Watamu Marine National ParkAbout 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.
Nearby Attractions to Watamu Marine National Park
Best Time to Visit Watamu Marine National Park
Dry months (January-March, July-September) offer the best snorkelling and diving conditions.
Weather & Climate near Watamu Marine National Park
Watamu Marine National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (829 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 22° - 29° | 26° | 15 mm | some cloud | 77% | 3.5 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.2h |
| February | Ideal | 22° - 30° | 26° | 8 mm | some cloud | 75% | 3.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.1h |
| March | Ideal | 23° - 31° | 27° | 36 mm | some cloud | 76% | 3.7 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Excellent | 23° - 30° | 26° | 102 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.9h |
| May | Very Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 216 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.0 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.8h |
| June | Excellent | 21° - 27° | 24° | 105 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| July | Excellent | 20° - 26° | 23° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 4.2 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.8h |
| August | Excellent | 20° - 26° | 23° | 49 mm | some cloud | 76% | 4.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.9h |
| September | Ideal | 21° - 27° | 24° | 41 mm | some cloud | 76% | 3.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Excellent | 22° - 29° | 25° | 62 mm | some cloud | 78% | 3.4 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.1h |
| November | Excellent | 22° - 29° | 26° | 72 mm | some cloud | 79% | 4.1 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.2h |
| December | Excellent | 22° - 29° | 26° | 50 mm | some cloud | 79% | 3.5 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.2h |
How to Get to Watamu Marine National Park
Watamu Marine National Park is about 120 km north of Mombasa and approximately 20 km south of Malindi; access is by road via Mombasa-Malindi Highway and local roads to Watamu village. Boat operators from Watamu run regular snorkelling and diving excursions to the park.
Tips for Visiting Watamu Marine National Park
- Book snorkelling or diving trips with licensed operators to visit the park's best reefs and ensure responsible anchor practices.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral and marine life.
- Early mornings have calmer seas and better visibility for underwater photography.