Abduljabbar Ali Watamu is another little coastal paradise 99 km north of Mombasa about 2 hours drive. It’s another hot spot destination for thousands of international tourists.
Watamu is highly rated for its magnificent beaches, amazing views, coral reefs, adventures, snorkeling, kitesurfing and swimming.
There are still more aspects I will share in this article that will drive you to Watamu.
If you go to Watamu, you should be ready to get mesmerized by the incredible sunset spots, water sports, boat rides, bird watching, and some incredible archaeological sites in Kenya.
When it comes to this location, you will spend most of your time around the beaches — you will bathe in the white sand and rinse yourself in the deep blue crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
So, if you are planning to explore Watamu, you should be ready to get yourself drenched with salt water — swimming clothes should be one of your must-pack lists to enjoy your time at Watamu.
You will be disappointed if you fail to have them since most of the activities will involve you getting close to the shore.
Let me share what you should do in Watamu before you think of heading to the next destination.
These are the unique things to do in Watamu;
1. Enjoy Watamu Beach.
Watamu is known for its white sands and blue crystal clear water beaches that are lined along the coastline of the Indian Ocean.
When you ask anyone about Watamu, the first thing they will talk about is the beaches.
The beaches are what people go for when they head to Watamu, while those who think of going to Malindi, it’s mainly because of the historical sites and monuments.
Read also; Is Malindi Worth Visiting? [5 Reasons Why It Is]
Read also; Malindi or Watamu, Which Is Better?: Choosing Between The Two
There are so many beaches you can explore in Watamu but some of them are private —connected with resorts, hotels, and restaurants.
For you to access them you have to book a hotel or dine in the restaurants.
If you are traveling on a budget you don’t need to stress yourself, go directly to Watamu Beach — it’s just as incredible as the other beaches but some parts may not be clean compared to those private beaches.
These are the best-rated public beaches in Watamu;
- Watamu Beach.
- Jacaranda Bay.
- Mayungu Public Beach.
- Garoda Beach.
Watamu Beach is incredible but the downside is that it’s usually crowded during weekends.
If you don’t want the crowds you have to go to the beach during the weekdays or a little bit early (about 10 am) if it’s on a weekend.
Also, don’t forget to bring your bottle of water and some snacks because you will hardly come across any vendors at the beach.
Since the beach has a high influx of tourists — locals tend to take advantage of that to make revenue from them by selling them coconut drinks and shells.
So, expect people to follow you and try to sell you things. You shouldn’t be worried too much since they aren’t dangerous but they might try to rip you off.
If you have no idea of the prices of things you should at least talk to the locals before thinking of buying anything.
2. Visit Gedi Ruins.
Another place you should visit when you are in Watamu is Gedi Ruins.
It’s one of the well-known archaeological sites in Kenya that receives thousands of tourists.
If you are interested in learning a little about the history of what happened in the 15th century on the coastline of the Indian Ocean — you need to visit Gedi Ruins.
What was a town now is left in ruins after the Swahilis due to lack of water and claimed attack from the other tribes.
You should expect to learn about the early civilization of the inhabitants and the role they played in the development of Watamu.
Its location was suitable since it provided a trade route with other towns like Malindi and Mombasa.
Gede Ruins is located along Gede Watamu Road just a few minutes’ drive from the main road connecting Malindi to Mombasa Road.
The entrance fee for Gede Ruins is Ksh 1000 for non-citizens while for citizens it’s Ksh 500.
You have to remember that additional charges for a tour guide may apply.
If you are eager to learn more about the history of the ruins you will have no choice but to get a guide.
But if you are just exploring the ruins for sightseeing like me, you don’t need a tour guide to explain to you what happened here.
You can learn that in history books but it will be great to get a real impression of the place in person so that when you read about it, everything will click in place.
Walk around the ruins, get some pictures, and be a part of the person who contributes to the development of Watamu.
3. Mida Creek Adventure.
Another thing you should do when you are in Watumu is indulge yourself in the Mida Creek adventure — chasing the sunset, birdwatching, boardwalking, seeing the coral reefs, and swimming.
Everyone goes to Mida Creek for different reasons. I went there because I was so hyped for a boardwalk that stretched to Arabuko Sokoke forest.
It’s a memorable adventure since you get to see different types of birds while going deeper into the forest, the entire ecology of mangrove trees, and an incredible area to catch the sunset.
Apart from the walk, if it’s still in your budget you can get some boats and cruise along the Creek with a breathtaking view.
Mida Creek is a hidden gem of Watamu since it provides scenic views and exposure to an interaction between the land and water nature.
The spot is amazing for Instagram shots and videos — most influencers’ attention is grabbed by the beautiful view especially when the skies are super clear.
If you are done with the boardwalk you can take your time to chill. Anyway, when the tide is high, people have to leave the Creek.
This is an opportunity for you to get to the shore to prepare yourself for a quick swim before you decide to leave for another location.
