Watamu — Turtles & Snorkeling

Watamu is a small coastal village about 100 km north of Mombasa, famous for its Watamu Marine National Park — one of Kenya's best snorkeling and diving spots.

🐢 Turtles

Watamu is an important nesting site for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. The Local Ocean Trust (formerly Watamu Turtle Watch) rescues and rehabilitates injured turtles and offers visitors the chance to witness the release of rehabilitated animals — an unforgettable experience.

🤿 Snorkeling & Diving

The Marine Park protects an extensive coral reef with over 600 species of fish, turtles, rays, and — if you're lucky — whale sharks (September–March). Glass-bottom boat snorkeling tours start from the beach and cost from 20 USD. Divers will find intact coral gardens and the wreck of the MV Dania.

🏖️ Beaches

Watamu has several stunning beaches: Watamu Beach (long, white, great for swimming), Turtle Bay (protected bay), and the Bio-Ken Snake Farm with Kenya's largest snake collection — not for the faint-hearted, but fascinating.

🌊 Sardine Run (November–March)

Every winter, massive schools of sardines migrate along the coast, attracting whale sharks, dolphins, and tuna. Snorkeling tours with whale sharks are an absolute highlight!