At leisure to relax and enjoy the white sands of extensive Watamu Beach on the warm east coast of Kenya, fringed with swaying coconut palm trees and the vibrant blooms of hibiscus, bougainvillea and frangipani.
The blue ocean waters of Watamu Marine Park host a wide variety of coral gardens, inhabited by multi-coloured fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish and surgeonfish - most easily seen snorkelling, scuba diving or by glass-bottomed boat. Humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic to breed in these warm waters between July and September.
Activities vary by resort but usually include a variety of water sports, snorkelling, deep sea game fishing and scuba diving, with 20 prime dive locations less than 35-minutes from town. Sightings can include sea turtles, dolphins, mantas, sharks and some of the ocean's huge fish, as well as invertebrates and numerous brilliantly coloured tropical fish swimming amongst the coral reefs.
You can also take optional tours to the ancient Gede Ruins and the historic Old Town in Malindi.
Note: Please be aware that there will be 'beach boys' on the beach, trying to sell you excursions and trinkets. Don't be taken in by them and simply say 'No' very firmly. They are not allowed in the grounds of your hotel.
Dive packages vary by hotel, so enquire when booking. The best time for both diving and deep sea fishing is from November to February. Most boats do not operate during May and June (the end of the rainy season, when the sea is very rough).