Tides & Weather for Watamu
Live weather, 7-day tide forecast, 7-day outlook, and sea conditions for the Watamu coast.
Current Weather
Watamu · updated liveCurrent Tide
3.06m
Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 17%
Spring tides — larger tidal range
Daylight
Sunrise 06:18 · Sunset 18:19
7-Day Forecast
High/low, rain & windTide Times Chart for Watamu
Hover for exact height · metres above chart datumTide Table
Today
🌒 Waxing Crescent
Tomorrow
🌒 Waxing Crescent
Thursday, Apr 23
🌓 First Quarter
Thursday, Apr 23
🌓 First Quarter
Friday, Apr 24
🌓 First Quarter
Saturday, Apr 25
🌓 First Quarter
Sunday, Apr 26
🌓 First Quarter
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.
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?