7 Greatest Seashores in Watamu in 2023 (+The place to Keep)

With crystal clear waters and delicate white sands, the seashores in Watamu are an irresistible draw for vacationers from Kenya and different components of the world. These beautiful and pristine stretches of sand are strategically situated 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 looking for a spot for rest and a few sunbathing, or a pair seeking 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 occasions, and most just lately, I spent per week exploring its numerous sights. This small coastal city is legendary for its stunning shoreline, extending from Jacaranda Bay to Brief Seaside, spanning north to south.

When you’re contemplating a visit to Watamu quickly, be a part of me as I reveal the highest seashores of this implausible 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 embrace serene spots for advantageous 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 listing of the very best seashores in Watamu is Jacaranda Bay Seaside – my favourite. This off-track seashore on the northern tip of Watamu attracts fewer crowds, making it a great spot for {couples} looking for a romantic retreat. It additionally transforms into pure swimming pools throughout low tide, creating the proper 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 delightful 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 Seaside Restaurant, the place you possibly can take pleasure in contemporary meals and drinks, watch a magical sundown, and soak in breathtaking ocean views.

• Location: Kanani Highway, Watamu, Kenya
• Methods to 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. Nevertheless, you possibly can try the next top-rated seashore homes:

Alawi Residence: This boutique seashore home options elegant rooms, an out of doors swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and different nice facilities. It’s subsequent to the primary seashore and boasts a personal sandy entrance. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Mirror Home Watamu: This one-bedroom villa offers lodging in a tranquil environment, superb for {couples}. Apart from a totally outfitted kitchenette, it has a TV set and free WiFi and boasts an open-air tub with an ideal ocean view. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Jumbo Membership Watamu: This lodge affords clear and air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, personal bogs, and a desk, making certain a cushty keep, and one you possibly can work from ought to it’s essential. You’ll take pleasure in further facilities similar to an out of doors swimming pool, a bar, a restaurant, and free personal parking. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Eating places Close to Jacaranda Bay Seaside

My favourite seashore bars and eating places near Jacaranda Bay Seaside, Watamu are listed beneath:

Safina Seaside Bar & Restaurant: Safina affords a surprising ocean view and a menu that includes grilled seafood, native rice dishes, pizzas, gelatos, cocktails, and native beers. Strive the scrumptious ugali samaki served with kachumbari, (a contemporary tomato and onion salad), and native greens. Click on right here for instructions.

Luwa Seaside Bar & Restaurant: It is a good spot for lunch close to Jacaranda Bay Seaside whereas having fun with the ocean view. They primarily specialise in Italian pizzas, pasta, and seafood (prawns, fish, and lobsters). Click on right here for instructions.

Marafiki Seaside Bar & Restaurant: That is one other nice seashore bar and restaurant round right here (and one other of my favorites). Apart from scrumptious meals, together with Kenyan delicacies, Italian dishes, and seafood, they provide each alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Click on right here for instructions.

2. Watamu Seaside (Mapango)

Whether or not you’re seeking to catch a breaking wave or unwind on the delicate sands, Watamu Seaside (often known as Mapango) is a perfect vacation spot. The small stretch of sandy bliss is greatest for households, first-time guests, and people looking for a soothing escape.

Any time I go to Watamu Seaside, I really like taking a leisurely stroll alongside the seashore or eating on the Kokomo Seaside 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 taking part in within the shallows and constructing sand castles.

The seashore affords numerous actions similar 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. When you favor to expertise the soothing sound of the ocean, you’ll discover a number of seashore bars and eating places outfitted with snug solar loungers to observe the world go by.

• Location: Watamu Seaside, Kenya
• Methods to 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 dwelling 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 the very best lodging amenities close to Watamu Seaside:

Solana Flats: In order for you a spacious, absolutely outfitted self-catering studio condominium close to Watamu Seaside, try this one-bedroom unit. Along with an out of doors pool and free WiFi, the Swahili-style condominium has a personal lavatory and extra facilities. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Dream Luxurious Villas: This mattress and breakfast villa, situated 700 meters from Watamu Seaside, affords elegant rooms with a terrace, a personal lavatory, free WiFi, an out of doors pool for rest, and entry to a spa. You may as well take pleasure in breakfast with continental, English, and Italian choices obtainable for friends. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Lalasalama B&B: For these searching for 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 on right here for extra particulars.

