Things to Do Around Watamu
Karibu – welcome to one of Kenya’s most beautiful stretches of coast. From ancient Swahili ruins and hidden mangrove creeks to dolphin-filled waters, rare wildlife, and dramatic canyons carved by time, Watamu and its surroundings hold endless treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether explored at your own pace or as part of one of our favourite day tours, this is a region we’re proud to call home, and even prouder to share.
Mida Creek & the Mangroves
Stretching inland from the Indian Ocean into Arabuko Sokoke Forest lies one of Watamu’s true hidden treasures: Mida Creek, a broad tidal creek surrounded by extensive mangroves and one of the most beautiful natural attractions on the Kenyan coast. The creek can be explored by boat, kayak, stand-up paddle board, or even a guided float through its waters in a life vest, and it’s also part of the Safari Blue experience.
Gede Ruins
Gede is one of many medieval Swahili-Arab coastal settlements stretching from Somalia to Mozambique. The site includes a walled town and its surrounding area, with standing stone buildings — mosques, a palace, and numerous houses — spread unevenly through the settlement. Large open areas once held earth and thatch houses, and distinctive stone “pillar tombs” mark the site as a unique example of Swahili Coast architecture.
Arabuko Sokoke Forest
The largest stretch of dry coastal forest in the East African coastal forest complex, Arabuko Sokoke ranks among the world’s top 36 biodiversity hotspots. It’s home to rare and endangered species such as the Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew, Ader’s Duiker, Clarke’s Weaver, and the Sokoke Scops Owl — along with a population of around 200 elephants. A 120km solar-powered, elephant-proof fence keeps both wildlife and local communities safe.
Local Ocean
East Africa’s only Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, Watamu Turtle Watch monitors, nurses, and releases sick and injured sea turtles back into the ocean. The centre also serves as a powerful educational tool for visitors of all ages — come for a tour, learn about the marine environment, and meet the patients currently recovering in the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
Malindi
The small city of Malindi lies just 30 minutes north of Watamu, at the mouth of the Galana River. Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama stopped here on his way to India in 1498, building a pillar that still overlooks the harbour today. Game fishing, surfing, and simply relaxing on the beach are popular local pastimes, and the old town — with its Italian restaurants, narrow streets, and bustling market — radiates centuries of multicultural history.
Bioken Snakefarm
Just outside Watamu you will find the Watamu Snake Farm, a hands on research and education centre, dealing with reptiles, but primarily snakes and snake-bites.
At the park, they have almost 50 Kenyan snake species. Amongst these are The Ashe’s Spitting Cobra, a Black Boomslang, and the infamous Black Mamba. Our dedicated guides and venomous snake handlers are excited to show you the world of these mysterious critters and teach you more about their characteristics, lifestyle and habits.
