Watamu is a small beach village on Kenya’s North Coast, approximately 100km north of Mombasa and 20km south of Malindi. It is known for Watamu Marine National Park, one of East Africa’s best snorkelling and diving sites, and for the sea turtle conservation programme that operates year-round. The village itself is compact and quiet - getting here requires a bit of planning compared to Mombasa or Diani, but the journey is straightforward.
This guide is part of our Watamu travel guide; for the rest of your planning, see our guide to things to do in Watamu.
From Mombasa by Matatu
The standard approach is to take a matatu north from Mombasa along the B8 coastal highway towards Malindi and ask to be dropped at the Watamu junction (also called the Gede/Watamu junction). The junction is on the main road; from there it’s approximately 3–5km to the village and beach.
Mombasa–Watamu matatus depart from the Mwembe Tayari area in Mombasa. A direct matatu or a Mombasa–Malindi matatu both pass the junction. Journey time is approximately 1.5–2 hours, covering 100km along the B8 through Kilifi. Fare approximately KES 350–500.
From the junction, local matatus and boda bodas cover the final kilometres to the village. Tuk-tuks are available in Watamu itself for moving between the beach, the marine park entrance, and the village centre.
From Malindi
Malindi is the most common staging point for Watamu. Matatus from Malindi town run south to the Watamu junction throughout the day. The journey is approximately 20km and takes about 30 minutes, costing approximately KES 80–150. Several matatus day-tripping between the two towns also run; alternatively, a tuk-tuk from Malindi can make the journey for approximately KES 600–1,000 (negotiate the fare).
Most travellers staying in Watamu for several days use Malindi for banking, larger supermarkets, and onward coach connections.
By Domestic Flight via Malindi Airport
There is no airstrip at Watamu. The nearest airport with regular domestic services is Malindi Airport (IATA: MYD), approximately 20km north of Watamu.
Air Kenya and Safarilink fly from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Malindi. Flight time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Fares from approximately USD 80–130 one way. Jambojet and Kenya Airways also occasionally serve the route.
Transfers from Malindi Airport to Watamu take approximately 30–40 minutes and cost approximately KES 800–1,200 by taxi. Ask your accommodation to arrange a pickup - several guesthouses in Watamu can organise airport transfers at pre-agreed rates.
From Nairobi by Long-Distance Coach (via Mombasa)
Some Nairobi–Malindi coaches (Easy Coach, Modern Coast) travel the full coastal route past the Watamu junction. Ask when booking whether the service stops at Gede/Watamu junction. If it does not, travel to Malindi and take a local matatu south to Watamu.
Total journey time Nairobi–Watamu by road is approximately 10–11 hours.
Alternatively, fly Nairobi–Malindi and transfer by road - approximately 3 hours total including airport time.
From Kilifi
Kilifi is approximately 50km south of Watamu on the B8. Matatus run between Kilifi and Watamu (or Malindi) throughout the day. Journey time approximately 1 hour, fare approximately KES 200–300. Kilifi itself is easily reachable from Mombasa (60km south, approximately 1 hour, KES 250–350).
Arriving in Watamu
Watamu village centre has limited facilities compared to Malindi or Mombasa. There is a Cooperative Bank ATM (not always reliable) and small local shops - bring cash from Malindi or Mombasa for extended stays. The village has a pharmacy, basic hardware stores, and several beach-facing restaurants.
The Watamu Marine National Park entrance is signposted from the village centre. Snorkelling trips and glass-bottom boat tours are bookable through operators on the beach or through your accommodation.
For accommodation options, see our Watamu hotels guide. For restaurants and local food, see our Watamu food guide.
For a bed on arrival, compare hotels in Watamu on Booking.com.