WATAMU BEACHES TRAVEL GUIDE
Watamu Beaches Travel Guide : Watamu is beautiful coastal beautiful of Watamu famously known for its wonderful white sand beaches, this coastal village is located about 110 kilometers north of Mombasa and 15 kilometers south of Malindi. Watamu village sits silently on the palm-fringed shores of the Indian Ocean and it is dotted stunning beaches making it a perfect destination for beach holidays in Kenya.
Watamu Beaches have a stunning shoreline complemented by blue inviting waters, sparkling white sands, serene ambiances, luxurious resorts and impeccable stunning views. This has made Watamu an incredibly popular beach destination across the world.
This article offers a travel guide about Watamu beaches
BEST TIME TO VISIT WATAMU BEACHES
The best time to visit Watamu Beaches for a Kenya beach holiday is during the longest dry season in Kenya experienced from July to October, this period experiences cool and sunny weather which is perfect for beach vacations. The shorter dry season is also an equally rewarding beach vacation holiday experience, this season runs from January to February.
THE 5 BEST BEACHES IN WATAMU AND OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
WATAMU BEACH
Watamu Beach is a pristine and serene beach situated approximately 30 kilometers away from Malindi, the beach is surrounded by the scenic views of the Indian Ocean and is graced by warm sea breezes frequently. Watamu Beach features a beautiful shoreline perfect for beach walks and sunbathing and spectacular coral gardens hosting over 250 fish species.
Watamu beach and its coral reefs offer rewarding boating experience, skydiving, beach sports, snorkeling, sea diving, surfboarding, and surfing. For lovers, romantic lunches and candle lit dinner on the shores is an experience not to miss.
JACARANDA BAY
Jacaranda Bay is a fascinating 10 kilometers beach situated between Watamu and Malindi, this beach has been voted as the best beach in region twice. Jacaranda Bay is a dreamy beach for vacationers with inviting waters, natural pools to take a swim and lounger at the low tides.
Jacaranda Bay features a stretch of white sands suitable for beach sports, some of the activities to do during the your Kenya beach holiday at Jacaranda Bay include Kite-surfing, deep-sea diving, surfing and snorkeling.
One of the best accommodation facilities to stay at during your Kenya beach holiday include the Jacaranda Beach Resort.
BLUE LAGOON
The Blue Lagoon is an amazing circular lagoon located south of the Watamu Village, the lagoon is situated in a well protected region with the only danger posed being an individual getting addicted to the warm tranquil waters of the area. Blue Lagoon features beautiful coral gardens and islands in a distance and a wide range of accommodation facilities including hotels, resorts and cottages with magnificent views of the ocean.
Some of the activities to enjoy during your Kenya beach holiday at the Blue Lagoon include swimming, sunbathing, beach sports, barbeques and interacting with the locals.
GARODA BEACH
Garoda Beach is one of the best beaches in Watamu featuring a long shoreline and unique views like none other, the beach is a peaceful and silent paradise situated 27 kilometers away from the bustling noises of Malindi and 113 kilometers from Mombasa.
Garoda Beach is beautifully complemented by silky sands, cold breeze and several pools formed at low tide offering close-ups of a variety of sea creatures. During your Kenya beach safari at Garoda Beach you can engage in Kitesurfing, snorkeling, surfing and a visit to the nearby Watamu Tree House for yoga.
MAPANGO BEACH
Mapango Beach is a stunning beach of about 1 kilometer in length located north of Mombasa at the point where the ocean waters are at their calmest, Mapango Beach features intoxicating scenery created by its side standing cliffs that offer an aerial perspective of its white sands, palm-fringed shore and clear waters.
Mapango Beach has shallow waters making it a kid favorite beach with frequent giggles filling the air as younglings wrestle in the warm waters, the beach has a vibrant atmosphere, friendly locals, bars and barbecues which you would not want to miss.
Activities not to miss during your Kenya beach vacation include Canoeing, snorkeling, surfing, and swimming.
OTHER DESTINATIONS OF WATAMU BEACHES
WATAMU MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Watamu Marine national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated 120 kilometers from Mombasa city and 28 kilometers from Malindi,
Let not the calm exterior deceive you, deep within the Watamu National Marine Park waters thrives over 500 fish species.
