7 Finest 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. It genuinely is among the best places to visit in Kenya. 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 lately, I spent every week exploring its various attractions. This small coastal city is known for its lovely shoreline, extending from Jacaranda Bay to Short Beach, spanning north to south.

For those who’re contemplating a visit to Watamu quickly, be a part of me as I reveal the highest seashores of this incredible Kenyan vacation spot. Moreover, I’ll present my favourite restaurant and lodging suggestions close to every seaside.

Finest Seashores in Watamu

As going to the seaside is certainly one of my favorite things to do in Kenya, learn on for a listing of my favourite seashores in Watamu. They embrace serene spots for superb white sands, thrilling watersport actions, and tranquil locations to calm down and rewind. These Watamu seashores are perfect for households, {couples}, these wishing to get together, and sundown seekers.

1. Jacaranda Bay Seashore

Kicking off this checklist of the very best seashores in Watamu is Jacaranda Bay Beach – my favourite. This off-track seaside on the northern tip of Watamu attracts fewer crowds, making it a perfect spot for {couples} in search of a romantic retreat. It additionally transforms into pure swimming pools throughout low tide, creating the right 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 fans 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 Beach Restaurant, the place you may take pleasure in contemporary meals and drinks, watch a magical sundown, and soak in breathtaking ocean views.

• Location: Kanani Road, Watamu, Kenya
• How one can Get There: Take a bike taxi or tuk-tuk from Watamu city
• Finest For: Mushy sands, seaside bars, swimming, browsing, and leisure
• Facilities: Eating places, altering rooms, and bogs

Lodging Close to Jacaranda Bay Seashore

There are few lodging amenities close to Jacaranda Bay Seashore owing to its secluded location. Nonetheless, you may take a look at the next top-rated seaside homes:

Alawi Home: This boutique seaside home options elegant rooms, an outside swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and different nice facilities. It’s subsequent to the primary seaside and boasts a personal sandy entrance. Click here for more details.

Mirror House Watamu: This one-bedroom villa supplies lodging in a tranquil environment, superb for {couples}. In addition to a completely outfitted kitchenette, it has a TV set and free WiFi and boasts an open-air tub with an ideal ocean view. Click here for more details.

Jumbo Club Watamu: This resort presents clear and air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, non-public loos, and a desk, guaranteeing a cushty keep, and one you may work from ought to it’s good to. You’ll take pleasure in extra facilities corresponding to an outside swimming pool, a bar, a restaurant, and free non-public parking. Click here for more details.

Eating places Close to Jacaranda Bay Seashore

My favourite seaside bars and eating places near Jacaranda Bay Seashore, Watamu are listed beneath:

Safina Beach Bar & Restaurant: Safina presents 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 here for directions.

Luwa Beach Bar & Restaurant: This can be a excellent spot for lunch close to Jacaranda Bay Seashore whereas having fun with the ocean view. They primarily focus on Italian pizzas, pasta, and seafood (prawns, fish, and lobsters). Click here for directions.

Marafiki Beach Bar & Restaurant: That is one other nice seaside bar and restaurant round right here (and one other of my favorites). In addition to scrumptious meals, together with Kenyan cuisine, Italian dishes, and seafood, they provide each alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Click here for directions.

2. Watamu Seashore (Mapango)

Whether or not you’re seeking to catch a breaking wave or unwind on the mushy sands, Watamu Beach (often known as Mapango) is a perfect vacation spot. The small stretch of sandy bliss is greatest for households, first-time guests, and people in search of a calming escape.

Any time I go to Watamu Seashore, I really like taking a leisurely stroll alongside the seaside or eating on the Kokomo Beach Bar and Restaurant. From right here, you may witness the mesmerizing sundown over the water, with a picturesque backdrop of moored boats and kids taking part in within the shallows and constructing sand castles.

The seaside presents varied actions corresponding to swimming, boat rides, seaside sports activities, and the possibility to benefit from the sight of waves crashing towards the towering rock cliffs close by. For those who choose to expertise the soothing sound of the ocean, you’ll discover a number of seaside bars and eating places outfitted with comfy solar loungers to look at the world go by.

