Established in 1968, Watamu Marine National Reserve is one of Kenya's oldest protected marine areas and part of a larger UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The reef offshore holds an extraordinary variety of hard and soft corals, sea turtles, manta rays, and over 600 fish species. Visibility is generally good year-round, though the best conditions are between October and March when the Indian Ocean is calm.
Snorkelling is possible from a dhow or directly from the beach at low tide. For divers, the most rewarding sites include the Blue Lagoon reef, the cave systems known as "the Aquarium," and Turtle Bay, where green and hawksbill turtles feed on seagrass beds. Park entry fees apply; boat trips arranged in the village usually include them.