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

With crystal clear waters and mushy white sands, the seashores in Watamu are an irresistible draw for vacationers from Kenya and different elements of the world. These beautiful 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 trying to find a spot to surf or snorkel, a household in search of a spot for leisure and a few sunbathing, or a pair seeking to escape metropolis crowds, there’s a seaside in Watamu to completely fit your wants.

I’ve had the chance to go to Watamu a number of instances, and most not too long ago, I spent every week exploring its numerous points of interest. This small coastal city is legendary for its lovely shoreline, extending from Jacaranda Bay to Brief Seaside, 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 improbable Kenyan vacation spot. Moreover, I’ll present my favourite restaurant and lodging suggestions close to every seaside.

Greatest Seashores in Watamu

Learn on for an inventory of my favourite seashores in Watamu. They embrace serene spots for effective white sands, thrilling watersport actions, and tranquil locations to loosen up and rewind. These Watamu seashores are perfect for households, {couples}, these wishing to social gathering, and sundown seekers.

1. Jacaranda Bay Seaside

Kicking off this checklist of the most effective seashores in Watamu is Jacaranda Bay Seaside – my favourite. This off-track seaside on the northern tip of Watamu attracts fewer crowds, making it a super spot for {couples} in search of 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 fanatics with its colourful fish and exquisite marine life, and when you see it, you’ll perceive why.

You’ll discover a number of seaside bars and eating places with clear amenities alongside the shore, together with bogs and altering rooms. For a memorable expertise, unwind at Marafiki Seaside Restaurant, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in contemporary meals and drinks, watch a magical sundown, and soak in breathtaking ocean views.

• Location: Kanani Highway, Watamu, Kenya
• Tips on how to Get There: Take a bike taxi or tuk-tuk from Watamu city
• Greatest For: Comfortable sands, seaside bars, swimming, browsing, and leisure
• Facilities: Eating places, altering rooms, and bogs

Lodging Close to Jacaranda Bay Seaside

There are few lodging amenities close to Jacaranda Bay Seaside owing to its secluded location. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to take a look at the next top-rated seaside homes:

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

Mirror Home Watamu: This one-bedroom villa gives lodging in a tranquil environment, supreme for {couples}. Apart from a totally geared up 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 gives clear and air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, personal bogs, and a desk, making certain a snug keep, and one you’ll be able to work from ought to it’s worthwhile to. You’ll take pleasure in extra facilities corresponding 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 seaside bars and eating places near Jacaranda Bay Seaside, Watamu are listed under:

Safina Seaside Bar & Restaurant: Safina gives a shocking 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 seaside 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 mushy sands, Watamu Seaside (also called Mapango) is a perfect vacation spot. The small stretch of sandy bliss is finest for households, first-time guests, and people in search of a calming escape.

Any time I go to Watamu Seaside, I like taking a leisurely stroll alongside the seaside or eating on the Kokomo Seaside Bar and Restaurant. From right here, you’ll be able to 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 seaside gives numerous actions corresponding to swimming, boat rides, seaside sports activities, and the prospect 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 seaside bars and eating places geared up with snug solar loungers to observe the world go by.

• Location: Watamu Seaside, Kenya
• Tips on how 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 seaside sports activities
• Facilities: Watamu Seaside is dwelling to a number of bars and eating places with clear bogs and altering rooms

Lodging Close to Watamu Seaside

Right here’s an inventory of the most effective lodging amenities close to Watamu Seaside:

Solana Flats: If you need a spacious, absolutely geared up self-catering studio condominium close to Watamu Seaside, take a look at this one-bedroom unit. Along with an out of doors pool and free WiFi, the Swahili-style condominium has a non-public rest room and extra facilities. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Dream Luxurious Villas: This mattress and breakfast villa, positioned 700 meters from Watamu Seaside, gives elegant rooms with a terrace, a non-public rest room, free WiFi, an out of doors pool for leisure, and entry to a spa. You may also take pleasure in breakfast with continental, English, and Italian choices out there for friends. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Lalasalama B&B: For these searching for a budget-friendly keep in Watamu near the seaside, retailers, 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 seaside eating places to strive. Try the next choices:

Kokomo Seaside 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 on right here for instructions.

Sundown Seaside Restaurant: This spacious and comfy seaside bar and restaurant is understood for serving the most effective pizza in Watamu, together with vegetarian choices. It has pleasant workers, a wide range of drinks, and a stunning setting that’s good for a sundowner (or two). Click on right here for instructions.

