'Watamu' is a
seaside resort on the
Indian Ocean coast of
Kenya. It lies on a small
headland, between the
Blue Lagoon and
Watamu Bay. Its main industries are
tourism and
fishing. The nearest big town is
Malindi to which it is connected by frequent
matatu.
The shoreline in the area which features white sand beaches and offshore coral formations arranged in three
bays: Watamu Bay, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay. They are protected as part of the
Watamu Marine National Park. The
Marine Park is considered to be one of the best
snorkelling and
diving areas on the
East African coast.
Watamu has an urban population of 1900
[1] and it is part of the
Malindi District.
The name "Watamu" means "sweet people" in
Swahili [2]. The name came from the fact that Arab Slave Traders used to distribute a candy to entice the local population then taking them as slaves.