Eating places Close to Watamu Seaside

Watamu Seaside is lined with a number of good seashore eating places to attempt. Try the next choices:

Kokomo Seaside Bar and Restaurant: That is my favourite restaurant for a night in Watamu Seaside that gives unbelievable ocean views throughout sundown over a beer or cocktail. Its menu options genuine Lebanese mezze, grilled fish, lamb kebab, and veggie burgers. Click on right here for instructions.

Sundown Seaside Restaurant: This spacious and comfortable seashore bar and restaurant is thought for serving the very best pizza in Watamu, together with vegetarian choices. It has pleasant workers, quite a lot of drinks, and a stunning setting that’s good for a sundowner (or two). Click on right here for instructions.

Hosteria Romana Watamu: When you crave Italian delicacies, make sure you head to this restaurant alongside Watamu Seaside Highway. Along with scrumptious pizza and pasta, you possibly can order contemporary fish, lobsters, and prawns right here. Click on right here for instructions.

3. Turtle Bay Seaside

For vacationers preferring tranquility and people who crave ocean adventures, I like to recommend Turtle Bay Seaside. Right here, you possibly can benefit from the seashore or take part in water actions similar 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 numerous watersports. Additionally they manage boat journeys to the Watamu Marine Nationwide Park, the place you possibly can go scuba diving within the close by coral reefs, similar to Whaleshark, Mind Coral, and Nudi Reef.

Turtle Bay Seaside can be near Watamu’s top-rated resorts for {couples} and households, similar to Medina Palms and Hemingways, making it the very best seashore in Watamu for holidays and honeymoons. When you love purchasing 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
• Methods to 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: Stress-free in seashore resorts, delicate sand, swimming, snorkeling, and different watersports
• Facilities: Most resorts, resorts, and dive facilities alongside Turtle Bay Seaside have all mandatory facilities and rental gear
• Greatest Excursions: You’ll be able to be a part of this tour, which incorporates snorkeling, visiting Mida Creek, and exploring close by islands

Lodging Close to Turtle Bay Seaside

Turtle Bay Seaside is dwelling to a number of the greatest lodging amenities in Watamu. Try these top-rated seashore resorts and their newest costs beneath:

Ocean Sports activities Resort: This resort is well-liked amongst vacationers for its glorious location, pleasant workers, and delicacies (primarily contemporary seafood and pizzas). It options air-conditioned, ocean-facing rooms, a restaurant and bar, and an out of doors swimming pool. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Hemingways: That includes fashionable Swahili-style suites with vibrant interiors and personal bogs, Hemingways is without doubt one of the greatest resorts in Watamu. The excellent facility additionally has an on-site restaurant, two swimming pools, and a spa. Click on right here for extra particulars.

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 on right here for extra particulars.

Eating places Close to Turtle Bay Seaside

When you’re searching for the very best locations to eat close to Turtle Bay Seaside, try the next eating places:

Turtle Bay Seaside Membership: The Turtle Bay Resort is dwelling to a restaurant providing continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and numerous dinner choices. It additionally has a pizzeria, a snack bar, and a reservations-only spot with a la carte menus (Blue Turtle). Click on right here for instructions.

Amandina Restaurant: This restaurant at Medina Palms affords an ideal outside setting to take pleasure in relaxed eating with household and buddies. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, that includes eclectic delicacies specializing in Italian dishes, contemporary seafood, and vegetarian choices. Click on right here for instructions.

Gede Espresso Gardens: This restaurant by Hemingways offers a white linen dinner expertise with scrumptious meals together with grilled beef fillets, karoo lamb, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. You may as well take pleasure in a collection of drinks on the iconic Hemingways Bar. Click on right here for instructions.

4. Garoda Seaside

Garoda Seaside, 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 popularity as among the finest 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 Seaside.

Not solely is Garoda Seaside an extremely serene spot, however it’s additionally a hub for journey seekers. It’s often known 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 Nationwide Park’s unbelievable snorkeling and swimming spots.

When you’re wanting to be taught kitesurfing or enhance your current abilities, you’re in luck, as Garoda Seaside is dwelling to Watamu Native Kitesurfing College. The middle affords classes for all ability ranges and gear leases.

Whereas Garoda Seaside could have restricted outlets, just a few promote beachwear, items, and souvenirs to recollect your go to. You’ll hardly discover any beachside bars with facilities similar to sunbeds and altering rooms, however close by resorts supply these conveniences if wanted.

