Watamu, Kenya: the complete guide
Watamu is a small beach town on Kenya's north coast, between Malindi and Kilifi. It is loved for its white sand, the coral reefs of Watamu Marine National Park, the mangroves of Mida Creek and the ancient Gede Ruins in the forest. This page has the essentials, and the places to stay, tours and food you can book in Watamu today.
Where is Watamu and how to get there
Watamu is in Kilifi County, about 15 to 20 km south of Malindi and about 105 km north of Mombasa. The nearest airport is Malindi, with daily flights from Nairobi, about 30 minutes away by road. From Mombasa the drive takes roughly two hours. Getting around town is easy by tuk-tuk, taxi, rented bike or scooter. Book a ride or transfer.
Best time to visit Watamu
The driest and sunniest months are usually December to March and July to October. The long rains fall mostly from April to June and the short rains around November; prices are often lower then and the town is quieter. The sea is warm all year.
Things to do in Watamu
Watamu Marine National Park
One of the oldest marine parks in Kenya (1968), with coral gardens, turtles and tropical fish. Snorkel from a glass-bottom boat, dive, or swim at low tide.
Mida Creek
A wide tidal creek with mangroves and a boardwalk through them. Famous for birds, sunset dhow trips and kayaking; best visited around low tide.
Gede Ruins
The remains of a Swahili town in the forest, inhabited from about the 12th to the 17th century, with a palace, mosques and houses.
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
The largest remaining coastal forest in East Africa, home to rare birds, butterflies and elephants. Guided walks and cycling start near Gede.
Turtle rescue at Local Ocean Conservation
A sea turtle rescue and research centre in Watamu that protects nesting beaches and releases rescued turtles.
The beaches
White sand and calm lagoons at Watamu Beach, Turtle Bay and Garoda. The tide changes the beach a lot: at low tide you can walk out to the sandbanks.
Places to stay in Watamu
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Where to eat
See allWatamu: questions people ask
Where is Watamu?
Watamu is a small beach town on the north coast of Kenya, in Kilifi County. It is about 15 to 20 km south of Malindi and about 105 km north of Mombasa.
How do I get to Watamu?
The nearest airport is Malindi, with daily flights from Nairobi; Watamu is about 30 minutes away by road. From Mombasa it is roughly two hours by road. On WatamuPulse you can book a taxi or tuk-tuk transfer.
When is the best time to visit Watamu?
The driest months are usually December to March and July to October. The long rains fall mostly from April to June and the short rains around November.
What is Watamu known for?
Watamu Marine National Park, Mida Creek, the Gede Ruins, the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, sea turtle conservation and its white sand beaches.
Can I book places to stay and tours in Watamu online?
Yes. On WatamuPulse you can book holiday houses, boat trips and tours, restaurant tables, food delivery, rides and event tickets from local businesses, and pay safely with M-Pesa.
Plan more
Read our full Watamu Travel Guide 2026, or discover everything in Watamu.
