Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve
Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve is located on Kenya’s coast. It is one of Kenya’s first marine parks, established in 1968.Coral Gardens in the area not far from the shore. It is home to approximately 600 species of fish, 110 species of stony coral and countless invertebrates, crustaceans, and mollusks. Watamu Marine Park is now part of a UN-recognized World Biosphere Reserve.
How To Get There
It is located about 140 km north of Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city. If you are traveling by road Watamu is 120 Km north of Mombasa and 28km south of Malindi. At Gede, which is on the main Mombasa Malindi Road, you turn towards the Indian Ocean. 11kms from the main road is Watamu itself. If you are traveling by air the Malindi airport is your arrival point.
Entry Charges / Fee
Park entry for non-residents is currently $17 per adult and $13 per child for 24hrs. Park entry for residents is KES 300 per adult and KES 170 per child for 24hrs. Park entry for citizens is KES 130 per adult and KES 125 per child.
Thinking Of A Place To Stay
Watamu is a small coastal town in Kenya, north of Mombasa. Sandy beaches and coral gardens are the defining features in the region. There are many places to stay around the area whether you want to stay by the beach or away from it. Our top picks are the Temple Point Resort, Turtle Bay Beach Club, Hemingways Watamu or Villas Watamu Resort.
Park Activities
You can immerse yourself in activities such as snorkeling, sunbathing, water skiing, windsurfing, glass-bottom boat rides, and diving.
What To Carry
• Footwear(to protect your feet from the reef)
• Snorkel, mask, fins, all of which are available for hire
• Camera, hat, sunscreen, insect repellant
• Guide books
• Plenty of drinking water
Animals You May Encounter
Watamu Marine National Park- a well-protected and managed area. This is the haven of the green turtle. Commonly seen overhead is the Black Kite. The Common Bulbul, Red-knobbed Starfish, White-Browed Coucal, and Speckled Mousebird can be seen in the undergrowth. Bright Yellow Canaries and Golden Palm Weavers flash in the bush, whilst the Lizard Buzzard and the Lilac Breasted Roller are often seen perched on poles and wires.
As you document your Game Watcher experience, you can share the photos with us via our digital platforms (Go Places Digital) and you stand a chance to win a trip to one of our partner properties!
Call the Go Places Travel Desk on +254719764000
Visit To Book Your excursion