Laid-back little Watamu looks out over the Indian Ocean and enjoys a blinding white-sand beach and a soft breeze coming off the water. It's a gorgeous slice of coastline and one that includes its own marine national park. As well as its natural endowments, great dining scene and laid-back village vibe, Watamu makes an excellent base from which to explore the nearby Gede ruins, Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve and the mangrove-fringed waterways of Mida Creek.

-LONELY PLANET-

WATERSPORTS 

Kitesurfing
Learn to kitesurf in Watamu.There  are a few kite schools -including Tribe Watersports- which offer introductory courses (3 days), intermediate lessons and equipment rental for those more advanced. 

Deep-sea Fishing
Watamu and Malindi are famous for their  big game fishing so set sail before sunrise and return with tales of jumping sailfish and marlin.

Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
Watamu National Marine Park offers exceptional scuba diving and snorkelling from glass-bottom boats. Dive under clear waters and  swim among a wide range of species — sting rays, angel fish,  octopusand even sea turtles.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding & Kayaking
Available to rentfrom watersports centres in the area.

MIDA DHOW

Take an evening cruise on a Swahili dhow across Mida Creek with sundowners in hand. This is a magical affair for adults and kids alike.  The hot seafood bitings could not be fresher and when the big sail goes up, there is nothing more peaceful than drifting over  the glass-flat waters of the creek as Africa's  sun dips below the horizon. 

TURTLE WATCH

Working with the local community since 1997, Watamu Turtle Watch provides protection to endangered marine  turtles in Watamu. Their programmes  include nest protection, net releases, school and village education and a rehabilitation centre to care for sick or injured turtles. You can visit the centre to learn more about their activities and might even be lucky enough to watch a turtle being released back into the wild.

GEDE RUINS

Gede was one of the ancient Arab Towns that dotted the East African coast. It dates from the late 13th or early 14th century and was eventually abandoned in the early 17th century. At its peak of prosperity Gede had a population of over 2,500 people. In  the late afternoon, these ruins are hauntingly beautiful and we definitely recommend a visit.

GET BACK TO NATURE

Bio-Ken Snake Farm
Bio-Ken is a small biological research station with a live study collection of over 200 snakes of approximately  30 different species.

Kipepeo Butterfly Project
Kipepeo currently markets butterfly and moth pupae and other live insects as well as honey and silk cloth produced by the community to support the livelihoods of people living around the Arabuko Sokoke forest

Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
The Arabuko Sokoke Forest is a 30-minute drive from Watamu. Late in the afternoon there is a chance of coming across elephants at the water hole. It is also possible to go on a mountain bike excursion through the forest.

Mangrove Boardwalk
The Boardwalk and Crab Shack was built by Mida Creek Conservation Community to promote eco-activities, protect the mangrove forests and provide education tolocal fishing communities. Take a walk along the boardwalk, soak up the  magical atmosphere of the mangrove forest and drink in the views across Mida whilst learning about the natural surroundings from expert guides.   Enjoy a refreshing drink of coconut water straight from the coconut and take a trip in a local dugout canoe.

SHOPPING

Watamu Village
Watamu village features quaint shopping stalls "dukas"  where you can pick up local souvenirs, fresh fruit or traditional  kikoi clothing.

Malindi
Malindi, a 30 minute drive from Watamu, is a bustling coastal town with a fascinating history. It is great for shopping and, with a large Italian presence, has fantastic pizzerias and gelaterias.

GOLF

If you are a keen golfer, you can make a trip to the world-class 18-hole golf course at Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi (about an hour’s drive away) or to the friendly 9-hole course in Malindi.