With crystal clear waters and gentle white sands, the seashores in Watamu are an irresistible draw for vacationers from Kenya and different components of the world. These gorgeous and pristine stretches of sand are strategically positioned alongside the shoreline, providing one thing interesting to everybody.
Whether or not you’re a watersports fanatic looking for a spot to surf or snorkel, a household in search of a spot for rest and a few sunbathing, or a pair trying to escape metropolis crowds, there’s a seashore in Watamu to completely fit your wants.
I’ve had the chance to go to Watamu a number of instances, and most lately, I spent per week exploring its varied points of interest. This small coastal city is known for its stunning shoreline, extending from Jacaranda Bay to Short Beach, spanning north to south.
If you happen to’re contemplating a visit to Watamu quickly, be a part of me as I reveal the highest seashores of this incredible Kenyan vacation spot. Moreover, I’ll present my favourite restaurant and lodging suggestions close to every seashore.
Greatest Seashores in Watamu
Learn on for an inventory of my favourite seashores in Watamu. They embody serene spots for high-quality white sands, thrilling watersport actions, and tranquil locations to chill out and rewind. These Watamu seashores are perfect for households, {couples}, these wishing to get together, and sundown seekers.
1. Jacaranda Bay Seaside
Kicking off this checklist of one of the best seashores in Watamu is Jacaranda Bay Beach – my favourite. This off-track seashore on the northern tip of Watamu attracts fewer crowds, making it a perfect spot for {couples} in search of a romantic retreat. It additionally transforms into pure swimming pools throughout low tide, creating the right setting for a refreshing swim.
Beneath the blue waters of Jacaranda Bay, and towards the backdrop of pristine white sands, lies the enchanting Sardinia 2. This coral backyard attracts snorkeling lovers with its colourful fish and exquisite marine life, and when you see it, you’ll perceive why.
You’ll discover a number of seashore bars and eating places with clear amenities alongside the shore, together with bathrooms and altering rooms. For a memorable expertise, unwind at Marafiki Beach Restaurant, the place you possibly can get pleasure from recent meals and drinks, watch a magical sundown, and soak in breathtaking ocean views.
- Location: Kanani Road, Watamu, Kenya
- Get There: Take a bike taxi or tuk-tuk from Watamu city
- Greatest For: Gentle sands, seashore bars, swimming, browsing, and rest
- Facilities: Eating places, altering rooms, and bathrooms
Lodging Close to Jacaranda Bay Seaside
There are few lodging amenities close to Jacaranda Bay Seaside owing to its secluded location. Nonetheless, you possibly can try the next top-rated seashore homes:
Alawi Home: This boutique seashore home options elegant rooms, an outside swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and different nice facilities. It’s subsequent to the principle seashore and boasts a non-public sandy entrance. Click here for more details.
Mirror House Watamu: This one-bedroom villa supplies lodging in a tranquil environment, supreme for {couples}. Moreover a completely outfitted kitchenette, it has a TV set and free WiFi and boasts an open-air tub with an ideal ocean view. Click here for more details.
Jumbo Club Watamu: This lodge affords clear and air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, personal bogs, and a desk, guaranteeing a snug keep, and one you possibly can work from ought to it’s essential. You’ll get pleasure from further facilities akin to an outside swimming pool, a bar, a restaurant, and free personal parking. Click here for more details.
Eating places Close to Jacaranda Bay Seaside
My favourite seashore bars and eating places near Jacaranda Bay Seaside, Watamu are listed under:
Safina Beach Bar & Restaurant: Safina affords a surprising ocean view and a menu that includes grilled seafood, native rice dishes, pizzas, gelatos, cocktails, and native beers. Attempt the scrumptious ugali samaki served with kachumbari, (a recent tomato and onion salad), and native greens. Click here for directions.
Luwa Beach Bar & Restaurant: It is a excellent spot for lunch close to Jacaranda Bay Seaside whereas having fun with the ocean view. They primarily focus on Italian pizzas, pasta, and seafood (prawns, fish, and lobsters). Click here for directions.
Marafiki Beach Bar & Restaurant: That is one other nice seashore bar and restaurant round right here (and one other of my favorites). Moreover scrumptious meals, together with Kenyan cuisine, Italian dishes, and seafood, they provide each alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Click here for directions.
