A Guide to Watamu: |
Snorkeling in Watamu |
Practical Issues |
Watamu Causes: |
The Marine Park is about 5 miles from North to South and several hundred metres - up to a kilometer - from the shore to the fringing reefs. Snorkelling conditions are ideal at low tide, and especially good at spring low tide. The North part is where the main hotels (Ocean Sports, Hemingways, Turtle Bay Beach Club and Blue Bay) are, and during high season it is the main mooring spot for fishing, diving and leisure boats. Here you find the Larder and Turtle reef and the Pothole.
The central part is the main Coral Gardens, where there is a string of buoys where snorkelling boat operators can tie up, while the snorkelers go snorkelling. The South end of the park is by the mouth of Mida Creek. These waters can be treacherous due to the tidal wash from the creek, both in and out. However, here is where the famous Rock Cod Caves are. They used to have some resident Grouper - huge 200lb fish that would look you in the eyes and dare you any closer. However, it seems they have sadly been poached. In order to snorkel here you must get permission from the Park Warden in writing, and specify when you intend to snorkel there. Best times are during neap tides at low tide.
The main coral gardens are concentrated in a small, 500m long area. There are thousands of fish here - some of the boat operators feed the fish! - and you will not be disappointed, but explore beyond this, and you will find quieter waters with unusual fish - especially the shy ones that do not like the commotion around all the glass-bottomed boats! If you are really lucky, you may see a turtle, a guitarfish (huge - up to 9 feet long!), or a large grouper, but otherwise here is a list of the commoner, but nonetheless spectacular creatures you might encounter in this magical place
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Exceptional
snorkeling and diving conditions in Watamu Marine National Park allow
all visitors easy access to the spectacular undersea life. Whether a newcomer
to the sea, or an experienced diver, you'll be able to find some exciting things
to do.
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