Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve
Watamu Marine National Park
Discover Watamu Marine National Park, a spectacular Indian Ocean sanctuary famed for coral gardens, sea turtles, dolphins, whale sharks, tropical fish, pristine beaches and unforgettable marine adventures.
▶ ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS PARK- • Sea turtles
- • green sea turtles
- • hawksbill turtles
- • whale sharks
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve is one of Kenya's premier coastal conservation destinations, where crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters meet coral reefs, white-sand beaches, seagrass beds and mangrove ecosystems.
The park is renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity and is home to Kenya's celebrated Marine Big Five: sea turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, whales and billfish. Visitors can explore vibrant coral gardens through snorkeling and diving, cruise the protected waters by boat or experience the seasonal migration of humpback whales.
Watamu also forms part of the Malindi–Watamu–Arabuko-Sokoke Biosphere Reserve, an internationally recognised conservation landscape combining marine, coastal and forest ecosystems. The wider biosphere reserve was nominated under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme in 1979.
Nearby Mida Creek and the historic Gede Ruins add cultural, ecological and scenic depth to a Watamu safari, making it ideal as either a dedicated coastal holiday or a relaxing beach extension after a Kenya wildlife safari.
SIZE
Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve is 10 square kilometers (km²) in size.
HOW TO GET THERE
By Road: Approximately 120 km north of Mombasa and 28 km south of Malindi.
By Air: Fly to Malindi Airport and transfer by road to Watamu.
From Nairobi: Fly to Malindi or travel by road via Mombasa/Malindi.
By SGR: Travel from Nairobi to Mombasa/Miritini, followed by a road transfer to Watamu.
Watamu is approximately 120 km north of Mombasa and 28 km south of Malindi.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Best time to visit Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve: October–March
WILDLIFE & LANDSCAPE
WATAMU MARINE NATIONAL PARK & RESERVE GALLERY
POINTS OF INTEREST
TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS
Contact Esteemed Africa Safaris to book your dream Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve safari holiday. Start your tour from major cities or coastal beaches and explore our premium national parks, game reserves, and private wildlife conservancies across East Africa.
Speak to our safari experts to tailor the perfect Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve experience for you.
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