2. Watamu Seaside (Mapango)
Whether or not you’re trying to catch a breaking wave or unwind on the gentle sands, Watamu Beach (also referred to as Mapango) is a perfect vacation spot. The small stretch of sandy bliss is greatest for households, first-time guests, and people in search of a soothing escape.
Any time I go to Watamu Seaside, I like taking a leisurely stroll alongside the seashore or eating on the Kokomo Beach Bar and Restaurant. From right here, you possibly can witness the mesmerizing sundown over the water, with a picturesque backdrop of moored boats and youngsters enjoying within the shallows and constructing sand castles.
The seashore affords varied actions akin to swimming, boat rides, seashore sports activities, and the possibility to benefit from the sight of waves crashing towards the towering rock cliffs close by. If you happen to choose to expertise the soothing sound of the ocean, you’ll discover a number of seashore bars and eating places outfitted with comfy solar loungers to look at the world go by.
- Location: Watamu Beach, Kenya
- Get There: Take a bike taxi or a tuk-tuk and ask the rider to drop you off at Kokomo or Mapango Seaside eating places
- Greatest For: Swimming, sunbathing, sunsets, and seashore sports activities
- Facilities: Watamu Seaside is residence to a number of bars and eating places with clear bathrooms and altering rooms
Lodging Close to Watamu Seaside
Right here’s an inventory of one of the best lodging amenities close to Watamu Seaside:
Solana Apartments: If you’d like a spacious, absolutely outfitted self-catering studio condominium close to Watamu Seaside, try this one-bedroom unit. Along with an outside pool and free WiFi, the Swahili-style condominium has a non-public rest room and extra facilities. Click here for more details.
Dream Luxury Villas: This mattress and breakfast villa, positioned 700 meters from Watamu Seaside, affords elegant rooms with a terrace, a non-public rest room, free WiFi, an outside pool for rest, and entry to a spa. It’s also possible to get pleasure from breakfast with continental, English, and Italian choices obtainable for friends. Click here for more details.
Lalasalama B&B: For these in search of a budget-friendly keep in Watamu near the seashore, outlets, and leisure spots, I like to recommend Lalasalama. This modest mattress and breakfast options cozy rooms, a shared lounge, a restaurant, and free parking. Click here for more details.
Eating places Close to Watamu Seaside
Watamu Seaside is lined with a number of good seashore eating places to strive. Take a look at the next choices:
Kokomo Beach Bar and Restaurant: That is my favourite restaurant for a night in Watamu Seaside that gives unimaginable ocean views throughout sundown over a beer or cocktail. Its menu options genuine Lebanese mezze, grilled fish, lamb kebab, and veggie burgers. Click here for directions.
Sunset Beach Restaurant: This spacious and comfortable seashore bar and restaurant is thought for serving one of the best pizza in Watamu, together with vegetarian choices. It has pleasant employees, a wide range of drinks, and a stunning setting that’s excellent for a sundowner (or two). Click here for directions.
Hosteria Romana Watamu: If you happen to crave Italian delicacies, make sure to head to this restaurant alongside Watamu Seaside Highway. Along with scrumptious pizza and pasta, you possibly can order recent fish, lobsters, and prawns right here. Click here for directions.
3. Turtle Bay Seaside
For vacationers preferring tranquility and those that crave ocean adventures, I like to recommend Turtle Bay Beach. Right here, you possibly can benefit from the seashore or take part in water actions akin to swimming, snorkeling, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddle boarding.
You’ll discover Turtle Dive Watamu beside the seashore, a middle that gives diving courses and varied watersports. In addition they manage boat journeys to the Watamu Marine National Park, the place you possibly can go scuba diving within the close by coral reefs, akin to Whaleshark, Mind Coral, and Nudi Reef.
Turtle Bay Seaside can be near Watamu’s top-rated lodges for {couples} and households, akin to Medina Palms and Hemingways, making it one of the best seashore in Watamu for holidays and honeymoons. If you happen to love buying and exploring a vacation spot’s culinary scene, many supermarkets, eateries, and craft outlets are lower than a ten-minute drive away.
