Watamu Marine National Park : Watamu Marine National Park Kenya is famously known as ‘’Haven of the Green Turtle’’. However, it is part of a complex of marine and tidal habitats along the Kenya’s north coast with rich and diverse bird life, fish, turtles and dugongs. More so, the park is located in Kenya and sound as one of the Kenya’s first marine parks. It is seated about 90 miles north of Mombasa, Kenya’s second largest city.
More to that, Watamu is home to approximately 600 species of fish ,110 species of stony coral and countless invertebrates, crustaceans as well as Mollusca. Despite the fact that, the reserve was established in 1968 and they were established by the Kenya government. Today, Watamu Marine Park is now part of an UN-recognized World Biosphere Reserve and it is governed by Kenya Wildlife Service.
The main park is also home over 500 species of fish and the reserve host over 1000, some species include whale sharks, manta rays, octopus and barracuda as well as the larger species in the park. More fact, its ecosystem includes of coral reefs, mangrove forests, sea grass beds among others.
Note; More importantly, a local marine conservation organization came up purposely to protect marine life, especially sea turtles, by the means of a direct payment method program. The program set up pays local fishermen to tag and release sea turtles caught while fishing- it has also benefited the research of turtle nesting habits. More so, the center administering the program has set up turtle rehabilitation for sick turtles and has an adopt – a-turtle program, and studies the socio -economic of fishing communities. In spite is that, fishermen are allowed to fish in the protected reserve as long as they only take out the species of fish allowed by the park and use traditional methods of fishing. Thus, there may be a trade off between economic growth and environmental conservation.
Weather and Climate in Watamu Marine Park & Reserve
The park lies at the coast which is humid, meaning the annual temperatures ranging from 22-34c. Rainfall is about 500melimeter pa.
Key Features About Watamu Marine National Park;
Abundant Bird Life
The park harbors more than 100 species of birds which can be spotted around the cultivated gardens, shambas and bush. Commonly sighted species includes; the Black Kite, Common Bulbul, White-Browed Coucal and Speckled Mousebird can be seen scuffling in the undergrowth. Other species Bright Yellow Canaries and Golden palm Weaver flash in the bush, whilst the Lizard Buzzard and the Lilac Breasted Roller which are often seen perched on poles and wires.
Attractions in the Watumu Marine National Park & Reserve
Haven of green turtle
Beautiful coral garden
Kipepeo project
Cede ruins
Activities in the Watamu Marine National Park
Visitors who visit the park can enjoy the white sandy beaches, snorkeling, water skiing, windsurfing and glass bottomed boat tours;
Snorkeling
Watamu Marine National Park boosts with greatest coral reefs and the sea gardens in the park, over 150 species both soft and hard can be seen. During your visit never miss to spot fan corals, sponges and the brain corals which attract over 1000 species of fish among others. The Watamu offer clear water excellent to snorkelers, for scuba divers – there are many 20 prime dive sites to explore and dive in. These diving sites lies 30 minutes offshore.
Big- Game Fishing
The Watamu Marine National Park is perfect breeding grounds for many fish species and this causes enjoyment among fishers. The best spotting ground for game fishing is along the coastline and fish like the Sailfish, Marlin, Spear fish and Swordfish among others.
Those wishing to engage in the big-game fishing, must choose reliable companies perfect for beginners and seasoned fishermen, fishing competitions are held from December to March ‘’the prime fishing season’’.
Bird Watching
Watamu is one of the perfect sites to go for birding in Kenya and there are four known spotting area in the park include; the Whale Island, Mida Creek, Dakatch Woodland and the Sabaki River Mouth. Water bird species include Myriad egrets, Plovers, Sandpipers and the Tern many more. Others migratory birds includes ;Warblers ,Flycatchers ,Shrikes ,Sunbirds ,Orioled many more.
What to carry with you;
While on visit to Watamu -we advise you to carry useful items such as;
Footwear for example sandals or flip flops ‘’ to protect your feet from the reef’’
T-shirt ‘’to protect your body from sunburn’’ and other items include snorkel, mask, fins are available for hire.
You can carry camera, hat, sunscreen, insect repellant, guide books and mineral water bottle.
How to get there,
By Road;
Watamu Marine National Park lies about 120 kilometer north of Mombasa and 28kilometers south of Malindi. At Gede, which is found on the main Mombasa Malindi Road, you turn towards the Indian Ocean. Then it takes 11kilometers from the main road -Watamu.
By Air; You can use a domestic flight to access the park – arrival point is Malindi Airport and then transfer you to the park by car.
