Watamu Marine National Park district

Watamu, Kenya

Covers 229 km and has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of the best snorkelling and diving destinations in Africa.

Places in Watamu Marine National Park district

Medina Palms dining Excellent dining options at this luxurious suite-and-villa resort with lush gardens.

Best time to visit: July and August (cooler winter months) offer dropped humidity and picked-up wind, ideal for both beach and creek activities.
Getting around: Watamu town sits between the marine park and Mida Creek, with Gede Ruins, Arabuko Sokoke forest, and Hell's Kitchen/Marafa all reachable as day trips.
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KSh)
Language: Swahili and English (both official).
Timezone: EAT (UTC+3)
Current trends: Watamu's dining scene continues to lean into its strong Italian-expat influence, with pizza and gelato quality rivalling Italy itself, while Lichthaus's hammocks over Mida Creek and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status of Watamu Marine National Park anchor the town's reputation as one of Africa's best snorkelling and diving destinations.

Mida Creek district — Home to kayaking, paddleboarding, the Creek Float, waterskiing, kitesurfing, and the Lichthaus hammock bar.
Watamu town centre — Heavily Italian-influenced, with cocktail bars, excellent cafes, fresh seafood, and handmade gelato.