Africa
Kenya
Coast Province
Malindi
Things to do in Malindi
Watamu Beach
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Watamu Beach

See all things to do
See all things to do
Watamu Beach
4.5
#2 of 15 things to do in Malindi
Beaches
00:00 - 23:59
Monday
00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
00:00 - 23:59
Thursday
00:00 - 23:59
Friday
00:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 23:59
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About
The coastal village of Watamu is known for its wonderful white sand beach. The region is protected as part of the Watamu National Marine Park.
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Top ways to experience Watamu Beach and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
48 within 5 kms
The Liars Club
289
0.5 km€€ - €€€ • Italian • African • Cafe
Come Back Club Watamu
407
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Italian • African • Seafood
Bahati Gelateria Italianna Andrea
287
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Dessert • Italian • Cafe
Makuti Ristorante Pizzeria
222
0.2 km€ • Italian • African • Pizza
Mapango Restaurant
132
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • Pizza • Seafood • Mediterranean
Lo Spuntino
178
0.5 km€ • Seafood
Non Solo Gelato Watamu
191
0.8 km€€ - €€€ • Dessert • Italian • Cafe
Kokomo Beach Bar & Restaurant
13
45 mLebanese • Mediterranean • Middle Eastern
Mbuyu Restaurant Watamu
8
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Italian • Pizza • Seafood
Ascot Restaurant
20
0.5 km€€ - €€€ • Italian • Pizza • Seafood
See all
Attractions
15 within 10 kms
Watamu National Marine Park
640
1.1 kmNational Parks
Safari Kenya Con Aragosta
10
0.6 kmBeaches
Nayl Safari Kenya
3
0.5 kmAncient Ruins • National Parks
Tsavo Park
1,745
2 kmNature & Wildlife Areas
Isola dell'Amore Watamu
110
1.7 kmIslands
Mida Creek
791
3.5 kmBodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
The Watamu Snake Farm
242
2.2 kmFarms
Gede Ruins
351
History Museums
Padel House Watamu
2
1.5 kmPlaygrounds
Local Ocean Conservation
173
4.2 kmNature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites
See all

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles876 reviews
Excellent
553
Very good
209
Average
68
Poor
28
Terrible
18
Speedking80
Morano Calabro, Italy21 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Watamu beach
Jul 2024 • Family
We stay in a resort directly on the beach. The beach was wonderful (in terms of white san and clear water) and free, but dirty (plastics and rubbish). There was a lot of seaweed in the water and on the beach, but this is nature.

Beach boys: they are very big problem. They are super annoying and nagging. We try to get rid of the guys in every manner: paying, discussing, laughing, praying... Basically we were forced to avoid the beach and stay in the resort. I understand this problem is plaguing all the Africa east cost. I regret to say I will avoid the Africa east cost for the next trip.
Written 31 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cristiano B
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Fantastic place
Jul 2024 • Couples
I went to Watamu beach with my girlfriend and for all excursions I relied on Jamaica Tuor Operator (its telephone number is +254 111 260096) we did safari and blu safari. We had a great time and his prices are the lowest. JAMAICA IS THE BEST
Written 30 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tomasz L
5 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Harrasment on the beach
Jun 2024 • Family
The Beach and seaview is astonishing. You may also enjoy the Snakefarm - people there are doing great job yo extract antivenom! The Gede ruins are also nice. Those are the only positive things.
We have been in Watamu in the low-season. We felt like we are the only tourists around (just a few more people gather atound in the evening in bars). The local beach boys don't let you enjoy the view and the beach, always walking around you like mosquitos. You can not relax for a moment. Everyone treats you like an ATM. Thet follow you even back to the hotel. We felt like almost inprisoned. A lot of restaurants are closed off season. Those that look nice are extremly expensive.
That was supposed to be the best holiday of my life but was ruined by the beach boys.
Written 6 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EvaF2Eva
Lorrach, Germany5,157 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Beautiful but too many tourists
Dec 2023 • Friends
I spent just one evening on the Watamu beach and it will forever remain in my mind as a place of two faces. At one side it is an overcrowded place with spoiled misbehaving tourists. At the other hand it is breathtakingly beautiful piece of nature where I experienced one of the most exciting happening of my stay in Kenya when we observed fishermen coming home with their haul. So much joy and excitement! There is no way you don´t get excited too.
Written 29 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
belinda kambua
Mtito Andei, Kenya19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Beautiful Beach
Nov 2023 • Family
Very beautiful beach,white powdered sand ,turquoise water.so many hotels and restaurants.very friendly people .been in different beaches in kenya but i can rate watamu the top.for transfers and day trips we contacted omar +254 758 292 901 very fast in replying via whatsaap.we did the marafa hells kitchen,snorkelling in the marine park and the transfer from watamu to mombasa train station .
Written 29 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katerinushka
Kiev6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Unique experience
Mar 2023 • Friends
It was my first time I visited Kenya. First came to Mombasa, then my local friend brought me to Malindi. It’s nice there. In the evening he took me to Watamu beach. There are few beach bars just on the sand, with a view to the ocean. I liked the atmosphere, very Unusual to feel this African style for a European woman that came from a cold place. During the day it was hot but with a nice ocean breeze. We enjoyed cooled cocktails from the renovated Islands bar and in the evening enjoyed their food and drinks listening to African beats till midnight. I don’t know, for me it was the best day I spent in Kenya during my short stay. I didn’t have a chance to see the animals in Safari. Next time for sure will do.
Written 26 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andrew_skylark
Minsk Region, Belarus220 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Amazing white beach with marine life
Feb 2023 • Couples
- white sand, blue water
- in the morning water goes away, so you can walk on sea grounds and see marine life that stayed behind
- in the evening water comes back quickly so you can literally stay in one place and see all those small islands dissapear and water level reaching your waist
- downside: too many annoying beach boys following you
Written 17 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Freija A
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great place to relax & use as a hub !
Feb 2023 • Solo
Watamu is a beautiful place to spend some glorious days at the beach. For all your excursions, Ali is a great local guide who can organise all types of excursions. From good eating spots, local transport , an afternoon trip to Marafa and all sorts of safaris. His number is +254 790 385979
Written 1 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francis Muzozo
Karen, Kenya13 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Leisure
Dec 2022 • Family
Expansive sandy beach with long stretch deep into the sea when water recede. Great stretch of raised island cutting across. A bit of dumping of waste by beach users.
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramat
Ottawa, Canada4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Serene!
Sept 2022
Went snorkeling, it's very safe and very friendly guides. even if you can't swim, go for the ride, well worth it
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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WATAMU BEACH: All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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