Welcome to the Final Part of our ‘Top 7 Things to Do in Watamu’ series! ๐ Truly experiencing Watamu means exploring its white, sandy beaches and wild, ocean waters.
This is honestly my favorite part of the Watamu series! As I write this, my heart is in ‘cartwheels’ mode; hopefully by the time you finish reading, yours will be too! ๐ The not-so-secret plan is to make you fall head-over-heels in love with Watamu! And possibly, get you to book your next trip that-a-way!!
You can’t quite say you have been to Watamu until you get a feel of the beach and Indian ocean. Watamu is known for its lively water-sports, beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
So, ladies and gents, belt up…and let the water adventures begin! ๐ ๐
Watamu’s Top 7 (Part 3): Wild Waters of Watamu
Walks on the Beach
It is possible to travel to a place, but not really ‘experience’ it. You want to take a nice leisurely walk on Watamu beach, and appreciate the alluring views of the ocean.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MARION MITHAMO
One of the most spectacular things about Watamu’s lovely, white beaches is that they are clean, and not overcrowded. You can enjoy the โwatersโ as wholeheartedly as you desire. ๐
The best part about a simple walk on the beach is that it costs you nothing… Yet the benefits are immeasurable. ๐
Snorkeling in the Ocean
Imagine yourself getting on a white, little modest boatโฆ sailing into the deep, bluer parts of the Ocean. As you look around you, the land and its comforts disappear… and you are soon surrounded by water.
Then, imagine being handed a face mask, and having the liberties to dive into the bottomless ocean and swim with the fish. Imagine the tiny colored fish dancing around you, as if you were one of themโฆ.
Butโฆ my good folk, why imagine when you can actually do it? ๐
This is the Watamu snorkeling experience! ๐ You might be thinking- I am not a good swimmerโฆetc etc.
Well, I am not a good swimmerโฆif I can be called a โswimmerโ at all! The best swimming, my sisters and I have done is in the shallow end…where you can see the bottom of the pool and the edge is comfortably near.
My brother on the other hand, is one step away from being a fish. ๐ Swimming is a part of him, as much as his skin is part of his body.
Yet, despite having both extremes, we were all able to enjoy snorkeling. For us, it was with life jackets, and holding on to our guide for dear life. While for my brother, he became one with the water and its creatures.
This is an experience you will want to try out when you visit Watamu. For an experienced swimmer like my brother, swimming to the bottom of the ocean, with fish up-close, was a whole new adventure.
I then wished I had an underwater camera….I would have loved to take pictures of the beautiful fish and the oceanโs creatures. It is breathtakingly beautiful. ๐
TIP:
- Remember to carry bread when you go out snorkeling. The bread crumbs will attract fish to come to you
- The boats have a viewing window at the bottom where you can view the fish. But you will enjoy it better if you get into the water
- It is safe for children who have swimming experience, but not for toddlers
- Tell your guide beforehand if you are not a confident swimmer.
- It costs about Kshs.1,200 per adult, and Kshs. 800 for children; this covers entry to the Watamu Marine National Park, boat hire & service charge
Kite Surfing
This is the one thing I wish I could say- Yes I did it and I loved it! Aha ๐ I wish!! BUTโฆ. From what my eyes experienced through the lens of my camera, it is a must-share!
You’ve probably seen this on TV and thought it was a stunts, right? That was me too, until I saw a guy flying to the tunes and beats of the wind and water. It looked a little like something out of this world!
I later learned that Watamu’s seasonal winds and relatively, tranquil waters provide the perfect conditions to command the skill.
If you are a thrill-seeker, then you certainly want to try this sport out! It is like poetry in motion, ๐ and hopefully someday I can be brave enough to actually learn the sport.
ย Bonus: Watamu Sunsets
We missed a post last week, thanks to ‘housekeeping’ on the site… To thank you for your patience, here is a bonus! ๐
>> When itโs all been said and done, Watamuโs sunsets take the day! If we are connected on Facebook and Instagram, then you know I adore sunsets ๐ {If we arenโt connected what are you waiting forโฆ? Click on the links to the right to get Connected ๐ }
Watamu simply had the most ethereal sunsets I have seen yet! I loved watching the sky take on different shades, in obedience to the sunโs majestic descent.
