Things to do in Watamu
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Deep-Sea Fishing
If you want to ape the fish-wrestling antics of Ernest Hemingway, Deep-Sea Fishing is possible at Ocean Sports Hotel and Hemingway's (high season, up to four anglers per boat). People are a little more environmentally sensitive now than in old Ernie's day - tag and release is standard procedure.
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Watamu Turtle Watch
Several species of marine turtle lay their eggs on the beaches around Watamu and Watamu Turtle Watch, part of the Local Ocean Trust, has set up a series of initiatives with local people to protect these threatened animals. Female turtles lay thousands of eggs here between January and April. Contact the trust's Marine Information Centre if you're interested in seeing this incredible natural spectacle or volunteering with local projects.
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Mida Creek
The extensive mangrove forests around Mida Creek, just south of Watamu, support a huge number of bird species, including the spectacular malachite kingfisher, yellow-billed stork and African fish eagle. It's paradise for bird-watchers and there is also some good snorkelling and scuba diving at the mouth of the creek.
The head of the creek, the best area for viewing waterbirds, is reached by a dirt road opposite the Mida entrance to the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve. The guides who work out of the reserve can organise guided walks in the mangroves.
Many people also come here on boat tours (arranged through Watamu hotels), which visit a boardwalk and picnic ground on Sudi…
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Bio Ken Snake Farm
This excellent Bio Ken Snake Farm is by far the best of the snake parks along the coast. It was established by the late James Ashe, a reptile expert and former curator from the National Museums of Kenya, who achieved such recognition in his field that he even has a bush viper named after him.
The farm is a nonprofit organisation, providing free antivenin wherever it is needed in Kenya. As well as touring the facilities, staff can take you on a day safari to look for snakes in their natural habitat.
The centre is just north of Watamu village on the main beach road.
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Watamu Marine National Park
The southern part of Malindi Marine Reserve, the Watamu Marine National Park includes some magnificent coral reefs and abundant fish-life. It lies around 2km offshore from Watamu. To get to the park you'll need to hire a glass-bottomed boat, which is easy enough at the KWS office, at the end of the coast road, where you pay the park fees.
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Aqua Ventures
With the marine park just offshore, diving is understandably popular. Aqua Ventures, at Ocean Sports Hotel, offers guided dives in the marine park and an open-water PADI dive course. The best time to dive and snorkel is between October and March. Avoid diving from June to August because of rough seas and poor visibility.
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Cladena Swiss Restaurant
It's not often you get a taste of the Alps in coastal Kenya, so if you have a hankering for fondue and sausage this is the place to come. It's also the site restaurant for the self-catering cottages run by the same owners.
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Turtle Bay Discovery Centre
All the big hotels offer 'goggling' (snorkelling) trips to nonguests. The best are the snorkel safaris run by zoologist Richard Bennett from the Turtle Bay Discovery Centre at Turtle Bay Beach Club.
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KWS office
To get to the Watamu Marine National Park you'll need to hire a glass-bottomed boat, which is easy enough at the KWS office, at the end of the coast road, where you pay the park fees.
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Ujamaa Bar & Restaurant
A central village eatery with some tourist standards such as steak and spaghetti thrown in to complement the local favourites (and up the prices).
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Marine Information Centre
Contact the Ocean Trust's Marine Information Centre if you're interested in the Watamu Turtle Watch or volunteering with local projects.
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Tewa Caves
Dive trips to the Tewa Caves at the mouth of Mida Creek are popular, where a group of giant rock cod loiter menacingly at the bottom.
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Halal Butchery
There's a good Halal Butchery near the village mosque.
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Mama Lucy Supermarket
Mama Lucy Supermarket is handy for self-caterers.
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Watamu Supermarket
Watamu Supermarket is handy for self-caterers.
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