Watamu Marine Park

Watamu is an amazing paradise of sun and sand with an international reputation for its reef-protected beaches, a perfect place for a beach safari offering safe sunbathing at both high and low tides all year round.

The natural feature most obvious to the visitor 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 Whale Island in the south and is mainly a lagoon habitat which deepens 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.

Most of the hard coral species occurring in the Kenyan coast have been identified with a healthy reef system, most easily recognizable corals are the Porites Hump corals, which are slow-growing corals and may be up to 4 meters (13 feet) in diameter.

The most spectacular areas for snorkelling are around the Coral Gardens and the adjacent Richard Burnett reef, where a vast array of tropical fish can be seen. These include the surgeon fish, snappers, parrot fish, angel fish, puffer fish, butterfly fish, trigger fish and many others that offer an awesome spectacle of variety and color.

Rays can also be seen swimming through the water in a graceful flying motion, while, on occasion, you might see some young reef sharks in the shallows. No need to worry; they are harmless and are usually just lazing around.

With an ornithologists paradise at Mida Creek, a wide variety of tropical reef fish in the adjacent waters of Watamu Marine Park and endemic flora and fauna in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, this brief guide can do no more than merely wet the appetite.

Activity Options
Water Sports

In addition to snorkeling there is an assortment of other water sports, ranging from surfing to deep sea fishing, which is rated amoung the best in East Africa.

Explore More

There are many glass-bottomed boats, whose operators can take you snorkeling, usually to the Coral Gardens or Richard Burnett reef.

For competent swimmers, snorkeling can be done directly from the beach. However, beware of tidal currents, especially near the entrance to Mida Creek.

What to See
Kipepeo Project

The Kipepeo project is a small community based butterfly farm that exports pupae to Europe and the United States for use in live butterfly exhibits. It started in 1994 and is based near the entrance to the Gede Ruins.

The 150 community butterfly farmers are made up of local families that live adjacent to the Eastern border of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest.

The project is open to the public, where they can see the rearing procedure, as well as a visitor center with displays and information clearly illustrated. There is a large flight cage to wander through and see at close range a selection of Arabuko Sokoke butterflies.

Historical Sites

Gede ruins was one 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.

At its helm of prosperity Gede had a population of over 2500 people. The Gede Ruins gained the status of Historical Monument in 1927 and much excavation and preservation work has been carried out over  the years so that large areas of the town, especially within the inner walls, are now revealed. Surviving ruins at Gede include the Great Mosque, the palace, residential houses and several pillar tombs. Between the inner and outer walls there is a nature trail, which is probably the best indication of the vegetation of the dry forest which existed on the raised coral reef before human habitation.

From more recent times, two other sites of interest have been found: at Dabasso Rock and Kalalu Caves. These are sacred shrines to the local Giriama people.

Deciduous trees dominate, with a few evergreen trees. Tamarindas indica (Tamarind) and Adansonia digitata (Baobabs)occur naturally.

Note

Although visitors are welcome to these sites, it is essential to go with a guide interpreter and to observe and respect local customs, as these places are still used for certain ceremonies and are held in great esteem.

Abundant Bird Life

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 Speckled Mousebird 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 poles and wires.

When to stay

A wide range of accomodation options are available in Malindi and Watamu.

When to Go

The Watamu Marine Park is accessible all year round.