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’ll be able to 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’ll be able to benefit from the seaside or take part in water actions corresponding to swimming, snorkeling, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddle boarding.

You’ll discover Turtle Dive Watamu beside the seaside, a middle that provides diving courses and numerous watersports. In addition they manage boat journeys to the Watamu Marine Nationwide Park, the place you’ll be able to go scuba diving within the close by coral reefs, corresponding to Whaleshark, Mind Coral, and Nudi Reef.

Turtle Bay Seaside can also be near Watamu’s top-rated resorts for {couples} and households, corresponding to Medina Palms and Hemingways, making it the most effective seaside in Watamu for holidays and honeymoons. If you happen to love procuring and exploring a vacation spot’s culinary scene, many supermarkets, eateries, and craft retailers are lower than a ten-minute drive away.

• Location: J2P3+6C2, Watamu, Kenya
• Tips on how to Get There: Take a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi out of your lodge (the highway to the seaside is simply after the Turtle Bay Resort)
• Greatest For: Stress-free in seaside resorts, mushy sand, swimming, snorkeling, and different watersports
• Facilities: Most resorts, resorts, and dive facilities alongside Turtle Bay Seaside have all crucial facilities and rental gear
• Greatest Excursions: You may 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 among the finest lodging amenities in Watamu. Try these top-rated seaside resorts and their newest costs under:

Ocean Sports activities Resort: This resort is fashionable 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 trendy Swahili-style suites with vibrant interiors and personal bogs, Hemingways is without doubt one of the finest 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 seaside lodge gives every part you want for an ideal trip. It’s near the seaside and options beautiful villas, suites, three swimming swimming pools, a restaurant, a espresso backyard, and a seaside bar. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Eating places Close to Turtle Bay Seaside

If you happen to’re searching for the most effective locations to eat close to Turtle Bay Seaside, take a look at 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 gives an ideal outside setting to take pleasure in relaxed eating with household and associates. 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 gives a white linen dinner expertise with scrumptious meals together with grilled beef fillets, karoo lamb, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. You may also take pleasure in a number 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 fame as the most effective public seashores in Watamu.

Right here, you’ll be able to 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 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 Nationwide Park’s unimaginable snorkeling and swimming spots.

If you happen to’re desperate to be taught kitesurfing or enhance your current expertise, you’re in luck, as Garoda Seaside is dwelling to Watamu Native Kitesurfing Faculty. The middle gives classes for all ability ranges and gear leases.

Whereas Garoda Seaside might have restricted retailers, a number of promote beachwear, presents, and souvenirs to recollect your go to. You’ll hardly discover any beachside bars with facilities corresponding to sunbeds and altering rooms, however close by resorts provide these conveniences if wanted.

• Location: Off Turtle Bay Highway, Watamu, Kenya
• Tips on how to Get There: Take native transportation (taxi, motorbike, tuk-tuk) and ask the driving force to drop you there
• Greatest For: Comfortable sand, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kitesurfing
• Facilities: A couple of retailers with altering rooms and bogs

Lodging Close to Garoda Seaside

If you happen to’re drawn to watersports and are planning to go to Garoda Seaside, listed below are a few of its finest locations to remain. They embrace lodges, camps, and B&Bs corresponding to Watamu Seaside Cottages – my favourite.

Kobe Suite Resort: This resort gives air-conditioned suites with beautiful 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 seaside space, and a restaurant and bar. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Gecko Resort: The seaside resort gives clear, snug rooms with lovely backyard views. Moreover, it encompasses a buffet restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and a small personal seaside, 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 seaside camp in Watamu gives inexpensive lodging in tents surrounded by lush inexperienced vegetation and gives direct entry to Garoda Seaside. It has a totally geared up outside kitchen, free WiFi, shared rest room 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 among the finest 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 gives a stupendous setting for having fun with golden hour with beers and cocktails. In addition they serve delicious meals corresponding 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 checklist of the best sandy seashores close to and round Watamu is the charming Papa Remo Seaside, additionally affectionately referred to as ‘Love Bay’ or ‘Seven Island Seaside’. This pretty seaside is located north of Watamu Seaside and gives breathtaking views of seven picturesque islets.

If you happen to’re in search of the most effective seaside in Watamu for some energetic 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 seaside bars and eating places to altering rooms and seaside retailers. It’s additionally conveniently positioned near among the best resorts within the space.

