Watamu Marine National Park

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Located north of Mombosa on the north coast of Kenya, Watamu Marine National Park is a large coral reef about 300 meters offshore.

Manta rays, whale sharks and dolphins visit the area at certain times of the year with snorkelling and diving offering great views of the hundreds of species of fish living among the coral.

Turtles also live in the park, nesting on the beach with species including hawksbill, green turtles and the rarer olive ridley.

There is also the Kisite Marine National Park south of Mombasa and another marine park near Malindi.

Hidden gems in Watamu Marine National Park

Watamu Marine National Park

Ocean Sports Resort

Lucy Booth

Accommodation

Best for: beach lovers and water sports Ocean Sports Resort is probably my top tip for Watamu. The location is ideal, right on the beach, so you're just a few steps away from the sea and there’s some great snorkelling nearby. I’d also suggest trying paddleboarding and taking a sunset dhow cruise on Mida Creek, a peaceful mangrove-lined estuary. The best time to visit is from mid-October to April, as this is when the weather is at its best. I would avoid September, though, when seaweed tends to drift in, which can affect the beach experience. Watamu is unique in that it offers both ocean and creek experiences. I’d recommend snorkelling in the Coral Gardens for the marine life, but also make sure you take a dhow cruise for that magical moment of sailing along with the wind in the sail, sipping a sundowner as the sun sets over the creek. There’s something special about those old-style dhows that really takes you back in time.

Watamu Marine National Park

Stuart Butler

Place

For a somewhat wetter ‘safari’ don’t miss the chance to don a snorkel and mask and peer down onto the underwater life of Kenya’s finest marine reserve. The vibrant coral reefs here teem with fish and a few turtles. At certain times of year whales and dolphins can be seen much further offshore. There is also a marine park in nearby Malindi and, south of Mombasa, there’s the Kisite Marine National Park. Safaris and wildlife viewing is certainly not limited to land in Kenya. You might be familiar with the Big Five, but there’s even more underwater — the Marine Big Five: dolphins, whales, rays, sea turtles and whale sharks. All the above as well as the beautifully colourful tropical coral reefs can be explored on a snorkelling or scuba diving trip as well as on boat tours, many run by local fishermen who have grown up in the area and know the ocean and its residents well. Watamu Marine National Park is located north of Mombasa, featuring three bays, the mangrove forest of Mida Creek and elephants and monkeys inland. Humpback whales migrate to these waters from June each year to breed and take care of their newborn calves in the warm, protected reefs before continuing their journey to Antarctica around October. Luckily, much of the migration occurs in Watamu and nearby shores in the shoulder seasons (June and September-October) so rates for both accommodation and activities/tours are often lower. Adrenaline junkies are also well-served here with an array of waters ports such as windsurfing and waterskiing. Anyone who prefers to relax on or near the shore is assured of pristine white sandy beaches and plenty of lively beach bars and restaurants. Watamu is one of Kenya’s leaders in eco-tourism and encouraging ethical interactions with the animals. The same attitude applies at the hotels and eco lodges in the area, many with zero-waste policies, yoga/wellness focuses and more.

Ocean Sports Resort

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Watamu Marine National Park travel guides

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