Full Day Watamu Ocean Excursion: Marine Park, Mida Creek & Waka Waka Island

The Full Day Watamu Ocean Excursion combines a glass-bottom boat tour in Watamu Marine National Park, a dhow cruise in Mida Creek, and a seafood lunch on Waka Waka Island. The package offers dolphin watching, reef snorkelling, and mangrove exploration in a single day. All Watamu excursions are booked online at a fixed price to avoid beach-side haggling.

A licensed local captain and crew manage the full-day ocean excursion. The day's schedule follows the tides to provide optimal conditions for snorkelling and for navigating Mida Creek's channels. The trip is a self-contained day excursion starting and ending in Watamu, not a component of a multi-day safari.

How Do I Book the Watamu Ocean Excursion?

You book the Watamu ocean adventure online to secure your place. Our system provides clear, fixed pricing, which removes the uncertainty of beach negotiations. To book the full-day package, select your date, group size, and residency status (Kenya Citizen/Resident or International Traveller) to determine the correct price.

You can proceed to payment to confirm the trip after filling in your details. We recommend booking in advance during peak seasons from July to August and December to March. All reservations are managed through our secure platform on our main booking page.

What Is the Itinerary for the Watamu Ocean Excursion?

The day's itinerary showcases the diverse ecosystems of the Watamu coast, from the open ocean to the sheltered creek channels.

• Morning (approx. 08:30): The excursion begins with a trip into the Watamu Marine National Park. Your captain navigates to areas known for dolphin activity. You may see Bottlenose dolphins or migrating Humpback whales, which are typically present from July to September.
• Mid-Morning: You arrive at the coral gardens for snorkelling. The glass-bottom boat offers easy viewing of marine life from onboard, and the provided equipment allows you to enter the water to see the reef up close.
• Late Morning (approx. 11:30): The boat journeys towards Mida Creek as the tide allows. You will navigate the calm channels lined with mangrove forests, which are important habitats for birdlife and juvenile fish.
• Lunch (approx. 13:00): Your boat docks at Waka Waka Island, a community-run venue in Mida Creek. The island team serves a traditional Swahili seafood lunch of grilled fish, prawns, or lobster with coconut rice and sauces. Please state any dietary requirements, such as an alternative to seafood, during the online booking process.
• Afternoon (approx. 14:30): A local Giriama community group provides a cultural performance with traditional drumming and dancing after lunch.
• Return (approx. 16:30): The excursion finishes with a boat ride back to the mainland, arriving at the landing site in the late afternoon.

What Does the Watamu Excursion Package Include?

The package provides a complete day trip with minimal need for extra planning. The full-day excursion includes the following items:

• A private boat charter for the full day with a licensed local captain and crew.
• Use of a glass-bottom boat for reef viewing.
• Snorkelling equipment, including masks, snorkels, and fins.
• Guided snorkelling in the protected coral gardens of Watamu Marine National Park.
• A freshly prepared seafood lunch on Waka Waka Island.
• Mineral water and soft drinks during the trip.
• The Giriama cultural performance on the island.

What Is Not Included in the Price?

Please be aware of the following costs, which are not covered in the package price and must be paid separately.

• Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Park Fees: KWS Park Fees are mandatory for all visitors entering the Watamu Marine National Park. Visitors pay the fees directly to KWS officials on the day of the trip. The fee amount depends on your citizenship or residency status.
• Hotel Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel are not included but can be arranged for an additional fee.
• Gratuities: Tips for your captain and crew are not included and are at your discretion.
• Alcoholic Beverages: Beer and other alcoholic drinks are not part of the lunch package but may be available for purchase on the island.

How Should I Prepare for the Day Trip?

Practical preparation ensures a comfortable day on the water. The coastal sun is strong, so we recommend bringing high-factor sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a light cover-up for protection.

You should also pack swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof bag for electronics. Bring a small amount of cash in Kenya Shillings for the KWS park fees and any optional purchases. Tidal conditions determine the tour's exact schedule, particularly for entering Mida Creek, and your captain manages timings for safety.

What Is the 2026 Pricing for the Watamu Excursion?

We offer transparent, fixed pricing based on residency status. The prices listed below are per person and exclude the separate KWS park fees.

The KES and USD prices apply to different guest categories and are not direct currency conversions. Our booking system automatically applies the correct rate based on the residency status you select. For more information, please see our payment policy.

How to Book the Full-Day Watamu Excursion

The excursion offers a mix of marine exploration, cultural immersion, and relaxation. By booking with our company, you choose a licensed, professional operator committed to safety and responsible tourism practices.

To reserve your full-day trip, go to our secure booking page. To see other options, such as half-day snorkelling or private charters, you can browse our full list of Watamu excursions.