The UNESCO World Heritage park lies 120km from the highly urbanized Mombasa and approximately 28km from exotic Malindi.
Within it also lies a coral garden exploding with color from the over 150 corals and sponges all over it.
The whale sharks, octopuses, barracudas, lionfishes, manta rays, green turtles, and angelfishes, always there to make your acquaintance.
Scuba dives into these ultramarine waters are a portal into worlds of endless sea life and quaint corals.
If the underworld spooks you out, you might consider trying out the glass-bottomed boats which are every bit as interesting and mind-blowing.
Other park activities include surfing, water skiing, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
1. Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve
The Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve is a 420 square kilometers coastal forest nestled north of Mombasa and situated in about an arm’s length from the waters of Indian Ocean, the reserve is a home to over 260 bird species such as the pipits, sunbirds, ground thrush and weavers which are the highlight bird species of the forest reserve. The forest reserve is also a home to elephants, buffaloes and other wildlife which you will spot during forest walks and hiking experience.
Other point of interest in Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve are the Gedi Ruins hidden among the lush forests, the ruins were established in the 13th century ad are evidence of once a prospering town and was later abandoned. The ruins are bricjs of houses, a mosque and a palace whose architecture precede the 13th century according to scientists.
2. Bio-ken Snake Farm
Bio-Ken Snake Farm is a research center specializing in anti-venom research and study of snake bits, the farm is located just outside Watamu. The Bio-Ken Snake Farm houses the largest collections of snakes in East Africa with about 127 different snake species of Kenya, of these species 18 have caused human fatalities and only 6 could kill. The other 10 species cause a lot of pain to the humans and the remaining 93 are non-venomous nor dangerous.
Some of the snakes at Bio-Ken Snake Farm include vipers, puff adders and black mambas, there are also other species of reptiles and amphibians such as lizards, toads, crocodiles, turtles, and geckoes.
Visiting the Bio-Ken Snake Farm offers visitors an opportunity to learn all things about the snakes including how to differentiate a deadly snake and non-deadly snake.
3. Mida Creek
Mida Creek is a 32 square kilometers wide broadwater tidal creek stretching inland from the sea into Arabulo Sokoke Forest and surrounded by extensive mangroves and line with palms. Mida creek also teems with healthy populations of corals and seagrass.
Mida Creek is recognized for its huge bird population and stunning scenery featuring widespread mangroves and palms, the creek is also perfect for travelers who love to watch the sunset while on a cruise. Enjoying a glass of wine while navigating through the endless waters passages and channel meandering through the mangroves is an experience not to miss.
Other exciting activities to enjoy in Mida Creek include swimming, kayaking, bird watching, water sports, and paddle-boarding.
4. The Lake Ocean Conservation
The Lake Ocean Conservation is a non-profit organization established and dedicated to protecting the coast marine environments, the conservation acts as both a rehabilitation center and a safety net for the injured and endangered turtles. In its operations, the Lake Ocean Conservation had rescued over 17,000 turtles by April 2020, visiting the conservation offers you a hospitable guide taking you step by step through the very emotional turtle adoption process.
FAQ ABOUT WATAMU BEACHES
Q: How far are Watamu Beaches from Mombasa?
Watamu Beach is situated in a distance of approximately 108 kilometers from Mombasa to Watamu, it takes about 2-3 hours drive by car or 45 minutes of flight.
Using a car is the cheapest way to get to Watamu Beaches from Mombasa is by car. (car costs about USD 9 – USD 14 and flights cost about USD 85 – 300).
Q: How do I get to Watamu Beaches?
To get to Watamu Beaches you can take daily domestic flights of 45 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International airport or Wilson airport to the Malindi airport, from Malindi Airport to Watamu it is a drive of 30 minutes using their a safari van or a matatu. Alternatively you can fly from Nairobi to the Mombasa International Airport, from here it takes 90 minutes drive to Watamu.
From Mombasa or Malindi you can take a taxi or matatu, the Matatus are always the cheaper options of getting to Watamu Beaches.
Are you interested in visiting Watamu Beaches, book your Kenya safari with us