• Location: Watamu Beach, Kenya
• How one can Get There: Take a bike taxi or a tuk-tuk and ask the rider to drop you off at Kokomo or Mapango Seashore eating places
• Finest For: Swimming, sunbathing, sunsets, and seaside sports activities
• Facilities: Watamu Seashore is residence to a number of bars and eating places with clear bogs and altering rooms

Lodging Close to Watamu Seashore

Right here’s a listing of the very best lodging amenities close to Watamu Seashore:

Solana Apartments: If you would like a spacious, totally outfitted self-catering studio condominium close to Watamu Seashore, take a look at this one-bedroom unit. Along with an outside pool and free WiFi, the Swahili-style condominium has a personal lavatory and extra facilities. Click here for more details.

Dream Luxury Villas: This mattress and breakfast villa, positioned 700 meters from Watamu Seashore, presents elegant rooms with a terrace, a personal lavatory, free WiFi, an outside pool for leisure, and entry to a spa. You may also take pleasure in breakfast with continental, English, and Italian choices accessible for visitors. Click here for more details.

Lalasalama B&B: For these on the lookout for a budget-friendly keep in Watamu near the seaside, outlets, 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 here for more details.

Eating places Close to Watamu Seashore

Watamu Seashore is lined with a number of good seaside eating places to strive. Try the next choices:

Kokomo Beach Bar and Restaurant: That is my favourite restaurant for a night in Watamu Seashore that gives unbelievable ocean views throughout sundown over a beer or cocktail. Its menu options genuine Lebanese mezze, grilled fish, lamb kebab, and veggie burgers. Click here for directions.

Sunset Beach Restaurant: This spacious and comfy seaside bar and restaurant is understood for serving the very best pizza in Watamu, together with vegetarian choices. It has pleasant workers, a wide range of drinks, and a beautiful setting that’s excellent for a sundowner (or two). Click here for directions.

Hosteria Romana Watamu: For those who crave Italian delicacies, you should definitely head to this restaurant alongside Watamu Seashore Street. Along with scrumptious pizza and pasta, you may order contemporary fish, lobsters, and prawns right here. Click here for directions.

3. Turtle Bay Seashore

For vacationers preferring tranquility and people who crave ocean adventures, I like to recommend Turtle Bay Beach. Right here, you may 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 lessons and varied watersports. In addition they arrange boat journeys to the Watamu Marine National Park, the place you may go scuba diving within the close by coral reefs, corresponding to Whaleshark, Mind Coral, and Nudi Reef.

Turtle Bay Seashore can be near Watamu’s top-rated inns for {couples} and households, corresponding to Medina Palms and Hemingways, making it the very best seaside in Watamu for holidays and honeymoons. For those who love purchasing and exploring a vacation spot’s culinary scene, many supermarkets, eateries, and craft outlets are lower than a ten-minute drive away.

• Location: J2P3+6C2, Watamu, Kenya
• How one can Get There: Take a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi out of your resort (the highway to the seaside is simply after the Turtle Bay Resort)
• Finest For: Enjoyable in seaside resorts, mushy sand, swimming, snorkeling, and different watersports
• Facilities: Most resorts, inns, and dive facilities alongside Turtle Bay Seashore have all crucial facilities and rental gear
• Finest Excursions: You possibly can join this tour, which incorporates snorkeling, visiting Mida Creek, and exploring close by islands

Lodging Close to Turtle Bay Seashore

Turtle Bay Seashore is residence to a few of the greatest lodging amenities in Watamu. Try these top-rated seaside inns and their newest costs beneath:

Ocean Sports Resort: This resort is in style amongst vacationers for its wonderful location, pleasant workers, and delicacies (primarily contemporary seafood and pizzas). It options air-conditioned, ocean-facing rooms, a restaurant and bar, and an outside swimming pool. Click here for more details.

