Things to Do in Watamu

Watamu sits along Kenya's coast like a perfectly kept secret that's slowly getting out. This small town wraps around a series of pristine beaches and coral reefs that make up part of Watamu Marine National Park, creating one of those rare places where conservation and tourism actually work well together. The Indian Ocean here is that particular shade of turquoise that looks almost artificial in photos, and the beaches are the kind where you'll find yourself walking much farther than intended simply because the sand is so white and soft. What makes Watamu particularly appealing is its scale - it's developed enough to have excellent restaurants and comfortable accommodations, but small enough that you can walk most places and still feel like you're in a genuine coastal village rather than a resort destination.

The dining scene punches well above what you'd expect for a town this size, largely because of the Italian influence and excellent local seafood. You'll find everything from casual beach bars serving grilled fish and cold beer to sophisticated restaurants with Italian chefs and wine lists that would impress in Nairobi. The seafood is obviously the star - the daily catch might include snapper, kingfish, lobster, or prawns, and it's almost always perfectly fresh. Several restaurants specialize in Swahili cuisine with dishes like fish curry, coconut rice, and samosas that reflect the coast's Indian Ocean influences. For whatever reason, the Italian restaurants here are genuinely excellent - apparently there's a long-standing Italian expat community that takes their food seriously. Beach dining is common, with several spots where you can eat with your feet literally in the sand.

The weather here is generally excellent year-round, but there are definitely better and worse times depending on what you're after. The dry seasons from December to March and July to October offer the most reliable sunshine and calm seas, making them ideal for snorkeling, diving, and beach activities. That said, the short rains in November and long rains from April to June can actually be quite pleasant - brief afternoon showers that clear quickly, fewer crowds, and lusher landscapes. The main thing to avoid is the peak of the long rains in May, when it can be genuinely soggy. For fishing enthusiasts, March to July is prime time for marlin and sailfish. Turtle nesting season runs roughly October through February, with December and January being peak months if you're interested in turtle watching.