About 24kms south of Malindi, Watamu is a smaller beach resort development with its own marine national park – part of the Marine National Reserve which stretches south from Malindi.

Before tourist development got underway here, Watamu was a mellow little fishing village of makuti-roofed cottages nestled beneath coconut palms.

The coral sand is dazzling white and although there is some shade from coconut palms, you will probably have to retreat to the cooler confines of your hotel bar or restaurant in the middle of the day.

There are boat trips to a group of caves at the entrance to Mida Creek, which are home to a school of giant rock cod, many of which are up to two meters long.