Malindi & Watamu Safaris – Kenya Coast Excursions & Marine Adventures
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Malindi & Watamu Safaris & Coast Excursions
Discover Kenya’s Coastal Paradise and Gateway to the Wild
Welcome to Malindi and Watamu, Kenya’s most beautiful coastal gems — where turquoise waters, coral gardens, and soft white sands meet the untamed wilderness just a few hours inland.
With Annest Kenya Safaris, your adventure begins right here at the coast — explore marine life, cultural treasures, and short safaris from Malindi and Watamu to Tsavo East, Shimba Hills, and Amboseli National Park.
This page is your complete guide to the best safaris from Malindi & Watamu and the unforgettable marine experiences along Kenya’s coast.
Malindi & Watamu General Overview
Malindi and Watamu lie along Kenya’s North Coast, about 120 km north of Mombasa. Once ancient Swahili trading ports, these destinations now attract travelers seeking the perfect balance of beach bliss and wildlife adventure.
Watamu’s coastline is protected as part of the Watamu Marine National Park, one of the oldest marine reserves in Africa. Malindi, meanwhile, offers historical charm, coral reefs, and easy access to both marine and inland parks.
Whether you want to snorkel with turtles, sail in a dhow, or spot elephants in Tsavo, Annest Kenya Safaris designs tailor-made experiences from your coastal base.
How to Get There
By Air:
Fly from Nairobi to Malindi Airport (approx. 1 hour). Daily flights are available via Kenya Airways, Safarilink, and Jambojet.By Road:
Malindi is 2.5 hours north of Mombasa via the scenic coastal highway (A14).Private Transfers:
We arrange private 4×4 Jeep transfers from Diani, Mombasa, or directly from your Malindi/Watamu resort to Tsavo East and Amboseli National Parks.
Best Time to Visit Malindi & Watamu
Kenya’s North Coast enjoys warm weather year-round.
| Season | Description |
|---|---|
| June – October | Perfect for both beach holidays and inland safaris (dry and sunny). |
| November – March | Calm seas, excellent diving & snorkeling visibility. |
| April – May | Green season — quieter, lush landscapes, best rates. |
For marine life, visit December to March for turtles and January to February for whale sharks and dolphins.
Malindi & Watamu Marine Life & Landscape
The Watamu Marine National Park and Malindi Marine Park are UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, home to over 600 species of fish, vibrant coral gardens, sea turtles, and playful dolphins.
Dive or snorkel among reef fish, or explore the mangrove channels of Mida Creek — a paradise for birdwatchers.
Highlights:
Green and hawksbill sea turtles nesting on the beaches
Colorful coral reefs and tropical fish
Dolphin spotting boat trips
Seasonal whale shark sightings
Mida Creek mangroves — home to flamingos and egrets
Marine Experiences
At Annest Kenya Safaris, we combine marine exploration with authentic coastal culture:
Glass-bottom boat tours in Watamu Marine Park
Snorkeling & diving with certified guides
Traditional dhow cruises at sunset
Deep-sea fishing excursions from Malindi
Cultural tours to Gede Ruins and local fishing villages
Arabuko Sokoke Forest walks — spot rare birds and small mammals
Safaris from Malindi & Watamu
Your coastal adventure doesn’t end at the sea — it’s the gateway to Kenya’s wild interior.
From your beachfront resort, embark on:
1-Day Wasini Island & Dolphin Tour
Experience marine life, snorkeling, and Swahili culture
1-Day Shimba Hills Safari from Diani
Closest wildlife safari near Diani – great for half-day trips
1-Day Tsavo East Safari from Diani Beach
Perfect for wildlife lovers on a tight schedule
1-Day Mombasa City & Cultural Tour
Dive into coastal Swahili culture & historic sites
Our Top Kenya Fly-In Safari Packages from Mombasa/Diani/ Kilifi/ Malindi-Watamu
Lodges & Camps – Accommodation Overview
Choose from handpicked coastal resorts and inland safari lodges:
In Malindi & Watamu:
Hemingways Watamu
Medina Palms
Turtle Bay Beach Club
Ocean Sports Resort
Inland Safari Lodges:
Ashnil Aruba (Tsavo East)
Kilaguni Serena (Tsavo West)
Amboseli Serena Lodge
Points of Interest
Watamu Marine National Park
Malindi Marine Park
Gede Ruins – 13th-century Swahili settlement
Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve
Tsavo East National Park
Mida Creek
Each destination offers an experience that blends coastal serenity with natural wonder.
Why Choose Annest Kenya Safaris
Locally owned & operated by Kenyans
Coastal base offices in Mombasa and Diani for on-ground support
15+ years of safari excellence
Personalized itineraries from beach to bush
Recognized as a trusted Kenya tour operator
FAQs: Watamu Marine National Park and Malindi Marine Park
Yes — Annest Kenya Safaris offers safari departures directly from Malindi and Watamu to Tsavo East, Amboseli, and beyond.
Approximately 160 km (about 3.5–4 hours by road).
Absolutely. We customize your trip to suit your budget — from affordable safaris to luxury beach-and-bush holidays.
Snorkeling, diving, dolphin watching, dhow cruises, and cultural village tours.
December to March — calm seas and peak visibility for diving and turtle sightings.
Yes — our team arranges Malindi or Watamu to Nairobi flights connecting to your Masai Mara adventure.
