Diani Chale National Reserve
Marine Park / Reserve
North Coast Marine Protected Area
Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve
Haven of the Green Sea Turtle and the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin
A world-renowned north-coast marine protected area of coral gardens, reef lagoons, turtles, dolphins, whale sharks and seasonal humpback whales.
Overview
About Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve
Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve combines white beaches with reef-protected lagoons and exceptionally diverse marine life. Snorkeling, diving and boat excursions provide opportunities to encounter turtles, dolphins and reef fish, while seasonal humpback whale movements and nearby Mida Creek expand the experience beyond the coral reef.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Marine Big Five encounters
Coral gardens and lagoons
Green sea turtles
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins
Mida Creek and Whale Island
Seasonal humpback whales
Nearby Gede heritage
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Swimming
- Boat excursions
- Dolphin and whale watching
- Marine photography
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Sea turtles
- Dolphins
- Whale sharks
- Humpback whales
- Billfish
- Reef fish
Stay nearby
Accommodation
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
Gazetted on 26 March 1968. KWS states the marine park covers about 10 km² as a no-take zone; Watamu and Malindi marine protected areas received UNESCO Man and the Biosphere recognition in 1979.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
About 120 km north of Mombasa and 28 km south of Malindi; turn toward Watamu at Gede, about 11 km from the main road.
By air
Malindi Airport is the nearest airport.
By rail
SGR to Mombasa followed by road transfer.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, suitable beachwear and a basic first-aid kit.
Use reef-safe practices and do not remove coral, shells or marine life.
Confirm local sea and weather conditions before snorkeling, diving or boat excursions.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 15 | USD 10 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 25 | USD 15 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve FAQs
What is Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve best known for?
Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve is especially known for Marine Big Five encounters, Coral gardens and lagoons, Green sea turtles, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve?
Road: About 120 km north of Mombasa and 28 km south of Malindi; turn toward Watamu at Gede, about 11 km from the main road. Air: Malindi Airport is the nearest airport. Rail: SGR to Mombasa followed by road transfer. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 500 and non-resident adults from USD 25 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
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