Watamu Marine Park & Reserve

 

It is enclosed by the Malindi Marine National Reserve which also encloses Malindi Marine National Park. Habitats include inter-tidal rock, sand and mud; fringing reefs and coral gardens; beds of sea grass; coral cliffs, platforms and islets; sandy beaches and Mida Creek mangrove forest.

 

The park was designated as a Biosphere reserve in 1979. Mida creek is a large, almost land-locked expanse of saline water, mangrove and inter-tidal mud. Its extensive forests are gazetted as forest reserves and the extreme western tip of Mida Creek is part of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

 

Climatic conditions - Humid with mean annual temperatures ranging from 22-34°C. Rainfall about 500 mm per annum

 

Major Attractions - Haven of green turtle; unique coral garden; Mida creek

 

Wildlife - Reptiles/fish: fish, turtles Insects/arthropods: crabs

 

Access - Roads, access is via tarmac road from Mombasa or Malindi. Air, Mombasa or Malindi Airports.

 

Accommodation -There is currently no accommodation in the Reserve, a wide range of options exist in nearby Malindi town.

 

Best time to visit - All year round

 

Activities - Wind surfing, snorkelling, water skiing, sunbathing, diving