- Location: J2P3+6C2, Watamu, Kenya
- Get There: Take a tuk-tuk or bike taxi out of your lodge (the street to the seashore is simply after the Turtle Bay Resort)
- Greatest For: Enjoyable in seashore resorts, gentle sand, swimming, snorkeling, and different watersports
- Facilities: Most resorts, lodges, and dive facilities alongside Turtle Bay Seaside have all vital facilities and rental gear
- Greatest Excursions: You may join this tour, which incorporates snorkeling, visiting Mida Creek, and exploring close by islands
Lodging Close to Turtle Bay Seaside
Turtle Bay Seaside is residence to among the greatest lodging amenities in Watamu. Take a look at these top-rated seashore lodges and their newest costs under:
Ocean Sports Resort: This resort is well-liked amongst vacationers for its glorious location, pleasant employees, and delicacies (primarily recent seafood and pizzas). It options air-conditioned, ocean-facing rooms, a restaurant and bar, and an outside swimming pool. Click here for more details.
Hemingways: That includes fashionable Swahili-style suites with vibrant interiors and personal bogs, Hemingways is without doubt one of the greatest lodges in Watamu. The excellent facility additionally has an on-site restaurant, two swimming pools, and a spa. Click here for more details.
Medina Palms: This 4-star seashore lodge affords the whole lot you want for an ideal trip. It’s near the seashore and options beautiful villas, suites, three swimming swimming pools, a restaurant, a espresso backyard, and a seashore bar. Click here for more details.
Eating places Close to Turtle Bay Seaside
If you happen to’re in search of one of the best locations to eat close to Turtle Bay Seaside, try the next eating places:
Turtle Bay Beach Club: The Turtle Bay Resort is residence to a restaurant providing continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and varied dinner choices. It additionally has a pizzeria, a snack bar, and a reservations-only spot with a la carte menus (Blue Turtle). Click here for directions.
Amandina Restaurant: This restaurant at Medina Palms affords an ideal outside setting to get pleasure from relaxed eating with household and pals. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, that includes eclectic delicacies specializing in Italian dishes, recent seafood, and vegetarian choices. Click here for directions.
Gede Coffee Gardens: This restaurant by Hemingways supplies a white linen dinner expertise with scrumptious meals together with grilled beef fillets, karoo lamb, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. It’s also possible to get pleasure from a number of drinks on the iconic Hemingways Bar. Click here for directions.
4. Garoda Seaside
Garoda Beach, the cleanest and calmest of Watamu seashores, boasts crystal blue waters and pristine white sands. It’s a favourite amongst locals and vacationers, incomes its fame as the most effective public seashores in Watamu.
Right here, you possibly can stroll alongside the shore throughout low tide, taking within the breathtaking ocean view and refreshing sea breeze as you head towards Turtle Bay Beach.
Not solely is Garoda Seaside an extremely serene spot, but it surely’s additionally a hub for journey seekers. It’s referred to as the final word kitesurfing vacation spot in Watamu, providing thrilling experiences for surfers of all ranges. Plus, it’s one of many launching factors for boat journeys to Watamu Marine National Park’s unimaginable snorkeling and swimming spots.
If you happen to’re desirous to be taught kitesurfing or enhance your present expertise, you’re in luck, as Garoda Seaside is residence to Watamu Local Kitesurfing School. The middle affords classes for all ability ranges and gear leases.
Whereas Garoda Seaside might have restricted outlets, a couple of promote beachwear, items, and souvenirs to recollect your go to. You’ll hardly discover any beachside bars with facilities akin to sunbeds and altering rooms, however close by lodges supply these conveniences if wanted.
- Location: Off Turtle Bay Road, Watamu, Kenya
- Get There: Take native transportation (taxi, bike, tuk-tuk) and ask the driving force to drop you there
- Greatest For: Gentle sand, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kitesurfing
- Facilities: A number of outlets with altering rooms and bathrooms
Lodging Close to Garoda Seaside
If you happen to’re drawn to watersports and are planning to go to Garoda Seaside, listed here are a few of its greatest locations to remain. They embody lodges, camps, and B&Bs akin to Watamu Beach Cottages – my favourite.
