standard room
1 bedroom · up to 2 guests · Gede Watamu Road, Watamu
KSh 6,000 / night
Book now on WatamuPulse
Holiday house: Watamu corner villa
1 bedroom · up to 2 guests · Watamu Town, Watamu
KSh 7,500 / night
Book now on WatamuPulseDifferent days, group or budget?
Customise this plan, freeQuestions people ask
Is Watamu expensive?
It does not have to be. The beaches are free, and there are affordable guesthouses, apartments and local restaurants alongside the big resorts. Prices are higher over Christmas and New Year.
What is free to do in Watamu?
Walking the beaches and sandbanks at low tide, swimming in the lagoons, watching the sunset and exploring the town. The Marine Park, Gede Ruins and guided trips charge a fee.
How do I save money in Watamu?
Travel outside the Christmas and Easter peaks, stay in an apartment with a kitchen, get around by tuk-tuk and book your stay early on WatamuPulse.