Hemingways: That includes fashionable Swahili-style suites with shiny interiors and personal loos, Hemingways is among the greatest inns in Watamu. The excellent facility additionally has an on-site restaurant, two swimming pools, and a spa. Click here for more details.

Medina Palms: This 4-star seaside resort presents all the pieces 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 here for more details.

Eating places Close to Turtle Bay Seashore

For those who’re on the lookout for the very best locations to eat close to Turtle Bay Seashore, take a look at the next eating places:

Turtle Bay Beach Club: The Turtle Bay Resort is residence to a restaurant providing continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and varied dinner choices. It additionally has a pizzeria, a snack bar, and a reservations-only spot with a la carte menus (Blue Turtle). Click here for directions.

Amandina Restaurant: This restaurant at Medina Palms presents an ideal out of doors setting to take pleasure in relaxed eating with household and buddies. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, that includes eclectic delicacies specializing in Italian dishes, contemporary seafood, and vegetarian choices. Click here for directions.

Gede Coffee Gardens: This restaurant by Hemingways supplies 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 choice of drinks on the iconic Hemingways Bar. Click here for directions.

4. Garoda Seashore

Garoda Beach, 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 repute as among the best public seashores in Watamu.

Right here, you may stroll alongside the shore throughout low tide, taking within the breathtaking ocean view and refreshing sea breeze as you head towards Turtle Bay Beach.

Not solely is Garoda Seashore an extremely serene spot, however it’s additionally a hub for journey seekers. It’s often called the last 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 National Park’s unbelievable snorkeling and swimming spots.

For those who’re wanting to study kitesurfing or enhance your present expertise, you’re in luck, as Garoda Seashore is residence to Watamu Local Kitesurfing School. The middle presents classes for all talent ranges and gear leases.

Whereas Garoda Seashore might have restricted outlets, a couple 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 inns supply these conveniences if wanted.

• Location: Off Turtle Bay Road, Watamu, Kenya
• How one can Get There: Take native transportation (taxi, motorbike, tuk-tuk) and ask the motive force to drop you there
• Finest For: Mushy sand, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kitesurfing
• Facilities: Just a few outlets with altering rooms and bogs

Lodging Close to Garoda Seashore

For those who’re drawn to watersports and are planning to go to Garoda Seashore, listed below are a few of its greatest locations to remain. They embrace lodges, camps, and B&Bs corresponding to Watamu Beach Cottages – my favourite.

Kobe Suite Resort: This resort presents air-conditioned suites with beautiful ocean views, and every suite comes with mosquito-net-draped beds and a personal lavatory with bathe and bidet. It additionally boasts two out of doors swimming pools, a tropical backyard, a personal seaside space, and a restaurant and bar. Click here for more details.

Gecko Resort: The seaside resort presents clear, comfy rooms with lovely backyard views. Moreover, it incorporates a buffet restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and a small non-public seaside, all complemented by welcoming workers and an awesome location subsequent to Garoda Seashore. Click here for more details.

Bamba Kofi Tented Camp: This seaside camp in Watamu presents inexpensive lodging in tents surrounded by lush inexperienced vegetation and supplies direct entry to Garoda Seashore. It has a completely outfitted out of doors kitchen, free WiFi, shared lavatory amenities, and an outside bathe. Click here for more details.

Eating places Close to Garoda Seashore

Right here’s a listing of a few of the greatest eating places close to Garoda Seashore in Watamu:

Prawn’s Lake Conservation Group: This can be a beautiful 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 here for directions.

Pilipan Restaurant: Located on the identical creek as Prawn’s Lake, Pilipan presents a phenomenal 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 here for directions.

5. Papa Remo Seashore (Love Bay)

Subsequent up on our checklist of the best sandy seashores close to and round Watamu is the fascinating Papa Remo Beach, additionally affectionately often called ‘Love Bay’ or ‘Seven Island Seashore’. This beautiful seaside is located north of Watamu Beach and presents breathtaking views of seven picturesque islets.