Kobe Suite Resort: This resort affords air-conditioned suites with gorgeous ocean views, and every suite comes with mosquito-net-draped beds and a non-public rest room with bathe and bidet. It additionally boasts two outside swimming pools, a tropical backyard, a non-public seashore space, and a restaurant and bar. Click here for more details.
Gecko Resort: The seashore resort affords clear, comfy rooms with stunning backyard views. Moreover, it contains a buffet restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and a small personal seashore, all complemented by welcoming employees and a terrific location subsequent to Garoda Seaside. Click here for more details.
Bamba Kofi Tented Camp: This seashore camp in Watamu affords inexpensive lodging in tents surrounded by lush inexperienced vegetation and supplies direct entry to Garoda Seaside. It has a completely outfitted outside kitchen, free WiFi, shared rest room amenities, and an outside bathe. Click here for more details.
Eating places Close to Garoda Seaside
Right here’s an inventory of among the greatest eating places close to Garoda Seaside in Watamu:
Prawn’s Lake Conservation Group: It is a beautiful spot for watching the sundown over the creek and having fun with some scrumptious, recent seafood and native dishes. Check out the grilled octopus and their irresistible prawn samosas. Click here for directions.
Pilipan Restaurant: Located on the identical creek as Prawn’s Lake, Pilipan affords a ravishing setting for having fun with golden hour with beers and cocktails. In addition they serve delicious meals akin to barbecued snapper, fish and chips, seafood skewers, and rooster wings. Click here for directions.
5. Papa Remo Seaside (Love Bay)
Subsequent up on our checklist of the best sandy seashores close to and round Watamu is the fascinating Papa Remo Beach, additionally affectionately referred to as ‘Love Bay’ or ‘Seven Island Seaside’. This beautiful seashore is located north of Watamu Beach and affords breathtaking views of seven picturesque islets.
If you happen to’re in search of one of the best seashore in Watamu for some full of life enjoyable, Papa Remo is the place to be. In contrast to among the neighboring seashores, Papa Remo has all of the facilities you want; from seashore bars and eating places to altering rooms and seashore outlets. It’s additionally conveniently positioned near among the best lodges within the space.
Right here, you possibly can unwind, savor scrumptious meals, and sip your favourite drink in tranquility. If you happen to love nice music and dancing, I extremely advocate attending the Papa Remo Beach Party. This thrilling occasion takes place each Saturday from 11 pm till late and is certain to be probably the most memorable experiences you’ll have out of your time in Watamu.
- Location: Jacaranda Road, Watamu, Kenya
- Get There: Papa Remo Seaside is inside strolling distance from Watamu buying heart, or you possibly can take a bike taxi or tuk-tuk
- Greatest For: Partying, gentle sand, seashore bars and eating places, and leisure
- Facilities: Bars and eating places with altering rooms, bathrooms, and reward outlets
Lodging Close to Papa Remo Seaside
Only a few minute’s drive from Watamu city heart, you’ll discover loads of locations to remain close to Papa Remo Seaside. These embody the next beneficial resorts and a lodge:
Visiwa Beach Resort: Visiwa is an excellent boutique lodge in Watamu close to Papa Remo Seaside with solely eight elegant rooms and three household residences. It additionally contains a restaurant, bar, outside swimming pool, and exquisite backyard. Click here for more details.
Crystal Bay Resort: This beachfront resort is ideal for {couples} and households in search of rest and seashore exploration. It affords solar loungers, a buffet restaurant, a tropical backyard with well-tended flowering timber, and well-maintained swimming swimming pools. Click here for more details.
Boutique Hotel Nyumbani Tembo: For a clear and comfortable lodge with spacious rooms and cozy beds in Watamu, guide your keep at Nyumbani. It affords a shared kitchen, lounge, restaurant, swimming pool, and a small backyard, conveniently positioned close to buying facilities and seashores like Papa Remo. Click here for more details.
Eating places Close to Papa Remo Seaside
There are a number of locations to eat close to the attractive Papa Remo Seaside. A few of my go-to’s embody the next seashore bars and eating places:
Tamu Restaurant: That is your greatest wager when you’re in search of a restaurant with a romantic vibe near Papa Remo. Though they’ve a seashore bar, I normally select to dine of their indoor house. It’s cozy and well-lit, and the sliced beef fillet is especially scrumptious. Click here for directions.