• Location: Off Turtle Bay Highway, Watamu, Kenya
• Methods to 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 couple of outlets with altering rooms and bathrooms

Lodging Close to Garoda Seaside

When you’re drawn to watersports and are planning to go to Garoda Seaside, listed here are a few of its greatest locations to remain. They embrace lodges, camps, and B&Bs similar to Watamu Seaside Cottages – my favourite.

Kobe Suite Resort: This resort affords air-conditioned suites with beautiful ocean views, and every suite comes with mosquito-net-draped beds and a personal lavatory with bathe and bidet. It additionally boasts two outside swimming pools, a tropical backyard, a personal seashore space, and a restaurant and bar. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Gecko Resort: The seashore resort affords clear, snug 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 workers and an important location subsequent to Garoda Seaside. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Bamba Kofi Tented Camp: This seashore camp in Watamu affords inexpensive lodging in tents surrounded by lush inexperienced vegetation and offers direct entry to Garoda Seaside. It has a totally outfitted outside kitchen, free WiFi, shared lavatory amenities, and an out of doors bathe. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Eating places Close to Garoda Seaside

Right here’s an inventory of a number of the greatest eating places close to Garoda Seaside in Watamu:

Prawn’s Lake Conservation Group: It is a pretty spot for watching the sundown over the creek and having fun with some scrumptious, contemporary seafood and native dishes. Check out the grilled octopus and their irresistible prawn samosas. Click on right here for instructions.

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. Additionally they serve delicious meals similar to barbecued snapper, fish and chips, seafood skewers, and hen wings. Click on right here for instructions.

5. Papa Remo Seaside (Love Bay)

Subsequent up on our listing of the best sandy seashores close to and round Watamu is the fascinating Papa Remo Seaside, additionally affectionately often known as ‘Love Bay’ or ‘Seven Island Seaside’. This pretty seashore is located north of Watamu Seaside and affords breathtaking views of seven picturesque islets.

When you’re looking for the very best seashore in Watamu for some full of life enjoyable, Papa Remo is the place to be. Not like a number of 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 situated near a number of the best resorts within the space.

Right here, you possibly can unwind, savor scrumptious meals, and sip your favourite drink in tranquility. When you love nice music and dancing, I extremely advocate attending the Papa Remo Seaside Social gathering. This thrilling occasion takes place each Saturday from 11 pm till late and is bound to be one of the memorable experiences you’ll have out of your time in Watamu.

• Location: Jacaranda Highway, Watamu, Kenya
• Methods to Get There: Papa Remo Seaside is inside strolling distance from Watamu purchasing heart, or you possibly can take a bike taxi or tuk-tuk
• Greatest For: Partying, delicate 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 embrace the next really helpful resorts and a lodge:

Visiwa Seaside Resort: Visiwa is an outstanding 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 delightful backyard. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Crystal Bay Resort: This beachfront resort is ideal for {couples} and households looking for rest and seashore exploration. It affords solar loungers, a buffet restaurant, a tropical backyard with well-tended flowering bushes, and well-maintained swimming swimming pools. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Boutique Resort Nyumbani Tembo: For a clear and comfortable lodge with spacious rooms and comfy beds in Watamu, ebook your keep at Nyumbani. It affords a shared kitchen, lounge, restaurant, swimming pool, and a small backyard, conveniently situated close to purchasing facilities and seashores like Papa Remo. Click on right here for extra particulars.

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 embrace the next seashore bars and eating places:

Tamu Restaurant: That is your greatest wager for those who’re searching for a restaurant with a romantic vibe near Papa Remo. Though they’ve a seashore bar, I normally select to dine of their indoor area. It’s cozy and well-lit, and the sliced beef fillet is especially scrumptious. Click on right here for instructions.

Willy Seaside Watamu: Positioned on the southern finish of the seashore, Willy is one other glorious place to dine and chill. They specialise in grilled seafood like octopus and lobsters, however you’ll additionally discover different dishes like hen, beef, and fried fish served with ugali (a standard sort of corn meal created from maize or corn flour). Click on right here for instructions.

Papa Remo Seaside 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 – principally contemporary seafood and Italian dishes. Click on right here for instructions.

6. Brief Seaside

Proper after Garoda Seaside, you’ll come across Brief Seaside (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, typically quiet and empty, providing you with the posh of getting the entire shoreline to your self.

