Watamu

Travel Guide

A sandy beach with clear water, a distant shoreline with buildings, and a partly cloudy sky.
Three starfish on a sandy beach with seaweed and debris.
A sandy beach with large rock formations and clear blue water.
A person in a canoe on a calm body of water during sunset.
A pier extending into the water with a sunset in the background.

Where to stay in Watamu

Find the best Watamu areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Watamu
Learn more about Watamu

Watamu Village

Watamu Village might not have many top sights, but Watamu Beach and Ruins of Gedi are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Turtle Bay Area

While Turtle Bay Area might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Watamu Beach and Ruins of Gedi.

Hemingways Watamu

Hemingways Watamu

4.5 out of 5
Watamu Watamu Kilifi County
$228 nightly
The price is $268 total per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$268 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Watamu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Watamu Beach and Prawn Lake are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (75 reviews)
"We had an amazing stay, the staff were all so friendly and helpful, the setting is beautiful, food is great, couldn't have asked for a better experience."

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2026

Hemingways Watamu
Sun Palm Beach Resort

Sun Palm Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
Jacaranda Road Watamu
$145 nightly
The price is $171 total per night from Oct 10 to Oct 11
$171 total
Oct 10 - Oct 11
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Watamu. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and a private beach. Popular attractions Watamu Beach and Prawn Lake are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (40 reviews)
"The room is beautiful and the staff is very kind and friendly"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

Sun Palm Beach Resort
Medina Palms

Medina Palms

4.5 out of 5
Plot 2, Turtle Bay Road Watamu
$306 nightly
The price is $361 total per night from Oct 10 to Oct 11
$361 total
Oct 10 - Oct 11
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Watamu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Watamu Beach and Prawn Lake are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
"Good hotel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2026

Medina Palms
See all 722 properties in Watamu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fantastic 3 bedroom Penthouse apartment overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Fantastic 3 bedroom Penthouse apartment overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Watamu Kilifi County
Stay at this apartment in Watamu. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Watamu Beach and Prawn Lake are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Amazing as advertised
"Everything was just as pictured and described. Beautiful house in a wonderful location. Jane was a great help."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2019

Fantastic 3 bedroom Penthouse apartment overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Nyumba Sara (sea front villa)

Nyumba Sara (sea front villa)

watamu Contea di Kilifi
Stay at this villa in Watamu. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Watamu Beach and Prawn Lake are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Nyumba Sara è una bellissima villa fronte mare. Curata in ogni dettaglio, eccezionalmente pulita e dotata di ogni comfort. È inoltre molto caratteristica e arredata in stile keniota. Posizione super comoda, vicino alla spiaggia e al villaggio di Watamu. Il personale è fantastico: Santa il cuoco e ..."

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Nyumba Sara (sea front villa)
Rafiki Tamu Residential Resort

Rafiki Tamu Residential Resort

3.5 out of 5
Jacaranda Road Watamu Kilifi County
Stay at this villa in Watamu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Watamu Beach and Ruins of Gedi are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Great owners and Rachel the cook was very nice abd helpful. As a retired chef, I can say this was a cool experience to relax and not cook while enjoying my stay here. Thanks to the owners! The receptionist could be a little bit sour acting, but the rest of the staff was WONDERFUL!"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2024

Rafiki Tamu Residential Resort
See all properties in Watamu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Watamu attractions

A beach with a thatched umbrella, wooden lounge chairs, and a clear blue sea.

Watamu Beach

9.0/10 (90 reviews)
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Watamu Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Watamu.
See properties

Things to do

Watamu: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Tour

Watamu/Malindi Safari Blue: Dolphin & Snorkeling Adventure

$129
per adult
Watamu/Malindi Safari Blue: Dolphin & Snorkeling Adventure
See food Lunch at Robinson Island Malindi.

Gede Ruins and Robinson Island and Hells Kitchen Marafa Day Tour

$231
per traveler
Gede Ruins and Robinson Island and Hells Kitchen Marafa Day Tour
Malindi: Full-Day City Highlights Tour with Gede Ruins

Malindi: Full-Day City Highlights Tour with Gede Ruins

$182
per adult
Malindi: Full-Day City Highlights Tour with Gede Ruins
Picture 3 for Activity Malindi: Hell's kitchen, Hippo viewing & local village Tour

Malindi: Hell's kitchen, Hippo viewing & local village Tour

$128
per adult
Malindi: Hell's kitchen, Hippo viewing & local village Tour
Quad Tour to Mida Creek with Aperitif included

Quad Tour to Mida Creek with Aperitif included

$247
per adult
Quad Tour to Mida Creek with Aperitif included
Malindi/Watamu: Half day adventure in Arabuko Sokoke Forest

Malindi/Watamu: Half day adventure in Arabuko Sokoke Forest

$200
per adult
Malindi/Watamu: Half day adventure in Arabuko Sokoke Forest
See all activities in Watamu

Frequently asked questions

Is Watamu worth visiting?
Watamu is worth visiting for its beautiful Watamu Beach and for exploring the marine life at Watamu Marine National Park. Travelers can also enjoy delicious African and Italian dining, with a range of culinary experiences to discover.
When is the best time to visit Watamu?
The best time to visit Watamu is from July through September, when the weather is typically mild and pleasant. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good bet, offering warmer temperatures and a different atmosphere.
What is Watamu known for?
Watamu is known for its beautiful Watamu Beach and the protected Watamu Marine National Park, which offers rich marine life. Travelers can also explore the historical Ruins of Gedi and enjoy the local African food culture found in the area.
What is a good itinerary length for Watamu?
A good itinerary length for Watamu is three to four days to enjoy Watamu Beach and explore Watamu Marine National Park. An extended stay of five to seven days allows travelers to also visit the Ruins of Gedi and experience activities like Safari blue, offering a deeper dive into the area's natural beauty and history. See Watamu Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Watamu?
Watamu offers travelers beautiful natural landscapes, historical sites, and exciting water activities:

  • Stroll along Watamu Beach, known for its pristine sands.
  • Explore Watamu Marine National Park, a protected area for marine life.
  • Visit the historic Ruins of Gedi, an ancient Swahili settlement.
  • Discover Mida Creek, a tidal inlet perfect for nature observation.
  • Enjoy a Safari blue experience, offering unique water-based adventures.

How do I plan a trip to Watamu?
To plan your trip to Watamu, search for places to stay and book flights and rental cars in advance. You can explore Watamu Beach, Watamu Marine National Park, and the Ruins of Gedi. Consider booking activities like Safari blue. Remember to plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to make the most of your visit.
What cuisines can you find in Watamu?
In Watamu, travelers can find Italian cuisine, with popular dishes like pasta, pizza, and gelato. There are also fresh seafood options, African specialties, and a selection of European (Mediterranean) and Asian dishes available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Watamu?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Watamu by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Watamu with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Watamu trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Watamu?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Watamu can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Watamu trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Watamu trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Watamu trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Watamu trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Watamu?
If it's your first trip to Watamu, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Watamu hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Watamu hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Watamu

A rugged landscape with red rock formations and green vegetation.

Malindi

Explore a world of travel with Expedia