Willy Beach Watamu: Positioned on the southern finish of the seashore, Willy is one other glorious place to dine and chill. They focus on grilled seafood like octopus and lobsters, however you’ll additionally discover different dishes like rooster, beef, and fried fish served with ugali (a conventional sort of corn meal made out of maize or corn flour). Click here for directions.
Papa Remo Beach Restaurant: That is my favourite restaurant alongside the Watamu shoreline for meals, rest, and leisure. It affords each indoor and beachfront eating choices with scrumptious meals – largely recent seafood and Italian dishes. Click here for directions.
6. Brief Seaside
Proper after Garoda Seaside, you’ll come upon Short Beach (on the southern finish of Watamu). It’s a hidden gem but to be found by many. This charming little location is like your individual personal paradise, usually quiet and empty, supplying you with the posh of getting the entire shoreline to your self.
Brief Seaside is a peaceable spot and is ideal for anybody in search of some peacefulness by the ocean. When the tide goes out, you possibly can take a leisurely stroll from Brief Seaside to Garoda Seaside and past, having fun with the attractive surroundings of waves, sandbars, and rocky cliffs. Nonetheless, it’s a good suggestion to go together with somebody who is aware of the tides properly to keep away from getting misplaced.
If you happen to’re staying at Temple Point Resort, Brief Seaside is essentially the most accessible seashore. From right here, you possibly can catch breathtaking sunsets at Lichthaus Bar, join a day trip to Mida Creek and Sudi Island, and even guide a ship trip from the close by marine park workplace for snorkeling adventures.
Lodging Close to Brief Seaside
Though Brief Seaside is secluded, there are nonetheless a number of lodging amenities close by. These embody the next:
Temple Point Resort: Positioned on the southern finish of Watamu, this lodge boasts elegant rooms, a restaurant that mixes worldwide and Kenyan cuisine, a swimming pool with solar loungers, and a captivating bar overlooking Mida Creek. Click here for more details.
Nyumba Nyekundu: If you happen to’re touring as a gaggle or a household in search of an beautiful vacation residence, try the “Crimson Home.” It has an outside pool and beautiful models with all of the facilities for a memorable keep. Click here for more details.
Eating places Close to Brief Seaside
Identical to lodges, there are restricted eating places close to Brief Seaside. Nonetheless, you possibly can dine at Temple Level’s Clubhouse Restaurant or its close by bar (see under):
Lichthaus: This bar by Temple Level is without doubt one of the greatest hangout spots in Watamu. It has hammocks and a terrace the place you possibly can dine and drink whereas savoring a wide ranging sundown over Mida Creek. Check out the grilled garlic beef served with chips. Click here for directions.
7. Mida Creek
Though Mida Creek might not qualify as a seashore, it affords a singular coastal expertise that’s properly value exploring. Whereas it lacks the expansive white sands of different seashores throughout the bigger Watamu Marine Nationwide Park, it does boast small sandy stretches alongside its shores.
This coastal gem is known for its wealthy mangrove forests, offering the right feeding floor for marine life together with lobsters, fish, crabs, and octopus. It’s additionally a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers, because it attracts various species such because the sacred ibis, terek sandpiper, and the gray plover.
One other standout function of Mida Creek is its sections of shallow waters, making it a superb selection for swimming.
From this considerably secret spot, you possibly can embark on boat journeys and dhow cruises alongside the creek to witness the magical Watamu sundown. If you happen to’re up for some journey, you possibly can join day tours to close by islands like Sudi and Waka Waka to discover extra of this distinctive ecosystem.
- Location: JXG9+W4M, Watamu, Kenya
- Get There: Entry from varied factors by boat, canoe, or dhow, or ask your lodging facility in Watamu to rearrange a visit
- Greatest For: Sunset dhow cruises, birdwatching, and snorkeling journeys
- Facilities: Resorts surrounding Mida Creek have all the required facilities
- Greatest Excursions: Mida Creek Boardwalk and Canoa Ride
Lodging Close to Mida Creek
Right here’s an inventory of among the greatest locations to remain alongside the shores of Mida Creek, Watamu:
The Mida Creek Hotel: This quiet and relaxed boutique lodge is positioned on the south facet of the Mida Creek. It has solely six rooms and options facilities together with a restaurant, an outside swimming pool, sundecks, and a health heart, making it supreme for households. Click here for more details.