For those who’re in search of the very best seaside in Watamu for some full of life enjoyable, Papa Remo is the place to be. Not like a few of the neighboring seashores, Papa Remo has all of the facilities you want; from seaside bars and eating places to altering rooms and seaside outlets. It’s additionally conveniently positioned near a few of the most interesting inns within the space.

Right here, you may unwind, savor scrumptious meals, and sip your favourite drink in tranquility. For those who love nice music and dancing, I extremely advocate attending the Papa Remo Beach Party. This thrilling occasion takes place each Saturday from 11 pm till late and is certain to be one of the crucial memorable experiences you’ll have out of your time in Watamu.

• Location: Jacaranda Road, Watamu, Kenya
• How one can Get There: Papa Remo Seashore is inside strolling distance from Watamu purchasing middle, or you may take a bike taxi or tuk-tuk
• Finest For: Partying, mushy sand, seaside bars and eating places, and leisure
• Facilities: Bars and eating places with altering rooms, bogs, and reward outlets

Lodging Close to Papa Remo Seashore

Just some minute’s drive from Watamu city middle, you’ll discover loads of locations to remain close to Papa Remo Seashore. These embrace the next beneficial resorts and a resort:

Visiwa Beach Resort: Visiwa is an outstanding boutique resort in Watamu close to Papa Remo Seashore with solely eight elegant rooms and three household flats. It additionally incorporates a restaurant, bar, out of doors swimming pool, and exquisite backyard. Click here for more details.

Crystal Bay Resort: This beachfront resort is ideal for {couples} and households in search of leisure and seaside exploration. It presents solar loungers, a buffet restaurant, a tropical backyard with well-tended flowering bushes, and well-maintained swimming swimming pools. Click here for more details.

Boutique Hotel Nyumbani Tembo: For a clear and comfy resort with spacious rooms and comfy beds in Watamu, ebook your keep at Nyumbani. It presents a shared kitchen, lounge, restaurant, swimming pool, and a small backyard, conveniently positioned close to purchasing facilities and seashores like Papa Remo. Click here for more details.

Eating places Close to Papa Remo Seashore

There are a number of locations to eat close to the gorgeous Papa Remo Seashore. A few of my go-to’s embrace the next seaside bars and eating places:

Tamu Restaurant: That is your greatest guess should you’re on the lookout 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 here for directions.

Willy Beach Watamu: Situated on the southern finish of the seaside, Willy is one other wonderful place to dine and chill. They focus on 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 created from maize or corn flour). Click here for directions.

Papa Remo Beach Restaurant: That is my favourite restaurant alongside the Watamu shoreline for meals, leisure, and leisure. It presents each indoor and beachfront eating choices with scrumptious meals – largely contemporary seafood and Italian dishes. Click here for directions.

6. Brief Seashore

Proper after Garoda Seashore, you’ll encounter Short Beach (on the southern finish of Watamu). It’s a hidden gem but to be found by many. This charming little location is like your individual non-public paradise, usually quiet and empty, providing you with the luxurious of getting the entire shoreline to your self.

Brief Seashore is a peaceable spot and is ideal for anybody in search of some peacefulness by the ocean. When the tide goes out, you may take a leisurely stroll from Brief Seashore to Garoda Seashore and past, having fun with the gorgeous surroundings of waves, sandbars, and rocky cliffs. Nonetheless, it’s a good suggestion to go along with somebody who is aware of the tides effectively to keep away from getting misplaced.

For those who’re staying at Temple Point Resort, Brief Seashore is essentially the most accessible seaside. From right here, you may catch breathtaking sunsets at Lichthaus Bar, join a day trip to Mida Creek and Sudi Island, and even ebook a ship experience from the close by marine park workplace for snorkeling adventures.

Lodging Close to Brief Seashore

Though Brief Seashore is secluded, there are nonetheless a number of lodging amenities close by. These embrace the next:

Temple Point Resort: Situated on the southern finish of Watamu, this resort boasts elegant rooms, a restaurant that mixes worldwide and Kenyan cuisine, a swimming pool with solar loungers, and an enthralling bar overlooking Mida Creek. Click here for more details.

