Watamu, the ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’, is now one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations, but it offers much more than just beaches and sea. Here are the 10 most important trips, excursions, activities and thrills you can enjoy during your holiday in Watamu.

1. SEA SAFARI (OR BLUE SAFARI)
The ‘Blue Safari’ excursion is no ordinary boat trip, as it combines the pleasure of sailing on the Indian Ocean with swimming in crystal clear waters, snorkelling on the coral reef, relaxing on sandy atolls and enjoying a barbecue of fresh fish and Swahili side dishes. It is important to use reputable agencies that provide safe boats (unfortunately, accidents have occurred) and life-saving equipment (life jackets and buoys) for all occupants. In addition, the ‘beach boys’ tend to fill the boats beyond their capacity in order to earn more money.
However, the excursion is highly recommended! This part of the Indian Ocean off Watamu is known for being a passageway for many species of fish depending on the season. For example, enthusiasts from all over the world come here to admire the whale migration. Dolphins are a major attraction that can appear at any time of the year during an excursion between the Watamu Marine Park and Malindi and the mouth of Mida Creek.
 

2. THE RUINS OF GEDE
Gede (or Gedi, as it appears in ancient writings) is located just outside Watamu, at the intersection with the Malindi-Mombasa road. Its ruins tell the story of a historic settlement, one of the oldest (circa 1300) in the entire East African coastal area of which any trace remains.
The ruins of Gede (Gedi Ruins) are a national museum, and what remains of the metropolitan area is immersed in a forest of beautiful indigenous plants, with many baobabs and tamarinds. It is worth taking a walk and visiting, more for the surroundings than for the actual historical value of the remains. Between a tomb and a doorway, a monkey may sometimes jump out, or the call of an owl may echo from some of the old wells.
The Gede ruins and the national museum are open to the public every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
 

3. TRIP TO MIDA CREEK
Mida Creek is one of the unique features that make Watamu, renowned throughout Africa for its beaches and bays and the colours of the Indian Ocean, even more unique and special.
Few seaside resorts with such a wealth of amenities, resorts, bars and restaurants can boast an ecosystem that includes a marine inlet and a mangrove forest.
Mangroves are not only important because they are home to crabs, fish and shellfish, but above all because their presence is essential to protect vulnerable coastlines from soil erosion. In particular, Mida Creek is one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in the world, recognised by UNESCO. The tides create different landscapes and colours, and visitors are fascinated by the different habitats they can find: mud, white sand, open waters and tiny channels. It is not only a paradise for the human eye, but also for dozens of species of fish and birds. You can navigate it by fishing canoes or boats, but you can also walk on wooden walkways or across the sea at low tide.

 

4. ARABUKO SOKOKE FOREST
The Arabuko Sokoke Forest is the oldest, largest and most intact rainforest in East Africa, an essential green lung covering 420 square kilometres between Kilifi, Gede and the border with Tsavo National Park. Arabuko Sokoke is home to 20% of Kenya's bird species, 30% of butterfly species and at least 40 mammals, including African elephants, buffalo, civets, caracals, Syke's monkeys, yellow baboons and lesser galagos (or bushbabies). Some of Kenya's rarest mammals are found here, including the golden-tufted elephant, the elephant shrew, the bushy-tailed mongoose and the duiker. There are over 270 species of birds recorded in the forest, including several rare and endemic species. The forest has a network of game drives and walking trails. Many sections of the forest are accessible by normal cars, but for better access to all trails, 4x4 vehicles are recommended.
Trained guides are available to escort you on your exploration of the forest. Specialised guides are paid according to the time spent and the service provided. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Those who wish to start their excursion at dawn can purchase tickets the evening before. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, as most wildlife hides from the midday heat.
 

5. BIOKEN SNAKE FARM
The Bio Ken Snake Farm in Watamu is definitely one of the most interesting and useful places to visit in this tourist town.
The facility, which houses the largest collection of snakes in East Africa, was founded in 1980 by James Ashe.
It is not only a snake and reptile park to visit, but also a real research centre that deals with reptiles, particularly snakes and snake bites, with related studies on venoms and antidotes.
Located less than a 5-minute drive from the hotels in Watamu, it is open to the public.
There are about 127 different species of snakes in Kenya.
Of these, only 18 have caused human casualties and only 6 others could kill.
Another 10 could cause a lot of pain and the remaining 93 or so are neither poisonous nor dangerous. At Bio Ken, they explain what these snakes are and much more. Number to book guided tours: +254 718 290324
 

6. KITESURFING IN GARODA OR JACARANDA BEACH
Watamu Bay offers ideal conditions for kitesurfing enthusiasts. Wide sandy expanses create a flat water area perfect for learning or freestyle in flat water, while a coral reef stretching the entire length of the bay offers epic waves for surfers. Watamu beach is 15 km long, with fine white sand and crystal clear, warm water. What makes this place truly special is the coral reef located about half a kilometre from the beach, which protects the entire bay, offering a flat water sailing experience. When the summer waves arrive, you can find fantastic waves (2-3 m). There are good schools, starting with that of the winner of four Kenya Cups, Italian Jacopo Cantini. The best areas are Garoda beach at the entrance to Mida Creek and Jacaranda Beach.

 

7. PAPAREMO BEACH PARTY
In season, the event not to be missed is the Paparemo beach party, the only, inimitable venue that is open all day in the most fascinating bay of Watamu, where the “pearl of the Indian Ocean” offers one of its most enchanting scenes, that of the so-called “islands of love”. which can be visited on foot at low tide and circumnavigated to find yourself in front of the coral reef, while at high tide you can take a boat and enjoy absolute peace and primordial intimacy. Paparemo is the ideal hub where you can relax, enjoy a good lunch and dinner and get ready for the “cult” event, the Saturday night beach party.
 

8. CRAB SHACK
The Crab Shack is a unique place within the mangrove ecosystem in Dabaso. Completely eco-friendly, built on wooden stilts with walkways winding through the dense vegetation of aquatic plants, it is not only a structure that protects the marine and plant life of the Mida Creek ecosystem, but also a bar and restaurant on stilts over the sea from which to enjoy a fantastic spectacle, that of the sunset over the sea, which can be seen in very few places along the entire Kenyan coast. The restaurant, run by a cooperative that breeds local crabs, is also a simple but excellent local restaurant, built on stilts, where you can sample crab (and the unmissable crab samosas) as well as other seafood specialities. Reservations are always recommended for sunset.

9. TURTLE WATCH
The Local Ocean Trust, located near the central entrance to Watamu Marine Park, is an organisation that protects the approximately 50 hawksbill and green turtles that lay their eggs on Watamu Beach. The centre provides the local community with essential education on the fragility of sea turtles and actively patrols the area for people selling turtle shells. At the trust's rehabilitation centre, you can usually see turtles being treated for injuries or illnesses and learn about these magnificent creatures. It is definitely worth a visit.

10. DEEP-SEA FISHING IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
Watamu is one of the African destinations on the Indian Ocean renowned for deep-sea fishing. Just think that in the last century, enthusiasts such as the writer Ernest Hemingway loved fishing in the crystal-clear sea off Watamu, when the resort still had no roads or tourist facilities. Today, it is very easy to organise a day of deep-sea fishing, and many establishments in Watamu offer it as one of their “experiences”. During the migration season, it is also the safest and most attractive way to see whales off the coast of Watamu!