Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve is one of Kenya’s most treasured coastal destinations, offering a spectacular mix of marine and tidal habitats along the north coast. Enclosed within Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve, it features a dazzling array of ecosystems, including intertidal rock pools, coral gardens, fringing reefs, sandy beaches, mudflats, and the mangrove-rich Mida Creek.
Established in 1968 as one of Kenya’s first marine parks and declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1979, Watamu is renowned for its biodiversity. From its colorful coral reefs to its thriving mangrove forests, the park is home to an incredible range of marine life, bird species, and cultural heritage sites.
Highlights and Attractions
- Marine Turtles – Sanctuary for Green, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley turtles.
- Coral Gardens – Over 150 species of hard and soft corals, including fan corals, sponges, and brain corals.
- Marine Life – More than 500 species of fish in the park, and over 1,000 in the reserve. Larger residents include whale sharks, manta rays, octopuses, and barracudas.
- Mida Creek – A stunning mangrove ecosystem that shelters resident and migratory birds.
- Birdlife – Over 100 recorded species, including rare waders and migratory flocks.
- Kipepeo Project – A community-based butterfly farming and conservation project.
- Gede Ruins – A nearby 12th-century Swahili settlement offering cultural and historical depth.
How to Get To Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve
- By Road: Watamu is 118 km north of Mombasa and 28 km south of Malindi. From Gede, on the Mombasa–Malindi Road, turn east toward the ocean. Watamu town is just 11 km from the junction.
- By Air: Accessible via Moi International Airport (Mombasa) or Malindi Airstrip, both offering easy connections to Watamu.
Key Information
- Park Size: 10 sq. km
- Climate: Humid tropical climate, with average temperatures between 22–34°C and annual rainfall of about 500mm.
- Park Fees: Check the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website or consult your tour operator for updated entry fees.
