Sea turtles, dolphins and whales: the marine wildlife of Watamu

Watamu’s reefs, sea-grass beds and mangroves make it one of the best places on the Kenyan coast for marine wildlife. Here is what you might see, and when.

Sea turtles

Green turtles are the most common, grazing on sea grass inside the reef, and hawksbill turtles feed on the coral. Females come ashore at night to lay their eggs on the beaches, and the hatchlings emerge about two months later and race to the sea. Local conservation groups patrol the beaches, protect nests and release turtles caught by accident in fishing nets, and some welcome visitors. Ask your hotel about visiting a turtle project.

If you see a turtle while snorkelling, keep your distance and never touch it or block its way to the surface.

Dolphins

Bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins live along this coast and are sometimes seen from boats off Watamu and Malindi. Sightings are never guaranteed, and a good boat will keep its distance and not chase them.

Whales

Humpback whales migrate past the Kenyan coast from about July to October. Whale-watching trips run from Watamu in season, and sometimes you can see them breaching from the shore.

Reef fish

Snorkel in Watamu Marine National Park for parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish and moray eels. Read our guide to snorkelling in the marine parks.

Birds

Mida Creek is a feeding ground for herons, egrets, storks and migrant waders, including the crab plover.

Watching wildlife responsibly

• Never touch, chase or feed marine animals.
• Choose boat operators that keep their distance from turtles, dolphins and whales.
• Keep beaches dark at night in the nesting season; use a red light and no flash.
• Do not buy turtle shell, coral or shells.