Watamu is an amazing paradise of sun and sand with an interantional reputation for its reef-protected beaches, offering safe sunbathing at both high and low tides all the year round.
The natural feature most obvious to the visitors is of course the Marine Park. The park was created in 1968 and is part of the far larger Malindi-Watamu Marine Reserve, which includes Mida Creek. The Marine Park extends from Blue lagoon in the North to the Whale Island in the South and is mainly and is mainly a lagoon habitat with depths in the central channel up to 6 meters (approx. 20 feet), and some isolated holes by the Turtle Reef up to 12 meters (approx. 39 feet). Fishing is totally banned in the park.
The most spectacular areas for snokelling are around the Coral Gardens and the adjacent Richard Burnett reef, where a vast array of tropical fish can be seen. This include the surgeon fish, angel fish, puffer fish, butterfly fish, trigger fish, and many others that offer an awesome spectacle of a variety and colour.
over 100 species of bird are found in the cultivated gardens, shambas, and bush. Commonly seen and overhead is the Black Kite, whilst the Common Bulbul, White-Browed Coucal and Speckeled Mouse bird can be seen scuffling 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 the poles and wires.
Kipepeo Project
The Kipepeo Project is a small community based butterfly farm that exports pupae to Europe an the United States for this in live butterfly exhibits. It started in 1994 and is based near the entrance to the Gede Ruins.
Gede Ruins
Gede Ruins was on of the ancient Arab towns which dotted the East African Coastline. It dates back to the late 13th to the early 14th century, and was finally abandoned in the early 17th century.
How to get there:
Watamu is 120 kms North of Mombasa and 28 kms South of Malindi. At Gede, which is on the main Mombasa Malindi road, you turn towards the Indian Ocean. 11 km from the road is Watamu itself. By air, Malindi airport will be the best solution.