BestKenya

Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve

Top Pick 2026Top Picks have a Google rating of 4.5 or higher from 200+ reviews and are still open. They are never paid for.Google rating 4.5 (2,330 reviews)
Watamu
Tourist attractionNature preserve
CallDirections
1 / 4

About

The management's rules filter down to create friction at every turn. Whatever you're coming for, ask about policies upfront to avoid surprises.

Highlights

  • Wheelchair accessible

HoursOpen now

Monday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
TuesdayToday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Google reviews

4.52,330 Google reviews
  • Fiona N.Google review · 9 Jan 2026

    Waters are crystal clear so beautiful, It gets quite packed during the peak seasons (December& January) so be prepared for that. We spent hours looking for the evasive dolphins but eventually spotted them, a sight to behold. The other marine life however we couldn’t see, maybe they had migrated away from the human traffic

    Read moreShow less
  • DaluGoogle review · 19 Dec 2025

    Awesome hotel to spend youf holiday in.

  • Akasa A.Google review · 23 Sep 2025

    week in paradise with my fiancé at Watamu's stunning coastline. The crystalclear blue waters and scattered islands created the most breathtaking backdrop for our getaway. The pristine beaches felt like heaven. Watamu isn't just a destination,it's pure magic. Already dreaming of our return! ✨🏝️

    Read moreShow less
  • Elodie D.Google review · 30 Dec 2024

    I don't know how it is during the low season but we came during Christmas time and honestly it is a complete shame. AND absolutely not what I think " conservation" should look like ! We started from blue bay beach. The departing site and organisation is a complete mess. You can see in the pictures attached what is the " glass" boat, just a small dirty plexiglass frame! 20+ boat full of noisy Italian tourist side by side chasing these poor dolphins, one of the boats overturned in the waves. I even heard from one of the boat pilots that some people died there last year, and honestly I'm not surprised according to how it is going on! The snorkeling spot doesn't worth it at all, hundred of people in the sea, dead corail, see weeds and only few fishs. Even the equipment that had been given to us is crappy and dirty.

    Read moreShow less
  • Katrina M.Google review · 7 Jul 2022

    The Park is not well taken care of, the controls are not efficient. In the evening the tides can get very high and pose a challenge to safety. Before boarding or making payments for the boat ride be sure you have contacted the right person as you can be easily be mislead. Otherwise the scenic view is great, the glass boat ride to Wakawaka Island, the seafood and traditional dance at the Island gave us a memorable experience. Captain Ali was our guide and he was excellent.

    Read moreShow less

Location

Watamu, North, Kenya

Watamu

Get directions

Explore guides

Safari & Wildlife

Kenya Safari Packing List: The Only Guide You Need (2026)

Pack smart, not heavy. The definitive Kenya safari packing list with exactly what you need, what to skip, and what the lodges won't tell you about laundry.

Read guide →Kenya Coast

Watamu Beach Guide: Marine Park, Turtles & Italian Food

Watamu offers Kenya's best snorkeling in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, world-class turtle conservation, and surprisingly authentic Italian cuisine. Here's your complete guide to this north coast gem.

Read guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve is open daily, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve is located at Watamu, North.
Call +254 729 548373 or visit kws.go.ke.

More attractions near Watamu

All attractions in Watamu Explore Watamu

More in Watamu

Open Now
Call