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

• Location: Jacaranda Highway, Watamu, Kenya
• Tips on how to Get There: Papa Remo Seaside is inside strolling distance from Watamu procuring middle, or you’ll be able to take a bike taxi or tuk-tuk
• Greatest For: Partying, mushy sand, seaside bars and eating places, and leisure
• Facilities: Bars and eating places with altering rooms, bogs, and present retailers

Lodging Close to Papa Remo Seaside

Only a few minute’s drive from Watamu city middle, you’ll discover loads of locations to remain close to Papa Remo Seaside. These embrace the next beneficial 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 encompasses a restaurant, bar, outside swimming pool, and exquisite backyard. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Crystal Bay Resort: This beachfront resort is ideal for {couples} and households in search of leisure and seaside exploration. It gives 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 Lodge Nyumbani Tembo: For a clear and comfy lodge with spacious rooms and comfy beds in Watamu, e-book your keep at Nyumbani. It gives a shared kitchen, lounge, restaurant, swimming pool, and a small backyard, conveniently positioned close to procuring 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 gorgeous Papa Remo Seaside. A few of my go-to’s embrace the next seaside bars and eating places:

Tamu Restaurant: That is your finest guess when you’re searching for a restaurant with a romantic vibe near Papa Remo. Though they’ve a seaside 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 on right here for instructions.

Willy Seaside Watamu: Situated on the southern finish of the seaside, 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 produced 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, leisure, and leisure. It gives 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 personal personal paradise, typically quiet and empty, supplying you with the luxurious 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’ll be able to take a leisurely stroll from Brief Seaside to Garoda Seaside and past, having fun with the gorgeous surroundings of waves, sandbars, and rocky cliffs. Nevertheless, 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 Level Resort, Brief Seaside is essentially the most accessible seaside. From right here, you’ll be able to catch breathtaking sunsets at Lichthaus Bar, be a part of a day journey to Mida Creek and Sudi Island, and even e-book a ship experience 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: Situated 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 an enthralling bar overlooking Mida Creek. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Nyumba Nyekundu: If you happen to’re touring as a gaggle or a household searching for an beautiful vacation dwelling, take a look at the “Pink Home.” It has an out of doors pool and beautiful models with all of the facilities for a memorable keep. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Eating places Close to Brief Seaside

Identical to resorts, there are restricted eating places close to Brief Seaside. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to 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 finest hangout spots in Watamu. It has hammocks and a terrace the place you’ll be able to dine and drink whereas savoring a wide ranging 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 might not qualify as a seaside, it gives a singular coastal expertise that’s properly 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 fanatics 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 selection for swimming.

From this considerably secret spot, you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to 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
• Tips on how 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: Lodges surrounding Mida Creek have all the mandatory facilities
• Greatest Excursions: Mida Creek Boardwalk and Canoa Experience

Lodging Close to Mida Creek

Right here’s an inventory of among the finest locations to remain alongside the shores of Mida Creek, Watamu:

The Mida Creek Lodge: 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 out of doors swimming pool, sundecks, and a health middle, making it supreme 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 improbable restaurant serving scrumptious meals. It’s positioned on the identical facet because the Mida Creek Lodge, overlooking Brief Seaside on the opposite facet. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Mida Creek Nature Camp: That is the proper place to remain close to Mida Creek (northern facet) for price range vacationers and nature fanatics. The eco-camp gives lodging in treehouses and tents in a serene setting. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Eating places Close to Mida Creek

There are a lot of locations to eat whereas exploring Mida Creek, and when you be a part of a tour, you’ll more than likely have lunch at Waka Waka or Sudi Island. That mentioned, listed below are my favourite eating places to select from:

Panoramic Restaurant: This restaurant by Rock and Sea combines scrumptious meals with magical views of Mida Creek. Its multi-cuisine menu contains tasty starters, most important programs, and a number 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 wonderful viewpoint for magical sunsets over Mida Creek. I extremely suggest 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 browse, magnificent seashores are considerable in Watamu, every with distinct character and attract. Watamu can also be a spot the place the sunsets by no means fail to colorfully paint the sky, the waves lull you into leisure, and the nice and cozy hospitality of the locals makes you’re feeling proper at dwelling.

Whereas right here, you’ll be able to unwind on a solar lounger whereas sipping a cocktail, attend the Watamu seaside social gathering, loosen up below a palm tree with a great e-book, or dine at one in every of its many seaside eating places. Alternatively, the Watamu Marine Nationwide Park permits you to snorkel, swim, and surf.

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

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