One day in Watamu: coral gardens, the Gede Ruins and a sunset on Mida Creek

Watamu packs a lot into a small area: a marine park on the beach, a ruined Swahili town ten minutes inland and a mangrove creek next door. This plan fits the best of it into one day. Check the tide table first: the timings below assume low tide in the late morning, so move the snorkelling to fit.

The plan at a glance

• 8:00: Breakfast and a walk on the beach
• 9:30: Snorkelling trip in Watamu Marine National Park
• 12:30: Lunch by the sea
• 14:30: Siesta in the heat of the day
• 15:30: The Gede Ruins
• 17:30: Sunset dhow cruise on Mida Creek
• 20:00: Seafood dinner in the village

Morning: the marine park

Start with a walk along Turtle Bay, where low tide reveals rock pools and, sometimes, starfish. Then take a boat out to the coral gardens of Watamu Marine National Park. The water is shallow and calm inside the reef, and you can snorkel among parrotfish, angelfish and butterflyfish. Glass-bottom boats suit non-swimmers.

Lunch

Find a table by the sea and order grilled fish, octopus or prawns with coconut rice, or a Swahili biryani. Then rest through the hottest part of the day.

Afternoon: the Gede Ruins

Ten minutes inland, the Gede Ruins are the remains of a Swahili town in the forest, with a palace, mosques and houses of coral stone. Late afternoon is cooler, and the light through the trees is beautiful. Read our guide to visiting the Gede Ruins.

Sunset: Mida Creek

End the day on Mida Creek, sailing through the mangroves on a dhow as the sun sets behind the forest. Trips depend on the tide, so book ahead with a local operator.

Tips

• Wear a T-shirt and reef shoes when snorkelling, and use reef-friendly sun cream.
• Bring cash or mobile money for entrance fees and tips.
• Use insect repellent at Mida Creek in the evening.