Our Experiences
One of Kenya's most biodiverse marine parks — sea turtles, whale sharks, vibrant reef fish, and white sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.
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Watamu Marine National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the oldest marine parks in Africa. The reefs here are alive in a way that is increasingly rare — home to green and hawksbill sea turtles, giant moray eels, barracuda, parrotfish, and on lucky days, whale sharks.
We drive up the North Coast from Mombasa, arriving at Watamu village before the day-trippers from the beach resorts. You'll snorkel in three different reef zones with a marine guide who knows every turtle by name, then spend the afternoon on Watamu beach — one of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the entire East African coast.
🐢 Sea turtle encounters are very high probability — they nest and feed here year-round. Our guides know their favourite spots.
Trip Highlights
Watamu's sea turtles are its most celebrated residents. Our guides know exactly where to find them — and how to approach without disturbing.
We snorkel three distinct reef areas in one day — shallow gardens for beginners, deeper walls for the confident swimmers, and a turtle feeding ground.
Not a confident swimmer? A glass-bottom boat lets you see the reef in full colour without getting in the water.
White sand, warm Indian Ocean water, and almost no one else. One of the finest beaches on the East African coast.
Watamu is also a world-class birding destination. The adjacent Arabuko-Sokoke Forest hosts rare species found nowhere else on earth.
Lunch at a beachside restaurant in Watamu village — grilled catch of the day, coconut rice and fresh juice. Simple and perfect.
Full Day Itinerary
We depart early to catch the best light and calmest sea conditions for snorkelling.
Early departure north along the coast road. Snacks and drinks in the vehicle. Scenic drive up the North Coast takes about 1.5 hours.
Meet your marine guide at the jetty. Snorkelling gear distributed and fitted. Brief briefing on reef etiquette and what to look for.
Head straight to the turtle feeding grounds. Green and hawksbill turtles graze on the seagrass beds here most mornings. Snorkel gently alongside them.
The big reef — massive coral formations, moray eels, lionfish, schools of colourful reef fish. Glass-bottom boat for those who prefer to stay dry.
Fresh grilled fish, coconut rice, and cold drinks at a beachside restaurant. Take your time — the afternoon is relaxed.
Swim, walk, read, or do nothing at all on one of Kenya's finest beaches. Optional third reef snorkel for the keen swimmers.
Return journey south. Arrive at your hotel around 6:00 PM, sun-tired and happy.
Pricing
Runs Monday – Saturday. Best Oct – Mar for calm seas.
Reserve Your Spot
Tell us your group size, preferred date, and swimming confidence level so we can plan the right reef zones for you.