Watamu Marine National Park

Watamu Marine National Park protects a stretch of reef-sheltered lagoons and white sandy beaches at Watamu, about 120 km north of Mombasa and 28 km south of Malindi in Kilifi County. Gazetted in 1968, it is one of Kenya's oldest marine protected areas, and together with the surrounding reserve and Mida Creek it forms part of a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve.

The park itself is a no-take zone of around 10 square kilometres, which keeps its coral gardens and fish life in good shape. It is known for green sea turtles, dolphins and seasonal humpback whales, and visitors can go snorkelling, diving, swimming or on guided boat excursions. Mida Creek, Whale Island and the nearby Gede Ruins make good add-ons to a visit.

Watamu is reached by turning towards the ocean at Gede on the Mombasa to Malindi road. The park is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service, and entry fees are listed on the KWS Watamu Marine National Park page.