About Watamu Bookings
Your local alternative to the big platforms
Our Story
Watamu is one of East Africa's most beautiful coastal destinations — white sand beaches, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, incredible marine life, and world-renowned deep-sea fishing. Yet property owners and boat captains here have long depended on international platforms that take large commissions and don't understand the local market.
Watamu Bookings was built to change that. We're a local-first platform that connects travellers directly with Watamu's best accommodation and fishing charter operators — with lower fees, local payment options including M-Pesa, and a focus on the community.
What We Offer
Holiday Properties
Beachfront villas, apartments, cottages and holiday homes — all hand-vetted and managed by local owners who know Watamu best.
Fishing Charters
Deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish, tuna and more with experienced local captains. Sport fishers, dhows, and catamarans available.
Secure Payments
Pay by card (Visa, Mastercard) or M-Pesa. Bookings are only confirmed once payment is received — no surprises.
Local Support
We're based in Watamu. If you need help before, during, or after your stay, we're here and we understand the area.
For Property & Boat Owners
If you own a rental property or fishing boat in Watamu, we'd love to have you on the platform. We charge lower commissions than the international platforms, handle payments securely, and give you a full dashboard to manage your listings, bookings, and reviews.
Getting started is free — create an owner account, build your listing page with photos, pricing, and amenities, then submit it for review. Once approved, your property or boat will be live and bookable on the site.
Getting to Watamu
By Air
Fly into Malindi Airport (MAL), just 20 minutes south of Watamu. Daily flights from Nairobi Wilson (Safarilink, Fly540) take about 1 hour. Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA) is approximately 2 hours by road.
By Road
Watamu is about 105 km north of Mombasa on the coast road (B8). The drive takes around 2 hours. From Nairobi, it's roughly 8 hours via the Nairobi–Mombasa highway. Matatus and buses run daily from Mombasa and Malindi.
Getting Around
Watamu is a small town — most places are within tuk-tuk or boda-boda (motorbike taxi) distance. Many properties and hotels can arrange airport transfers. Bicycle hire is also popular for exploring the village and nearby beaches.
Useful Contacts
Emergency
Kenya Police: 999
Ambulance: 112
Watamu Police Station: +254 42 233 2013
Medical
Watamu Hospital: +254 42 232 3053
Star Hospital Malindi: +254 42 213 0891
Nearest decompression chamber is in Mombasa
Conservation
Local Ocean Conservation: +254 42 233 2218
Report stranded turtles or marine wildlife emergencies