The destination
Watamu & beyond
What to see in Watamu, Kenya
A corner of paradise on the Kenyan coast
Watamu began life as a fishing village on the Indian Ocean and is today one of Kenya's most loved coastal destinations, without ever losing its slow pace: dhows gliding along the horizon, a protected coral reef just metres from the shore, and a fish market where the day still runs on the tides.
Visitors find a destination that is compact yet surprisingly varied: days of snorkelling in the Marine Park, white-sand beaches from late morning to sunset, and just a short drive inland to discover the ruins of an ancient Swahili city. It's the kind of coast where nature, history and sea coexist unhurried, all a short distance from Villa Chris House.
Nearby
What to do in Watamu: the guide
Watamu Marine Park
Established in 1968, it's one of the oldest marine parks in East Africa: a coral reef in excellent condition, parrotfish, butterflyfish and seabeds that suit both easy snorkelling and more technical diving.
Watamu's beaches
Fine white sand, palm trees leaning almost into the water, and a turquoise sea that on calm days looks like a natural swimming pool: Watamu's beaches are considered among the most beautiful on the entire Kenyan coast.
The Gede Ruins
In the forest just inland from the coast, the Gede Ruins tell the story of a 13th-century Swahili-Arab city abandoned centuries ago: mosques, palaces and coral tombs, swallowed up by tropical vegetation. One of the most evocative sights in the whole region.
Sea turtles
The Watamu coastline is one of Kenya's most important sea turtle nesting sites, protected by local conservation programmes that monitor the nests and safeguard the turtles throughout the season.
Deep-sea fishing and local life
Offshore, the deep waters of the Indian Ocean are well known for deep-sea fishing. In town, between the fish market and the small seafront taverns, Swahili culture lives on in the scents of coconut, spices and grilled fish.
Practical information
Getting there
Watamu lies on Kenya's northern coast, close to Malindi, which has its own airport. The area is easily reached by car from the country's main coastal towns.
When to go
The Kenyan coast enjoys a tropical climate all year round. The periods generally considered best, with less rainfall, run from December to March and from June to October.
Ready to discover Watamu?
Experience the Kenyan coast from Villa Chris House, your ideal base for exploring the sea, nature and culture of Watamu: discover our rooms and plan a stay tailored just for you.