You can still hang out at the shore and catch the sunset ( it’s one of the best things after exploring the Creek) before you think of leaving.
4. Watamu Snake Farm.
Another unique thing to do in Watamu is touring the Watamu Snake Farm that is along Jacaranda Road.
This is another must-visit site you should visit if you want to watch some snakes, crocodiles, and tortoises.
The park holds different types of snakes that you can see and learn more about their entire ecosystems.
If you have ever been to Mamba Village in Mombasa and you liked the experience, you are going to enjoy touring this snake farm.
The amazing thing is that they have tour guides who are highly knowledgeable to inform you of anything you want to know about the reptiles.
You have to support the snake farm by paying an entrance fee of Ksh 1500 for the adults while kids have to pay Ksh 500.
As I told you earlier, Watamu Snake Farm has the largest collection of snakes in East Africa.
They have different types of snakes — venomous and non-venomous.
On weekdays, from Monday to Friday at about 11 am they offer milking demonstrations — where the specialists try to remove the venom from venomous snakes.
Apart from that, you will also get to learn more about the ecology of the crocodiles they have at their site.
Visiting the Watamu Snake Farm is going to give you a different perspective on these creatures — you will understand that every living thing has a role to play in the environment.
When you are exploring, you need to enjoy yourself and also get to learn more about everything that is going to give you a different perspective in life.
Nature is bigger than us, whenever you get a chance to learn something about it, venture into it.
The opening hours of Watamu Snake Farm is at 10 am and it closes at about 4:30 pm.
5. Watamu Turtle Watch.
Watamu Turtle Watch is another interesting project developed by the devoted locals in the early 90s as a way of sheltering, and nursing the turtles into health and releasing them into the ocean.
Watamu Turtle Watch is located along Turtle Bay Road which is a 12-minute drive south of Watamu Beach.
This is another initiative that is meant to protect aquatic life and ensure it thrives.
So, if you want to learn more about the turtles and support the locals in ensuring that these beautiful creatures are taken care of, you should visit this initiative. This program is under Ocean Conservation and Diani Turtle Watch.
If you want the experience of holding a Turtle this is a go-to place.
6. Sardinia 2.
Sardinia 2 is another location you should explore if you want to enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and boat rides.
Sardinia 2 is a landscape that usually emerges when the tide is low and disappears when the tide is high.
To get to Sardinia 2 you will have to get a boat from Jacaranda Bay.
If you will be going alone it will be a little bit expensive because it will be like it’s a private tour.
A cheaper way to get to Sardinia 2 you will have to join a group of people who are going there and jump along.
Another option is to take a tour but it’s likely going to be expensive if you are traveling on a budget.
Anyway, Sardinia 2 is an amazing spot that you should explore if you want the island vibe.
Depending on the boat ride you will join, they are those who are going to bring drinks and food to eat while enjoying the small magical island in Watamu.
We have those who will indulge themselves in swimming, walking around the island, snorkeling, and sand bathing.
Choose what you will enjoy the most and ensure you get the most out of it.
7. Dine at Naturalmente Pane.
If you are a fan of coffee and pastry, this is one of the eating points that I would recommend you visit.
I remember when I was in Malindi searching for the best coffee spot in Watamu, I came across Naturalmente Pane.
I took a matatu directly from Malindi CBD to Watamu just to get to see why people talk highly of the spot.
When I arrived in Watamu the first thing I did was take myself to the beach to make myself more hungry.
Before I left my hotel, I had a heavy breakfast and I didn’t want to leave Watamu without taking a bite.
I looked at the reviews on Google Maps, most people talked about how amazing their pastries were.
That’s the first thing I ordered when I was there. I tried pane chocolate which blew my taste buds away.
There were a lot of options so I didn’t know what to go for, I asked for a recommendation and I was told pane chocolate was the best thing to go for.
On the other side, the location of the restaurant is incredible thus giving you a chance to access lots of resorts, beaches, and markets.
I highly recommend you go and try out the snacks and drinks at this spot, I am visiting it again as soon I get back to the coast.
Lastly…
Watamu is a bit expensive compared to Malindi. So, if you are planning to stay there for a few days, try to book your stay early in advance.
The stays are expensive because the demand is high and you are likely to get most of them fully booked.
Most of the stays around Watamu are resorts and villas because it has a high number of international tourists who are willing to spend money.
In Watamu, you will enjoy the beaches, coral reefs, and amazing landscapes that stretch to Arabuko Sokoke through Mida Creek.
But if you want to explore more tourist sites and get the authentic feel of the coastal life you will need to head to Malindi.
After all, you haven’t fully explored the coast without visiting Malindi for Vasco Da Gama Pillar.
If you haven’t been to Mombasa, I highly recommend you get a bus ride there, you have so much to see and learn about the coast.
Related reads; 17 Top Things To Do In Mombasa
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