Watamu Marine National Park Travel Guide: Top Sights in Kenya, Tours

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Watamu Marine National Park- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; Kenya; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 4 hours

Watamu Marine National Park, established in 1968, is one of Kenya's first marine protected areas and a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Located about 140 km north of Mombasa, it features coral gardens just 300 meters offshore, supporting over 600 fish species and 150 types of coral. The park is a key nesting site for endangered sea turtles, including green, hawksbill, and olive ridley turtles. Efforts to protect marine biodiversity include sustainable fishing regulations and conservation programs that involve local communities. The park's waters range from 20°C to 30°C throughout the year, creating a diverse habitat for marine life.

Operators offering tours in Kenya

Attractions in Watamu

Bio-Ken Snake Farm

4.8

Mida Creek

4.2

Watamu Beach

4.8

Reviews of Watamu Marine National Park

Elodie Dubois

1
Reviewed: 2024-12-30

I don't know how it is during the low season but we came during Christmas time and honestly it is a complete shame. AND absolutely not what I think " conservation" should look like ! We started from blue bay beach. The departing site and organisation is a complete mess. You can see in the pictures attached what is the " glass" boat, just a small dirty plexiglass frame! 20+ boat full of noisy Italian tourist side by side chasing these poor dolphins, one of the boats overturned in the waves. I even heard from one of the boat pilots that some people died there last year, and honestly I'm not surprised according to how it is going on! The snorkeling spot doesn't worth it at all, hundred of people in the sea, dead corail, see weeds and only few fishs. Even the equipment that had been given to us is crappy and dirty.
Mohamed Kapacee

5
Reviewed: 2024-12-29

We went for dolphin watching and snorkeling and it was an awesome experience. Waters were clear and we saw a lot of fishes and corals.
Katrina M M

4
Reviewed: 2022-07-08

The Park is not well taken care of, the controls are not efficient. In the evening the tides can get very high and pose a challenge to safety. Before boarding or making payments for the boat ride be sure you have contacted the right person as you can be easily be mislead. Otherwise the scenic view is great, the glass boat ride to Wakawaka Island, the seafood and traditional dance at the Island gave us a memorable experience. Captain Ali was our guide and he was excellent.
Husein Rasheed

5
Reviewed: 2021-04-05

One thing that stands out most certainly in watamu is the pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear sea water changing from blue to emerald green. No wonder it attracts so many foreigners and locals too. There is also the reef and creek and the occasional sightings of dolphins as well
Lee BikeScapes

5
Reviewed: 2017-12-30

Lovely turquoise blue waters creating a tranquil environment ideal for holidaying and beach fun. Visiting the Sardenye low tide island was out of this world...Then served with fresh sea fish...prawns, octopus, red snapper and squid for lunch in the island made it an experience and a half.