Nyumba Nyekundu: For those who’re touring as a gaggle or a household on the lookout for an beautiful vacation residence, take a look at the “Pink Home.” It has an outside pool and beautiful items with all of the facilities for a memorable keep. Click here for more details.

Eating places Close to Brief Seashore

Identical to inns, there are restricted eating places close to Brief Seashore. Nonetheless, you may dine at Temple Level’s Clubhouse Restaurant or its close by bar (see beneath):

Lichthaus: This bar by Temple Level is among the greatest hangout spots in Watamu. It has hammocks and a terrace the place you may dine and drink whereas savoring a panoramic sundown over Mida Creek. Check out the grilled garlic beef served with chips. Click here for directions.

7. Mida Creek

Though Mida Creek might not qualify as a seaside, it presents a singular coastal expertise that’s effectively value 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 known for its wealthy mangrove forests, offering the right feeding floor for marine life together with lobsters, fish, crabs, and octopus. It’s additionally a haven for nature fans and birdwatchers, because it attracts various 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 alternative for swimming.

From this considerably secret spot, you may embark on boat journeys and dhow cruises alongside the creek to witness the magical Watamu sundown. For those who’re up for some journey, you may join day tours to close by islands like Sudi and Waka Waka to discover extra of this distinctive ecosystem.

• Location: JXG9+W4M, Watamu, Kenya
• How one can Get There: Entry from varied factors by boat, canoe, or dhow, or ask your lodging facility in Watamu to rearrange a visit
• Finest For: Sunset dhow cruises, birdwatching, and snorkeling journeys
• Facilities: Inns surrounding Mida Creek have all the mandatory facilities
• Finest Excursions: Mida Creek Boardwalk and Canoa Ride

Lodging Close to Mida Creek

Right here’s a listing of a few of the greatest locations to remain alongside the shores of Mida Creek, Watamu:

The Mida Creek Hotel: This quiet and relaxed boutique resort is positioned on the south aspect of the Mida Creek. It has solely six rooms and options facilities together with a restaurant, an outside swimming pool, sundecks, and a health middle, making it superb for households. Click here for more details.

Rock and Sea Resort: This mattress and breakfast is residence to cozy rooms, bush bubble domes, and a incredible restaurant serving scrumptious meals. It’s positioned on the identical aspect because the Mida Creek Lodge, overlooking Brief Seashore on the opposite aspect. Click here for more details.

Mida Creek Nature Camp: That is the right place to remain close to Mida Creek (northern aspect) for funds vacationers and nature fans. The eco-camp presents lodging in treehouses and tents in a serene atmosphere. Click here for more details.

Eating places Close to Mida Creek

There are numerous locations to eat whereas exploring Mida Creek, and should you be a part of a tour, you’ll most certainly have lunch at Waka Waka or Sudi Island. That stated, listed below are my favourite eating places to choose from:

Panoramic Restaurant: This restaurant by Rock and Sea combines scrumptious meals with magical views of Mida Creek. Its multi-cuisine menu consists of tasty starters, primary programs, and a choice of wines from South Africa, Italy, and France. Click here for directions.

Crab Shack Dabaso: Tucked in between the mangroves, this community-run restaurant is known for its nice meals, welcoming workers, and its superb viewpoint for magical sunsets over Mida Creek. I extremely advocate their seafood platter comprising prawns, grilled fish, calamari, octopus, crab, and lobster. Click here for directions.

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 Finest Seashores in Watamu

As you’ve seen and skim, magnificent seashores are considerable in Watamu, every with distinct character and attract. Watamu can 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 residence.

Whereas right here, you may unwind on a solar lounger whereas sipping a cocktail, attend the Watamu seaside get together, calm down beneath a palm tree with a great ebook, or dine at certainly one of its many seaside eating places. Alternatively, the Watamu Marine National Park means that you can snorkel, swim, and surf.

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

Watamu isn’t the one beach destination in Kenya, although, it is best to take a look at the beaches in Mombasa, too!