Watamu Marine National Park

Watamu Marine National Park is a protected marine area off the Kenyan coast in Kilifi County, established to conserve coral reefs, seagrass beds and associated marine life near the village of Watamu. The park protects nearshore reef systems and adjacent shallow bays and tidal habitats.

Accessible fringing coral reefs and shallow lagoons that are commonly visited for snorkelling and recreational diving, along with intertidal seagrass and mangrove habitats that support fish nurseries and shorebirds. The park is important for marine biodiversity in the Kenyan coastal zone.

The marine park was designated to protect these nearshore ecosystems and to manage sustainable visitor use; management includes zoned access for tourism and conservation. Scientific surveys and community-based initiatives have been part of ongoing conservation work.

The park lies off the small coastal village of Watamu in Kilifi County, north of Mombasa on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast, and is accessed by road to Watamu followed by short boat or shore departures for reef sites.

• Activities: Best-known for nearshore snorkelling and diving over shallow coral reefs with abundant reef fish and coral growth.

What to See #

• Coral reefs and reef lagoons: Fringing coral reefs and shallow reef lagoons that are accessible from the shore and popular for snorkelling and diving, supporting coral and reef fish communities.
• Seagrass beds and mangroves: Intertidal seagrass beds and mangrove-lined tidal flats that support juvenile fish and birdlife in the Watamu Bay area.