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Malindi Watamu Marine Park being a haven for the Green Turtle, is among Kenya’s national parks and attractions in Kenya that is a must visit.
Interesting Facts About Watamu Marine National Park
Did you know? Watamu marine national park is mostly a nesting rehabilitation habitat for three types of sea turtles but mainly for the Green Turtle. The Green turtle is said to be the largest hard-shelled sea turtle making them unique.
Moreover, the park is home to over 450 fish species, vibrant soft and hard corals, mangrove forests and different shorebirds.
Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve is also among the oldest marine parks in Africa, also established in 1968 same as Malindi Marine Park.
Watamu Marine National Park Location
Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve is strategically located along the shoreline of the North coast in Kilifi County. It runs from the mouth of Mida Creek to the headland dividing turtle bay beach in the north.
The park is 28 km south of Malindi town and about 44 minutes away from Malindi Marine national park. This protected area is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Services.
Accessing Watamu Marine National Park
By road: Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve is 120 km north from Mombasa and can be accessed via the Mombasa – Malindi road where you can branch off at Gede. From Gede, Watamu Marine National Park Kenya is approximately 11 km.
By Air: You can also fly to Malindi International Airport from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
Watamu Marine National Park Conservation
Apart from being a haven for the Green Turtle, Watamu Marine National Park Kenya is also a breeding ground for other threatened species. The turtles are cared for by the Watamu Turtles.
Some of them include Sharks and Rays. Here is a list of their different types found in the park;
1. Whale Sharks: They are commonly seen between the months of December and February when they are thought to come out to the surface layers of the ocean.
2. Blacktip Reef Sharks: The park team do monitor this species carefully, studying its behavioral and habitats. This is because they are classified as nearly threatened.
3. Whitetip Reef Sharks: They are mostly rarely seen and have been found resting under rocks and crevices.
4. Spotted Eagle Rays: They are commonly found in the coral reefs of Watamu marine national park and do feed on a variety of invertebrates.
5. Marbled Electric Rays: They have electric organs at the base of their pectoral fins that generate a strong, electric discharge, which they use to subdue prey and drive off predators.
6. Honeycomb Stingrays: They are classified as Vulnerable and have been seen in the park’s shallow seagrass beds. From tip to tail they measure about 2 metres in length.
Activities & Things To Do In Watamu Marine Park
1. Sand Bathing
Did you know that Watamu Marine Park offers one of the top best white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters. Here you will be able to enjoy the tranquil scenic views of the ocean as you experience the sand bath.
2. Diving and Snorkeling
At Watamu Marine National Park you will be able to get the chance to explore the marine life beneath the waters. This is through facilitating amazing experiences which include scuba diving and snorkeling.
Check out also Kisite Mpunguti Marine park another protected marine park haven for Dolphins in Kenya. Here you can get not only to enjoy the marine life beneath water but also get to enjoy playing with the Dolphins.
3. Water skiing
Another fun activity to enjoy at Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve is skiing on the water on a jet ski. This is a thrilling experience that you wouldn’t want to miss out.
4.Water surfing
This is an exciting excursion that involves surfing on water at a favorable wind course making it a memorable and unique exposure. The park offers this to make a visitor’s trip, an out of this world memory.
5. Glass bottom boat rides
The park offers you a chance to explore the Indian Ocean on a boat. This enables you to have amazing views of the marine life in the water via the glass on the bottom of the boat.
6. Mida creek boardwalk
At Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve you will get to enjoy a thrilling walk on the suspended wood of Mida Creek that traverse the mudflats and mangroves and the epic views of the creek.
Watamu Marine Park fees
The 2025 entrance fees for this exquisite park are;
Fees for Citizens and Residents
- Adults – Ksh 130/-
- Child – Ksh 125/-
Fees for Residents
- Adults – Ksh 130/-
- Child – Ksh 125/-
Fees for Non-Residents
- Adult – USD 17
- Child – USD 13
Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve Weather
The Watamu coastal temperatures do range between 22 – 34 degrees Celsius.
The rainfall amounts also do vary from 200 mm- 700mm pa.
What To Take With You When Going To Watamu Marine National Park
Are you in worry on what to carry while visiting the park? Worry not, because here are some of the recommendable things to take with you;
- Hat, sunscreen and insect repellant to protect you from insects such as the mosquitos.
- Footwear to protect your feet from the reef.
- Mask, snorkel and fins which are all available for hire for those in seek of exploring the underwater world.
- Plenty of drinking water to keep hydrated.
- A camera to make epic memories.
- A guide (Naicef will provide you with one)
Conclusion
Watamu Marine Park is a haven for the Green Turtle and also home to over 450 fish species. It is among the oldest marine parks in Kenya , established in 1968 and is managed by KWS.
It is located in Kilifi County along the shoreline of North coast Kenya, 28km south of Malindi town.
It can be accessible via road through Mombasa-Malindi road and also via air through the Malindi Airport.
Apart from being a home for the Green Turtle, the park habours other threatened species which includes;
Whale Sharks, Blacktip Reef Shark, Whitetip Reef Shark, Spotted Eagle Ray and Honeycomb Stingray.
Some of the fun things to do in Watamu Marine Park are such as sand bathing, snorkeling, diving, water surfing, glass bottom boat ride.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Watamu Marine Park
1. What can I see in Watamu Marine National Park Kenya?
You can see a variety of marine species such as the coral reefs, fish species e.g Sharks and Turtles and different shore birds.
2. How can I get to the park?
You can get to Watamu Marine Park via road, Malindi-Mombasa Road, or by air through the Malindi Airport.
3. What can I do in the park?
At Watamu Marine Park you can engage in activities such as snorkeling, take a boat ride, scuba diving or even go for a sand bath.
4. When is the best time to visit the park?
The park can be accessible throughout the year but diving is best suitable between the months of October to April.
5. Do I need a ticket to swim in the park?
No, you don’t need a ticket to swim in the park, but you do need a ticket to participate in diving or snorkeling.
