Below is a list of activities to do while in Watamu. Watamu is a small, charming, and undeveloped fishing village in Kenya that is a veritable gem that not many people are aware of. Watamu, a true gem in enchanted Kenya, should be on your bucket list because of its white sand beaches, offshore coral formations, azure blue Indian Ocean waters, mangroves, and rich cultural past.
Watamu Marine National Park, one of the oldest and best snorkeling spots on the coast and a United Nations Biosphere Reserve, is best visited early in the morning. Watamu town is 4.2 kilometers away. The clear waters make it easy to identify more than 600 different species of fish, and there is a likelihood of seeing dolphins. You may get a peek at this underwater world by diving into the warm, clear water of the best-protected coral reef on Kenya’s whole coastline.
At low tide, you can swim out to the reef or even go on a boat tour. Keep an eye out for olive ridley, hawksbill, and green turtles, which lay their eggs on Watamu’s main beach from April to October. The actual coral is also a highlight, with over 150 species of hard and soft corals thriving here, including cerebral-looking brain corals, delicate fan corals, and sponges.
2. Watch the sunset at the Crab Shack
Watamu is well known for its delicious meals, particularly its abundant seafood. Numerous restaurants dot Watamu draw ravenous people to them like moths to the flames. Crab Shack Dabaso, the rusty, charming hideout constructed on stilts and managed by the Mida Creek Conservation Community, was one of our most memorable experiences. Irreplaceable memories will be created when you and your significant other have a refreshing drink while watching the sunset. Recall that the money made from Crab Shack goes a long way in helping the local community conserve the endangered mangroves.
3. Visit Gede Ruins
Gede National Monument, which is managed by the National Museums of Kenya, features ruins, a butterfly sanctuary, and a snake park. Between Watamu and Malindi, the 13th-century village of Gede Ruins is encircled by tropical trees. With archaeological evidence of objects from all over the world, including Venetian glass and Ming Chinese vases, Gede was once a developed, cosmopolitan area. Researchers are still puzzled as to why Gede was abandoned so many centuries ago.
Although there is no sign of the previous occupants, the crumbling remnants show that there was a palace, mosques, a number of homes, and stone-pillar graves in the vicinity. Although it is a ghost town, it offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about a lost chapter in history. The butterflies from the Kipepeo project and some of the special breeds that are found at Arabuko Sokoke are bred here and then send to live displays all over the world.
4. Dhow Cruise along Mida Creek
Sail across Mida Creek in the comfort of a magnificent dhow while enjoying a cocktail (or mocktail) and watching the sunset. A sailing journey down the stream with refreshments and bites, or possibly a complete meal, is part of the sunset trips. A remarkable tidal ecology, Mida Creek is a sanctuary of mangroves and palms that is home to a wide variety of marine and avian species.
A stroll down the suspended boardwalk, which overlooks the creek and is surrounded by mangroves, would be part of the tour. The Mida Creek Conservation Community, which operates a crab farm and a neighborhood crab shack restaurant will greet you here. Take your time, relax in the breathtaking surroundings, and take in the sunset while tasting the popular crab samosas.
5. Go to the Watamu Turtle Watch
The about 50 hawksbill and green turtles that lay their eggs on Watamu Beach are protected by this outstanding group. The center aggressively patrols for individuals selling turtle shells and offers much-needed information about the vulnerability of sea turtles to the local community. You may typically observe turtles receiving medical attention for injuries or illnesses at the trust’s rehabilitation facility and get knowledge about these amazing animals. The visit is really worth it.
