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Tides & Weather for Watamu

Live weather, 7-day tide forecast, 7-day outlook, and sea conditions for the Watamu coast.

Current Weather

Watamu · updated live

Current Tide

3.06m

▲ Rising— next high at 15:40 (3.06m)
🌒

Waxing Crescent

Illumination: 17%

Spring tides — larger tidal range

Daylight

Sunrise 06:18  ·  Sunset 18:19

7-Day Forecast

High/low, rain & wind

Tide Times Chart for Watamu

Hover for exact height · metres above chart datum
0m1m2m3m4mTueWedThuFriSatSunMon12:0012:0012:0012:0012:0012:0012:00NOW
Tide height (m) High tide Low tide

Tide Table

Today

🌒 Waxing Crescent

09:10Low tide0.62 m
15:40High tide3.06 m
21:50Low tide1.00 m

Tomorrow

🌒 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

Friday, Apr 24

🌓 First Quarter

00:50Low tide0.45 m
06:50High tide3.35 m
13:00Low tide0.38 m
19:10High tide3.52 m

Saturday, Apr 25

🌓 First Quarter

01:30Low tide0.31 m
07:30High tide3.44 m
13:40Low tide0.38 m
19:50High tide3.55 m

Sunday, Apr 26

🌓 First Quarter

02:10Low tide0.23 m
08:20High tide3.47 m
14:20Low tide0.44 m
20:30High tide3.53 m

Full 7-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

The Kenya coast 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?