Brief Seaside is a peaceable spot and is ideal for anybody looking for 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. Nevertheless, it’s a good suggestion to go together with somebody who is aware of the tides nicely to keep away from getting misplaced.

When you’re staying at Temple Level Resort, Brief Seaside is essentially the most accessible seashore. From right here, you possibly can catch breathtaking sunsets at Lichthaus Bar, be a part of a day journey to Mida Creek and Sudi Island, and even ebook 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 embrace the next:

Temple Level Resort: Positioned on the southern finish of Watamu, this lodge boasts elegant rooms, a restaurant that mixes worldwide and Kenyan delicacies, a swimming pool with solar loungers, and a captivating bar overlooking Mida Creek. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Nyumba Nyekundu: When you’re touring as a bunch or a household searching for an beautiful vacation dwelling, try the “Crimson Home.” It has an out of doors pool and wonderful items with all of the facilities for a memorable keep. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Eating places Close to Brief Seaside

Similar to resorts, there are restricted eating places close to Brief Seaside. Nevertheless, you possibly can dine at Temple Level’s Clubhouse Restaurant or its close by bar (see beneath):

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 panoramic sundown over Mida Creek. Check out the grilled garlic beef served with chips. Click on right here for instructions.

7. Mida Creek

Though Mida Creek could not qualify as a seashore, it affords a novel coastal expertise that’s nicely price exploring. Whereas it lacks the expansive white sands of different seashores inside the bigger Watamu Marine Nationwide Park, it does boast small sandy stretches alongside its shores.

This coastal gem is legendary for its wealthy mangrove forests, offering the proper 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 numerous 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 wonderful alternative 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. When you’re up for some journey, you possibly can be a part of day excursions to close by islands like Sudi and Waka Waka to discover extra of this distinctive ecosystem.

• Location: JXG9+W4M, Watamu, Kenya
• Methods to Get There: Entry from numerous factors by boat, canoe, or dhow, or ask your lodging facility in Watamu to rearrange a visit
• Greatest For: Sundown dhow cruises, birdwatching, and snorkeling journeys
• Facilities: Motels surrounding Mida Creek have all the required facilities
• Greatest Excursions: Mida Creek Boardwalk and Canoa Experience

Lodging Close to Mida Creek

Right here’s an inventory of a number of the greatest locations to remain alongside the shores of Mida Creek, Watamu:

The Mida Creek Resort: This quiet and relaxed boutique lodge is situated on the south aspect of the Mida Creek. It has solely six rooms and options facilities together with a restaurant, an out of doors swimming pool, sundecks, and a health heart, making it superb for households. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Rock and Sea Resort: This mattress and breakfast is dwelling to cozy rooms, bush bubble domes, and a implausible restaurant serving scrumptious meals. It’s situated on the identical aspect because the Mida Creek Resort, overlooking Brief Seaside on the opposite aspect. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Mida Creek Nature Camp: That is the proper place to remain close to Mida Creek (northern aspect) for finances vacationers and nature lovers. The eco-camp affords lodging in treehouses and tents in a serene atmosphere. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Eating places Close to Mida Creek

There are numerous locations to eat whereas exploring Mida Creek, and for those who be a part of a tour, you’ll most probably 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, predominant programs, and a collection of wines from South Africa, Italy, and France. Click on right here for instructions.

Crab Shack Dabaso: Tucked in between the mangroves, this community-run restaurant is legendary for its nice meals, welcoming workers, and its superb viewpoint for magical sunsets over Mida Creek. I extremely advocate their seafood platter comprising prawns, grilled fish, calamari, octopus, crab, and lobster. Click on right here for instructions.

Seashores in Watamu: FAQs

Listed here are some solutions to essentially the most generally requested questions on visiting seashores in Watamu, Kenya:

Now You Know The Greatest Seashores in Watamu

As you’ve seen and skim, magnificent seashores are considerable 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 dwelling.

Whereas right here, you possibly can unwind on a solar lounger whereas sipping a cocktail, attend the Watamu seashore get together, chill out below a palm tree with an excellent ebook, or dine at considered one of its many seashore eating places. Alternatively, the Watamu Marine Nationwide Park means that you can snorkel, swim, and surf.

So, for those who haven’t already, make Watamu your subsequent seashore vacation spot, and I promise you gained’t be upset. This coastal haven will seize your coronary heart and go away you craving for extra, simply because it’s repeatedly accomplished for me.

Here’s a listing of different glorious articles about Kenya and its seashores: