Watamu beach is one of Africa most revered beaches and the most sought-after destination on the Kenya north coast. The beach destination is well known for its multiple bays that creates some of the most picture-perfect beach spots in the East Africa region. The beach also boasts impressive number of top level and award-winning beach resorts and a wide list of fun activities you can engage in. In this guide we shall discuss some of the beach, cultural and sport activities you can pick when on a beach holiday in Watamu or the northern coast.
Relaxing in a picturesque, sun-kissed beachfront
If you are looking for a serene and beautiful beach setting where you can relax off from the buzzling cities back home or tedious moments spent on a safari, there is no better place than Watamu. Most of Watamu top level hotels are set in a unique and private location in a bay. Here you can bask in a seaside bed set on the white sand as you look on to the endless seas where there will always be a picturesque approaching dhow to look at.
Diving
Watamu has over 20 popular diving spots mainly due to its many bays with reefs that boast some of the richest underwater ecosystems. Watamu Marine national park is the most important underwater sanctuaries and a favorite for lovers of sea creatures. The marine park is well known for its big population of green turtles. The marine park also boast some of the best conserved coral gardens that host a large number of coral fish living in a variety of habitats. Notably, the marine park is internationally recorganised for being a popular spot for billfish who migrate to the Indian shorelines over the winter season. Here divers can go to a depth of 30 meters.
Kite surfing
Watamu is a popular surfing destination for its stable kiteboarding conditions with relatively calm waters and a few patches of reefs. There are 5 major kiting spots in the 5 km long coastal strip with each site having a unique set of experience for surfers. Importantly, like most of the other kiting destination in the Indian seas happens in two main seasons. In December to April when the Kaskaz winds are blowing and June to september when the kuz wind current are blowing. The winds are strong and stable ranging from18 to 25 knots. The currents are also relatively warm and you will not need to wear any wetsuits.
Go golfing
Watamu pitch and putt at crystal bay watamu is the most accessible golf course in Mombasa north coast. It is a modern 220 meters long course that gives golfers of all levels of experience an opportunity to practice different aspects of the game such as approaches, exit from the bunker and putt. Though the course is nine holes, players can easily readjust it for a full 18 holes experience. For complete beginners, the golf course has a modern practice range and offer golf lessons at very affordable rates.
Visit gedi ruins and arabuko Sokoke forest
Gedi ruins are remains of an old Arabic- African town that declined in late 16th centuary. The city which is still being excavated features a palace, tomb, mosques among other important architectural features. The archeological and historical site is situated within the Arabuko Sokoke forest which is one of the few remaining natural coastal forests in the Kenyan coast. The forest has some alluring picnic spot with its enchanting natural vibe and profound serenity. Here there are a wide varieties of avian and butterflies species.
Tour Lamu Island
Lamu island is a UNESCO protected heritage centre. The town is one of the most conservative urban settlements in the Kenyan coast with a well preserved Swahili culture. Lamu old town has incredible sites to behold with its alluring Swahili architecture and some of the oldest landmarks in the Kenyan coastline. The Lamu fortress is the most significant feature in the town. It was constructed in 1810s by then sultanate of Pete to act as a watch tower for invaders who would approach from the sea. The British colonial government would then convert it to a prison in 1930s. Today the fortress is a library facility with a wide variety of Swahili cultural materials.
Visit bio-ken snake park
The snake park houses the largest collection of snakes in the East Africa region. The horned viper, puff ader and black spitting cobra are some of over 200 snake species found in the park. The park is also a refuge for a number of turtles, crocodiles and other reptiles. Bio-Ken is also a research centre for anti venoms and study of snake bites. Tourists visiting the facility will have a detailed guided tour inside the park
Ride a traditional dhow to the mida creek
Take a sunset dhow trip to the mida creek and enjoy incredibly alluring scenes of shoreline vegetation. The 32 km long is an incredible natural scene featuring expanses of mangrove forest, seagrasses and coral. The creek is one of the most important stop over for wintering birds that are on passage to the southern Africa region from Europe. The coral reef also makes it an important dwelling for sea creatures. The sunset cruise is quite an exciting experience as the setting sun give the water a picturesque gold colour.
Tour the love island
The love island is a beautiful sand strip 1 km off the watamu coastal coastline. The island name is derived from its magnificent rocky scene and the island heart like shape. You can cruise to the island or walk during low tides. Most travelers would prefer the walking as they encounter sea creatures like octopus moraines, puffers, starfish of different colours as well as shells.
Indulge in your favorite bear/ cocktail at Lichthaus restaurant
Lichthaus is a classic beachfront restaurant set on the beautiful coastline. The facility offers a number of dinning settings all creating a magnificent view of the seas and the intensely natural surroundings. The restaurant is built of natural timber which is styled into splendid African and Swahili architecture. Here you can indulge in one of the cocktails as you watch the setting sun over the Indian seas. The restaurant has a trampolines area hanging over the water and which are the perfect spots to relax with you dearest and nearest as you sip your drink.
Birding at sabaki river estuary
The mouth of the sabaki is Kenya’s largest estuary and a rich habitat for a wide range of avian species. The scenic mud flat is majorly a dwelling for aquatic varieties and some forest dwelling varieties that live in the nearby woodlands. The estuary is particularly famous for its large population of saunders’s terns. Other bird varieties found in the estuary include both greater and lesser flamingos, Caspian terns, violet breasted sunbird and african skimmer
