Jacaranda Beach

If there is one beach you absolutely cannot miss when visiting Watamu, it is Jacaranda. About twenty minutes south of town, this wild stretch of coast has the kind of beauty that stops you mid sentence. The beach is long, wide, and almost cinematic in its scale. At low tide, sandbars emerge and extend far into the Indian Ocean, creating this surreal landscape of shallow pools and exposed sand that goes on and on.

The environment here feels wilder than the town beaches. Palm trees and natural vegetation line the shore, and the beach bars that dot the coast have been built to work with the landscape rather than against it. It is the kind of place where you show up for an hour and leave six hours later.

Kitesurfing

Jacaranda has become one of the top kitesurfing spots on the Kenya coast. The consistent winds and vast flat water areas at low tide make it ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike. Several schools operate here with equipment rental and lessons. Even if you have never tried it, this is a great place to start because the shallow water means you can stand up if you fall.

Beach Bars Worth Your Time

Safina Beach Bar has a vibrant atmosphere with excellent coastal dishes. Luwa Beach Bar is the luxury option with twin jacuzzis, ocean view suites, and a diverse menu that goes well beyond typical beach food. African Footprint is where the locals go for fresh seafood and African inspired cooking in a relaxed setting.