Watamu’s coastline is short enough to walk in an afternoon, but it changes character every few hundred metres, from a social town beach to a kitesurfing sandbank to a near-empty lagoon. Here is a working guide to the best beaches in Watamu, what each one is actually good for, and where they sit relative to each other.

Watamu Beach (town centre)

The beach directly in front of the town centre is Watamu’s social hub. Expect boat operators setting off for snorkelling trips, a handful of beach bars, and the busiest atmosphere on this stretch of coast. It is the easiest beach to reach on foot from most hotels and restaurants in town, and a good base for arranging tours on the spot.

Turtle Bay

South of the town centre, Turtle Bay is quieter and residential, connecting toward the edge of Watamu Marine National Park. It suits a slower morning walk or swim without the boat traffic of the main town beach, and puts you close to the marine park’s coral gardens.

Garoda Beach

North of the centre, Garoda Beach is Watamu’s kitesurfing hub, known for wide, seaweed-free sandbanks and consistent wind. Even outside kitesurfing hours, it is a good option for a long, open stretch of sand with more space than the town beach.

Jacaranda Beach

Roughly 15 to 20 minutes north of the centre, Jacaranda Beach sits on a calmer, shallower lagoon that some visitors compare to the flat, pale-blue water of the Maldives. It is the most remote of Watamu’s beaches and among the quietest, well suited to a full day away from any crowds.

Ocean Breeze Beach

A more local, low-key stretch reached via Fortamu Road, with a handful of seafood restaurants nearby. It has less tourist infrastructure than the main beaches, which is exactly its appeal if you want a genuinely local stretch of sand.

Short Beach (Secret Beach)

Tucked near the mouth of Mida Creek, Short Beach is known locally as one of the only spots in Watamu where you can watch the sun drop directly into the ocean, since most of the coastline here faces slightly the wrong way for a classic sunset over the water. Worth timing a visit for late afternoon.

The Seven Islands and Love Island

Just offshore, a cluster of small coral islets known as the Seven Islands includes Love Island, the largest and best known, named for its heart-like shape. At low tide, you can walk across the exposed coral reef to reach it directly from the beach; at high tide, a short boat crossing covers the same distance. It is one of the most distinctive things to see on this stretch of coast, and deserves its own visit rather than a quick stop.

Read the full Love Island Watamu guide →

Watamu Marine National Park

Much of Watamu’s coastline falls within Watamu Marine National Park, one of Africa’s oldest marine reserves, established in 1968. Snorkelling and diving here reveal coral gardens, turtles and reef fish, and a Kenya Wildlife Service entry permit is required to snorkel within the park boundaries.

Which beach should you stay closest to?

If your priority is walking to restaurants and boat departures, stay near the town centre. If it is watersports, Garoda. If it is total quiet, Jacaranda or the Love Island side. If it is Love Island itself and the reef crossing, look at properties directly on the southern stretch of Watamu Beach Road, such as Visiwa Beach Resort, which sits on the sand facing the island.

Compare all the best areas to stay in Watamu →

Continue planning your trip

Best Time to Visit Watamu: weather and seasons
Things to Do in Watamu
Best Hotel in Watamu: comparing your options

FAQs

Which is the best beach in Watamu for families?

Turtle Bay and Jacaranda Beach both offer calmer water and less boat traffic than the busier town centre beach, making them easier with children.

Where can I watch the sunset in Watamu?

Short Beach, near the mouth of Mida Creek, is one of the few spots in Watamu that faces directly into the sunset over the water.

Do I need a permit to snorkel in Watamu?

Yes, snorkelling within Watamu Marine National Park requires a Kenya Wildlife Service entry permit, payable at the park gate or through a tour operator.

Stay steps from the sand

If you want a beachfront base facing Love Island and the reef, see the rooms and availability at Visiwa Beach Resort.

Explore our rooms →

Best Beaches in Watamu: A Complete Guide