5 things to do in Watamu

If you can manage to tear yourself away from our beautiful beach, then there are plenty of exciting experiences to encounter here in Watamu. We have put together a few recommendations here for you to choose from, but be sure to explore further as there are plenty of options…

Whether you want to explore more of the ocean or experience something more cultural, Watamu has some really worthwhile options to see.

1. SNORKELLING IN THE CORAL GARDENS

Exceptional snorkeling conditions in Watamu Marine National Park make it easy for you to access the spectacular undersea life. Whether a newcomer to the sea or an experienced diver, you’ll be able to find some exciting things to do. Hire one of the glass bottom boats to take you out to the coral gardens in the Watamu National Marine Park to do some exploring and snorkeling – there are hundreds of beautiful, vibrantly coloured coral reef fish to see. You may even be lucky enough to see a sea turtle swimming by!

2. VISIT THE TURTLES

Be sure to make a visit to Local Ocean Conservation – take the whole family and go for a tour to learn more about the marine environment, visit patients recovering in the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and browse around their gift shop.

Local Ocean Conservation relies on donations to continue their work, and so they kindly ask for a minimum donation of KES 500 per person for the tour. Be aware they cannot guarantee that there will always be sea turtles at the Rehabilitation Centre as they are released as soon as they are healthy. You may even be lucky to be part of releasing a turtle back into the ocean!

What a great way to educate yourself and give back to this very needed organisation.

3. VISIT GEDE RUINS

Gede ruins are the remains of a Swahili town, typical of most towns along the East African Coast. It traces its origin in the twelfth century but was rebuilt with new town walls in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. This rebuilding is connected with the emigration of many citizens of Kilwa to Mombasa, Malindi and other places along the coast. You can walk around at your leisure or even better take a guided tour with one of the knowledgable guides.

There is something very special about these ruins and walking around the site is an experience of real history – you can just feel it. The ruins offer the most amazing photo opportunities and you will stare in true amazement at the beauty of the enormous trees that have witnessed so much over the years…

To add to the enjoyment of this outing, you will get to feed some very friendly monkeys on arrival – Its very much part of this historical outing!

4. TAKE UP KITESURFING

We have the best kite surfing beach stretching in front of our resort and you can make this part of your holiday activities whilst staying with us. You can find JC KITESCHOOL located at the beachfront of our property – the team, guided by the Duotone Team Rider Jacopo Cantini, will ensure you have the best kite holiday experience in Watamu. Inside and outside of the water. They have all the gear you may need for hire, so get out there and take part in this exhilarating activity.

5. VISIT MIDA CREEK

Mida Creek is a tidal inlet that expands across an area of 32 km2 and is very easily accessible. It comprises different types of habitats that are influenced by the tide, for example mud and sand flats, open shallow waters and mangrove forests. It is home to many species of fish and feeding sea turtles, and in the mangroves smaller streams and inlets you can find crabs and an array of birdlife.

Mida is best explored by boat and we recommend a sunddowner cruise through the creek at sunset enjoying cocktails and snacks whilst watching the sun set in all its golden glory. The creek is also an incredible kayaking destination, with many small channels and passages through the mangroves to navigate. Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) through the creek is another fun way to experience this beautiful part of Watamu.

A trip on a Tuk Tuk to the local village is also recommended, where you can buy local crafts, fresh fruit & vegetables or holiday gear. Everything is available and there are various shops and stalls to browse through. Watamu has a lot to offer so make sure you find the time to experience most, if not all of these must do options whilst on your coastal getaway with us.

Karibu!