DESTINATION GUIDE // KENYA COAST
Watamu Marine National Park
One of the oldest marine parks in Africa, with coral gardens in water clear enough to snorkel straight off the boat.
10 km2
PARK AREA
1968
ESTABLISHED
600+
FISH SPECIES
Turtles
NESTING SITE
110 km
FROM MOMBASA
Quick answer: Watamu Marine National Park protects around 10 square kilometres of coral reef, lagoon and seagrass on the Kenyan north coast, roughly 110 km from Mombasa. Established in 1968, it is one of the oldest marine parks in Africa and part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
OVERVIEW AND LOCATION
Watamu Marine National Park At A Glance
Watamu is the coast at its clearest. The reef sits close to shore inside a sheltered lagoon, so snorkelling is easy even for beginners and visibility is excellent for much of the year. Green and hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches, and the adjacent Mida Creek mangroves are outstanding for birdlife at low tide.
| Detail | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Location | Kilifi County, Kenyan north coast |
| Distance from Mombasa | Approximately 110 km, 2 hours by road |
| Size | Around 10 km2, part of a wider marine reserve |
| Established | 1968 |
| Known for | Coral gardens, turtle nesting, Mida Creek, whale shark season |
| Best paired with | Tsavo East, which is a three hour drive inland |
WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES
What You Will See and Do
Coral Gardens
Shallow, sheltered reef with over 600 recorded fish species. Snorkelling is possible directly from a boat within minutes of the shore.
Turtle Nesting
Green and hawksbill turtles nest on these beaches. Local conservation groups run monitoring programmes visitors can join.
Mida Creek
A tidal mangrove creek beside the park, excellent for wading birds, kayaking and sunset boardwalk visits.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
When To Go
| Months | What to expect | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Oct to Mar | Calm seas, best visibility for snorkelling and diving | High |
| Jan to Mar | Warmest water, whale shark season offshore | High |
| Apr to Jun | Long rains, rough seas, many operators close | Low |
| Jul to Sep | Cooler and windier, still good for birding | Medium |
EXPLORE MORE
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