Watamu is a small, charming beach village on Kenya’s north coast, famous for its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, pristine beaches, and world-class marine life. Located between Malindi and Kilifi, Watamu is the quiet, eco-conscious alternative to busier beach destinations — perfect for snorkelling, whale shark encounters, and turtle conservation.
Things to Do in Watamu
- 🤿 Watamu Marine National Park — Protected coral gardens with some of Kenya’s best snorkelling and diving
- 🐳 Whale Shark Encounters — Seasonal (October–March) swimming alongside the world’s largest fish
- 🐢 Local Ocean Trust (Watamu Turtle Watch) — Sea turtle conservation and release programmes
- 🏖️ Watamu Beach — Soft white sand and turquoise water, consistently ranked among Kenya’s best
- 🌳 Arabuko-Sokoke Forest — Africa’s largest coastal forest; guided birding walks
- 🏗️ Gede Ruins — 13th-century Swahili town ruins surrounded by forest
- 🎣 Deep Sea Fishing — Watamu hosts the annual Malindi/Watamu Fishing Tournament
- 🦅 Mida Creek — Mangrove-fringed creek; kayaking, boardwalk, and bird watching at sunset
- 🚣 Glass Bottom Boat Rides — Glide over the reef and watch marine life below
- 🏄 Stand-Up Paddleboarding — Calm protected waters ideal for SUP
How to Get to Watamu
| Route | Duration | Options |
|---|---|---|
| From Mombasa | 2 hours by road | Private transfer |
| From Malindi Airport | 20 minutes | Private transfer from Malindi |
| From Nairobi | Flight to Malindi + 20 min transfer | Fly540 / SafariLink |
Plan Your Watamu Trip
Authentic Adventures creates bespoke Watamu itineraries that combine the best activities, accommodation, and transport — all handled by our local team on the Kenya coast.
Title sponsorAlumni Golf Challenge
We are the title sponsor this year.
Golf is part of who we are, so we put our name behind the Alumni Golf Challenge. Want more golf after the day? Tell us when you are free. We book your tee time at Karen, Muthaiga or Vipingo Ridge and sort the transfers and the stay.
- 📱 WhatsApp: +254 720 731 957
- 📧 Email: info@authenticadventures.co.ke
- 📞 Call: +254 113 907 858
3 Day Masai MaraFrom USD 850
Mara group joiningFrom USD 395
3 Day AmboseliFrom USD 850
5 Day Kenya SafariFrom USD 1,180
Uganda gorilla trekFrom USD 1,260