Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve.

“Haven of the Green Turtle,” the Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve Unique coral gardens, the Gede Ruins—the Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve—have it all. Green turtles abound.

Along the north coast of Kenya, the park is part of a network of marine and tidal environments including a great variety of bird life, fish, turtles and dugongs. White sandy beaches, snorkelling, water skiing, windsurfing, glass bottomed boat trips are just a few of the activities available to visitors.

Undersea paradise found in Watamu Marine National Park will thrill you. Prepare to be astounded by more than 150 kinds of vibrant fish and the brilliant coral as you go under the water surface. Sand and mud flats, intertidal rock, mangrove swamps, immaculate beaches, coral reefs and coral gardens are among the many vital marine ecosystems the park safeguards.

Various marine life include the threatened Turtles and the massive Wrasse to the tiny Clown-fish call these environments home. Even if you are a land-lubber, Watamu is a great place for all water-babies to visit as glass-bottomed boat trips will not miss anything.

About 120 kilometers north of Mombasa, on Kenya’s North coast, is the park. For non-divers, the beaches in Watamu Marine National Park include kite-surfing, wind-surfing, swimming, water-skiing in the Mida Creek, and sailing among other sports. You may also lounge on the immaculate white beach and soak up the sunlight. Other pursuits include swimming, dolphin viewing. Horse-riding, golfing, sailing aboard a classic Arabic Dhow.

Events at Watamu Marine National Park

Larder:

These are a collection of North-east reefs where vessels may anchor. Huge fish shoals of the Ladder are well-known.

Coral Gardens

At least 250 kinds of fish may be discovered in the 100-meter length of coral heads at the edge of the lagoon included in the Coral Gardens.  Boat based snorkelling activities most often find their place at Coral Gardens.

Turtle Reefs

Among the top diving sites with different fish species are these ones. Turtle Reefs are also shielded for divers when wind makes exploring beyond the reef uncomfortable. Here among the unusual water life are star-fish, parrot-fish, lobsters, anemones, moray eels, wrasses, and sea-urchins.

The Turtle View

Turtles would find an ideal habitat in Watamu Marine National Park. The activities including beach patrols help to keep this gem properly guarded.

One of the initiatives calls on fisherman to net back turtles they unintentionally catch under an incentive system. The Community Education System Program and the Rehabilitation Center and Nest Monitoring for the ill or wounded turtles are further initiatives Mostly, the region serves as a Green Turtle breeding ground. This region is seeing rising populations of other types of turtles, including the Olive Ridley and the Hawksbill Turtles.

The Mangrove Forest at Mida Creek

One of the most important mangrove ecosystems in the world, it is also a known birding destination with local and migratory Asian and European species. A tidal inlet, Mida Creek offers varied ecosystems shaped by tide. For several kinds of fish, including Snappers, Rabbit Fish, Jacks, Barracuda and Emoerors, the open regions function as breeding and feeding ground.

Mida Creek’s aquatic vegetation varies in count and spread. Here one finds eleven types of sea grass and thirty-three species of seaweed. Both sea grasses and mangroves trap sediments that help the corals and provide an ideal home.

Snoraking

The most outstanding characteristics of Watamu Marine National Park are definitely the Coral Reefs and the marine gardens. One may find around 150 different kinds of soft and hard corals. You cannot fail to see fan corals, sponges, and brain corals—all of which attract over 1000 different kinds of fish.

Watamu is remarkable in that everyone may enjoy the undersea thanks to the 300-meter fringing reef offshore. Snorkelers get great view from the clean seas. Just 30 minutes offshore, scuba divers have more than 20 excellent dive spots to explore and dive at.

Biggame Hunting

Many fish species find the sheltered waters ideal for reproduction, which excites fisherman. Fish like Sailfish, Marlin, Spearfish and Swordfish may be found in these sheltered waters of Watamu, among the greatest locations for game fishing along the African coast.

There are deep-sea charter companies from which to pick, and the environment is ideal for both novice and experienced anglers. The main fishing season runs from December to March, so fishing contests take place there.

Bird Watching

Four critical bird habitats inside Watamu Marine National Park allow one to see. These comprise Sabaki River Mouth, Mida Creek, Dakatcha Woodland, and Whale Island. Water birds and the many Egrets, Plovers, Sandpipers and Terns observed here piques attention. Others include the migrating birds Warblers, Flycatchers, Shrikes, Sunbirds and Orioles.

Turtle Monitoring

The Turtle Watch Centre teaches you more about the fascinating turtles and the outstanding efforts carried out here to save this endangered species. Later on, the rehabilitated turtles are dumped into the sea, and hatchlings are allowed to find their way there.

Optimal Visit Time

Watamu’s proximity to the Equator makes all year long warmth possible. For diving, snorkelling and fishing, October through April are the ideal months. Although turtle hatching and nesting is an all year process.

Where inside Watamu National Park should one stay?

Watamu offers reasonably priced housing choices fit for your means. Among the finest hotels are some like.

Hemingway’s Hotel, Ocean Sports, Tree House at Watamu