Tide Times for Watamu

14-day tide forecast, wave conditions, and marine information for Watamu, Kenya coast.

Current Tide

1.37m

▼ Falling— next low at 18:00 (0.87m)

🌑

New Moon

Illumination: 1%

Spring tides — larger tidal range

Daylight

Sunrise 06:18 · Sunset 18:19

Tide Times Chart for Watamu

Hover for exact height. Heights in metres above chart datum.

Tide height (m) High tide Low tide

Tide Table

Today

🌑 New Moon

05:40Low tide0.28 m

12:10High tide3.18 m

18:00Low tide0.87 m

Today

🌑 New Moon

00:20High tide3.14 m

06:40Low tide0.44 m

13:20High tide3.06 m

19:10Low tide1.02 m

Tomorrow

🌒 Waxing Crescent

01:30High tide2.99 m

07:50Low tide0.57 m

14:30High tide3.02 m

20:30Low tide1.07 m

Monday, Apr 20

🌒 Waxing Crescent

02:40High tide2.92 m

09:10Low tide0.62 m

15:40High tide3.06 m

21:50Low tide1.00 m

Wednesday, Apr 22

🌒 Waxing Crescent

04:00High tide2.96 m

10:20Low tide0.59 m

16:40High tide3.17 m

23:00Low tide0.83 m

Thursday, Apr 23

🌓 First Quarter

05:00High tide3.07 m

11:20Low tide0.51 m

17:40High tide3.31 m

Thursday, Apr 23

🌓 First Quarter

00:00Low tide0.63 m

06:00High tide3.22 m

12:20Low tide0.42 m

18:30High tide3.43 m

Full 14-day forecast shown in the chart above

KWS Marine Park Entry Fees

Visiting Watamu Marine National Park? Pay online in advance to skip the queue. Non-resident adults KES 1,770 (~$13), resident adults KES 300.

Pay KWS Fees Online

Understanding Tides in Watamu

Tidal Patterns

Watamu experiences semi-diurnal tides — two high tides and two low tides each day. The tidal range varies from about 1.5 m during neap tides to over 3.5 m during spring tides (around new and full moons). Low tide exposes coral reef platforms and creates natural rock pools perfect for exploring.

Impact on Fishing

Deep-sea boats depart from Watamu Creek and navigate through a channel in the fringing reef. Departures are timed with the rising tide for a safe crossing. Your charter captain will confirm the departure time based on the tide tables.

Best Time for Snorkelling

Snorkelling in the Marine National Park is best at high tide when the water is deepest over the reefs. Visibility is excellent between October and March. Glass-bottom boat trips also operate best at high tide.

Spring vs Neap Tides

Spring tides (larger range) occur around full and new moons. Neap tides (smaller range) occur around quarter moons. The moon phase above helps you anticipate tidal conditions during your stay.

Tide predictions are based on harmonic analysis of principal tidal constituents for the Kenya coast (Kilindini reference port). Times are in East Africa Time (UTC+3). Actual conditions may vary due to weather, atmospheric pressure, and wind.

Planning a fishing trip or marine park visit?

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