Watamu is a small village on the Northern Kenyan coast around a 3 hour transfer from Mombasa Airport (or just 30 minutes from Malidi airport). The area is absolutely stunning with pristine white-sand beaches and reef-protected lagoons; Watamu was voted one of the top ten beaches in the world!
The shoreline in the area features offshore coral formations arranged in three bays: Watamu Bay, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay. They are protected as part of the Watamu Marine National Park. The Marine Park is considered one of the best snorkeling and diving areas on the coast of East Africa.
Watamu is best for those looking for a quiet, tranquil holiday with amazing local diving. It also great for single travelers and female travelers as this is one of the safety and most hassle free beach resort in Kenya. There are also hotels like the Turtle Bay Resort that do not charge an single supplement and must be one of the friendliest hotel in the world !
THE DIVING
August—September
Dives are mainly inside the reef (max. Depth 10 metres), due to rough sea conditions.
October
Dives take place inside and outside the reef depending on sea conditions.
November—January
Dives on the outer reef in generally clear, calm conditions, with the chance of seeing a whale shark or two. Visibility between 13-20+ metres.
February—March
The water can be cool and visibility variable, with increased fish life/ activity and the possibility of seeing whale sharks and manta rays. Visibility between 8-20 metres.
End of March—end of April
Variable sea conditions. Sea and weather conditions normally deteriorate from late April. Visibility between 10-17 metres.
May and June
The bases are normally closed due to adverse sea/weather conditions.
THE CLIMATE IN KENYA
In Watamu, the average temperature during the day is 28-33 °C the whole year around. In the nights it drops till about 20-24 °C.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
PLANET have extensive first hand experience in Kenya and specialize if providing bespoke tailor made tours all over East Africa. We highly recommend adding a safari extension to your holiday, as East Africa is home to some of the world's most prolific wildlife. One or Two day safari can be arranged from the resort; longer safaris should be pre-booked as part of your holiday itinerary.
THE NIGHTLIFE
Nightlife is very low key except for the main city of Mombasa where there are excellent bars, restaurants and evening entertainment for all tastes.
THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For Kenya UK passport holders can obtain a Transit visa which is valid for a single entry up to a maximum stay of 6 nights/7 days, the cost is £15. If staying longer a Single Entry visa is valid for stays up to 3 months, costing £35. Both visas can be gained at point of entry or before departure from the Kenyan High Commission (Tele No:0207 636 2371/5).Those with non-UK passport should check with the Kenyan Embassy.
Please note the entry requirements can change so please check prior to travel for the latest travel advice and entry requirements.
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