Watamu is certainly a place where you will be reminded of nature, and those priceless things that make life richer…
I hope this 3-part series on the โTop 7 Things to Do In Watamuโ, has inspired an itch in you to visit! As Kenyans, such amazing experiences are well within our reach… Let us be the reason that our Tourism Sector turns around and aspire to become more of ‘Local Tourists’ and make the best of what is obviously our โMagical Kenyaโ! #SupportLocal #TravelLocal
Post your thoughts and comments in the Comments’ Section below.ย And, remember>>Sharing is Caring! Don’t keep this post to yourself… Hit the Share Buttons ๐
P.S. Stay Inspired Always. ๐
17 Comments
Dave
September 23, 2016 at 7:55 pmNice peace Marion as always….U just made me get the argue 2 be there some day
Scrapbook Journeys
September 27, 2016 at 9:19 pmThanks Dave for reading! I hope you do visit-you’ll love it! ๐
Patricia
September 5, 2016 at 4:40 pmthe best yet the most scaring experience I ever had the fish are really beautiful all colours you and I can imagine
just a
warning the fish are under the Kenya Marine and any attempt to intefere with them can land you in jail they are under tight security against poachers
Scrapbook Journeys
September 6, 2016 at 8:01 pmSo True! At least we can say we did it! ๐ Yes indeed, the waters are well-manned by the Marine Park officials ๐ Thanks for reading and for the comment ๐
Margaret Kiama
September 5, 2016 at 4:37 pmThe place is just beautiful….wow. The beach is clean and lovely.
Scrapbook Journeys
September 6, 2016 at 8:04 pmThanks for reading! ๐ True, I loved how clean the beach was too…though some parts of the beach, where hotels had closed down were not as lucky…Hopefully we will keep our hotels open through local tourism and our beaches clean ๐
Stella Nguu
September 4, 2016 at 7:47 amAwesome awesome. Tried snorkeling once, and I was super scared. Thinking of trying again. Hope eventually the fear will disappear.
Scrapbook Journeys
September 6, 2016 at 8:06 pmHehe I feel you! It can be a scary experience, but totally worth the adrenaline! I hope you will try it again, and I know you will enjoy it ๐ #NoFear
Nesh Kanja
September 2, 2016 at 1:00 amOne major thing I had forgotten, besides God creating beautiful Women, He created the bottom of the sea, the fish and the world around that bottom of the sea, Meeeeennnn that place is beautiful, live snorkeling beats what we see on Nat Geo on sea and its waters
Scrapbook Journeys
September 6, 2016 at 8:08 pmWell said! Haha ๐ I know you had fun, and going back is not an option, but a must ๐
Nesh Kanja
September 2, 2016 at 12:53 amAmazing beautiful and surely want to make Watamu my 3rd home, it’s true the place has more to offer than you expect. No reason to not visit this majical Kenya destination. Plan ahead, book early n surely you will enjoy with no doubt. Thanks for the sweet reminder
Scrapbook Journeys
September 6, 2016 at 8:08 pmI like- third home sounds perfect!Thanks for reading dear ๐
stylestruck
September 1, 2016 at 8:32 pmThe images are breathtakingly beautiful. Love the write up, made me feel nostalgic about the beach..
stylestruck
September 1, 2016 at 8:31 pmThe images are breathtakingly beautiful. Love the write, made me feel nostalgic about the beach..
Scrapbook Journeys
September 6, 2016 at 8:09 pmThank you missy! ๐ I appreciate it…and Yes, I felt nostalgic too just writing about it! #TakeMeBack ๐ Glad you enjoyed the read!
Wanjiku
September 1, 2016 at 1:39 pmAm in Love with Watamu. You have won!
This is beautiful.
Great photos . lovely video clip.
Keep up the good work!
Scrapbook Journeys
September 6, 2016 at 8:11 pmThank you Sue! Hahaha, I thank God for the chance…:) and it’s been such a pleasure sharing the beauty of Watamu ๐