Explore Watamu Kenya
Watamu is a small town located 105 kilometers north Mombasa and 15 kilometers south of Malindi on the Indian Ocean Coast of Kenya, it lies on a small headland between the blue lagoon and Watamu Bay, from its main economic activities is tourism and fishing.
Featured by a blinding white-sand beach and a soft breeze, Watamu is a charming slice of coastline. The town has its own marine national park. Besides having natural endowments, magnificent dining scene, Watamu also makes it easy to explore the nearby Gede ruins, Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve and the waterways of Mida Creek.
Watamu’s main economic activities are tourism and fishing.
All you Need to Know about Watamu
Population
Watamu Kenya has a population around 1,900 and it is a part of Kilifi County. Watamu is a home to the Bajuni People who trace their descendants to the intermarriages between the locals of Girama and the Arab Traders, various tribes from inland Kenya such as Luo, Kisii, Kamba have immigrated to the area to work in the hotel industry, this movement has led to an increase in the population of Watamu.
Location
The small town is located 105 kilometers north of Mombasa and 15 kilometers south of Malindi on the Indian Ocean Coast of Kenya, it lies on a small headland between the blue lagoon and Watamu Bay.
Climate
Watamu has two rainy seasons. The short one takes place in November and December whereas the long season starts from April through June. The area also experiences two dry seasons. The short one lasts from January to February and early parts of March. The long dry season lasts from July to October.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit Watamu is all year round. However, it is better to visit the town from July to October, as this is the longest dry season when the coast is cool and the skies are clear and sunny.
Activities to Do at Watamu
The Shoreline of the area features white sand beaches and offshore coral formations arranged in different bays and beach like Garoda Beach, Turtle Bay, Blue Lagoon Bay, Watamu Bay, Ocean Breeze, and Jacaranda beach, they are protected as they are a part of Watamu Marine National Park.
1- Watamu Beach
Watamu beach has a unique coastline. The beaches are lined with tiny deserted islands. There are also sandbars that offer walkways to the islands. The white sand beaches are sprinkled with hermit crabs, starfish and more. The long beach has a shallow reef where you can enjoy snorkeling, see rays, octopus, deals and colorful fish.
2- Mida Creek & Watamu Marine Park
At the southern end of Watamu beach lies Mida Creek and Watamu Marine Park. It is a quiet place of weaverbirds, crayfish and black kite, where the village life remains little unchanged from this century to the net. The marine park is a 90 mile stretch of ocean where coral reefs form the backbone.
The park resides 1000 different species of fish including whale shark, manta ray, dugong and Olive, Ridley and Hawksbill turtle. It is considered as one of the best parks in snorkeling and diving in the coast of East Africa, and it is also rated as the third best beach in Africa, the Park has a crystal clear water and silver sand beaches.
3- Watamu Turtle Watch
This organization protects approximately 50 green turtles which lay eggs on Watamu Beach. The centre educates the local community about the fragile nature of sea turtles. It is worth the visit. Visitors can see turtles being treated for injury or illness and also learn about these beautiful creatures.
4- Bio-Ken Snake Farm and Laboratory
It is one of the most renowned snake research centres in the world. Bio-ken acts as an emergency service for snake bite victims throughout the region. Guided tours are available in the centre. You will get introduced to such deadly beauties such as the black mamba, the black spitting cobra, puff adder, horned viper and more.