Rock and Sea Resort: This mattress and breakfast is residence to cozy rooms, bush bubble domes, and a incredible restaurant serving scrumptious meals. It’s positioned on the identical facet because the Mida Creek Lodge, overlooking Brief Seaside on the opposite facet. Click here for more details.
Mida Creek Nature Camp: That is the right place to remain close to Mida Creek (northern facet) for price range vacationers and nature lovers. The eco-camp affords lodging in treehouses and tents in a serene surroundings. Click here for more details.
Eating places Close to Mida Creek
There are lots of locations to eat whereas exploring Mida Creek, and when you be a part of a tour, you’ll most certainly have lunch at Waka Waka or Sudi Island. That mentioned, listed here are my favourite eating places to choose from:
Panoramic Restaurant: This restaurant by Rock and Sea combines scrumptious meals with magical views of Mida Creek. Its multi-cuisine menu consists of tasty starters, fundamental programs, and a number of wines from South Africa, Italy, and France. Click here for directions.
Crab Shack Dabaso: Tucked in between the mangroves, this community-run restaurant is known for its nice meals, welcoming employees, and its wonderful viewpoint for magical sunsets over Mida Creek. I extremely advocate their seafood platter comprising prawns, grilled fish, calamari, octopus, crab, and lobster. Click here for directions.
Seashores in Watamu: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to essentially the most generally requested questions on visiting seashores in Watamu, Kenya:
With its gentle white sand and crystal-clear waters, Watamu Seaside is commonly thought-about one of the best within the space. Different nice choices embody Garoda for watersports, Turtle Bay for households, and Jacaranda Bay for a quiet surroundings.
If you happen to fancy a full of life environment, I like to recommend Papa Remo Seaside for partying.
Turtle Bay Seaside is taken into account one of the best seashore in Watamu for households. Due to its enchanting lodges and calm waters, it’s supreme for youngsters to swim and play safely.
Jacaranda Bay Seaside is a well-liked selection amongst {couples} in Watamu for a romantic getaway, providing a tranquil and secluded setting. Watamu and Turtle Bay are additionally glorious selections.
Jacaranda Bay and Turtle Bay seashores are identified for having the clearest and most pristine waters in Watamu.
Sure. Watamu is thought for its white sand seashores, particularly at well-liked spots like Watamu Seaside, Turtle Bay, and Jacaranda Bay.
Seashores in Watamu are thought-about secure for guests. Nonetheless, it’s all the time sensible to observe native security tips, train warning, and concentrate on your environment. Repeatedly examine the newest journey advisories for Kenya from the US, UK, and Canadian governments.
In Watamu, informal beachwear like swimsuits, shorts, and light-weight clothes are perfect for the tropical local weather. Nonetheless, it’s beneficial to decorate modestly when exterior of the seashore areas and when visiting non secular or cultural websites. Keep in mind sunscreen and a hat.
Now You Know The Greatest Seashores in Watamu
As you’ve seen and browse, magnificent seashores are ample in Watamu, every with distinct character and attract. Watamu can be a spot the place the sunsets by no means fail to colorfully paint the sky, the waves lull you into rest, and the nice and cozy hospitality of the locals makes you are feeling proper at residence.
Whereas right here, you possibly can unwind on a solar lounger whereas sipping a cocktail, attend the Watamu seashore get together, chill out underneath a palm tree with a great guide, or dine at certainly one of its many seashore eating places. Alternatively, the Watamu Marine National Park lets you snorkel, swim, and surf.
So, when you haven’t already, make Watamu your subsequent seashore vacation spot, and I promise you received’t be disillusioned. This coastal haven will seize your coronary heart and go away you craving for extra, simply because it’s repeatedly performed for me.
Here’s a checklist of different glorious articles about Kenya and its seashores:
