FAQs

  • Taking malaria tablets is at your discretion. The beds are surrounded by nets and are sprayed nightly with insect spray and we would recommend applying mosquito repellent when the sun sets.

  • Bring what you’ll need for a beach holiday! For the most part, it’s warm and sunny, though we usually recommend bringing some warm clothes in case it cools. In terms of toiletries or everyday essentials, these can be trickier to pick up here. There is a beautiful cultural difference in everyday living between Kenya and the Western world. While this difference is what’s going to make a magical holiday, it does make it tricky to find things like sunscreen, mosquito repellent, underwear, etc.

    We recommend bringing everything you need or being prepared to pay a little extra.

  • Sooz Joolz: If you are looking for some jewellery, Sue has a lovely boutique where you can book an appointment to browse her stunning silver and gold jewelry. AA Shakir- Holds a wonderful stock of Indian fabric, and you can buy ready-made dresses or choose your own material to have one made to your specific taste.

    Local Curio Shops: In Watamu village, you will find many independent curio shops making kikoy trousers or hand-crafted Kenyan souvenirs.

    Deep Sea Jungle: Swimwear and Beach accessories.

    Coast and Shabby: Boutique gifts, clothing, and home interiors.

  • There is an abundance of sporting activities to do in Watamu including: Kitesurfing, Skiing, Foiling, Wakeboarding, Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Sunset Dhow cruise, Padel Tennis, Deep-sea fishing, Golf, Tennis, Squash, Cycling, Yoga, Personal Training at the Nautilus Dojo (Yoga, Kickboxing, HIIT) (PT recommendations used by Allwork family available on request).

  • Whilst the beach, sea, and pool can keep the children entertained for hours on end there are some fun educational experiences for them too.

    Local Ocean Conservation: A turtle rehabilitation and education center.

    Watamu Snake Farm: A unique facility that is dedicated to the conservation of reptiles.

    Ocean Sports: During holiday times Ocean Sports often offers a variety of children's activities. Enquire at the front desk to find out more.

    Rockpooling: Outside Nautilus and Ocean Sports Resort, low tides reveal wonderful rockpools home to wonderful sea life.

    Tribe Watersports: Tribe Watersports provides water sports for children of certain ages.

    Snorkeling: Confident swimmers can enjoy swimming alongside a glass bottom boat, those who are less confident can enjoy the view from within the boat.

  • A popular option for Safari seekers is to go on Safari before coming to the coast. We have certain places that we like to Safari as a family so please do contact us if you would like any further advice or information about this.

    Tsavo East National Park is a 1 and ½ hour drive from Nautilus. We have a recommended safari guide and vehicle and a few camps in this game park if you are interested in a more low-key Safari closer to the beach.

  • Cash is the most common form of payment. Small vendors do not usually have card machines, while larger vendors do. You can withdraw from your card at most ATMs in Watamu village. If you get a Kenyan Sim Card you may choose to install MPesa which is a very useful payment method.

  • You will need a Visa to enter the Republic of Kenya prior to arrival. All visas must go through https://evisa.go.ke/: create an account through the system and follow the step-by-step instructions. Take your time to ensure all the information is correct and accurate.

  • An average main meal at the restaurants mentioned in the ‘Where to eat?’ section cost roughly $13-20. This can vary from place to place.

  • We have a car rental company that we use as a family and would recommend to our guests. There is also a private taxi service and we can provide the number. Uber/BOLT are highly uncommon in Watamu so people tend to use private vehicles, Tuk Tuks or Bodas.

  • The nightlife in Watamu can be very seasonal. During high season there can be a very buzzing nightlife but other times it can be quite quiet. A few popular local haunts include Ocean Sports on a Friday night, Pili-Pan on a Saturday, and Lichthaus for sundowners(requires a reservation).

  • Speak to Suzie directly or download the Passport Watamu App to find out about Watamu life.

  • There is an abundance of fantastic restaurants. Most of these restaurants will require a reservation. If you inform us before your stay we can book these for you. All of these restaurants will be displayed in our information pack at the house.

    • Visiwa: Delicious Italian cuisine. From handmade pasta to freshly baked pizza, this is an Allwork family favorite.

    • Pili-Pan: Swahili/Indian fusion. Their Chili Paneer and Butter Chicken are unmatched and their cocktails are scrumptious.

    • Ocean Sports: Elevated pub grub with a selection of fantastic pizzas and sushi.

    • Kobe: beautiful views and beachfront dining.

    • Kokomo: An amazing blend of Mediterranean cultures, connecting flavors from Lebanon, France, Greece, Spain, and Italy. This laid-back beach restaurant is a lovely place to end the day.

    • Rock and Sea: With a panoramic view of mida creek, this treehouse-like restaurant is wonderful for a seafood lunch in a private and quiet spot. As you arrive, a skipper will meet you at shortbeach and take you a short ride across the mouth of mida creek to the restaurant.

    • Non-Solo Gelato: Most famous for its divine gelato and Italian pastries, Anna now whips up some incredible savory meals with high-quality Italian ingredients. Popular place for morning coffee.

    • Bahati Gelateria: Andrea’s ice-cream shop is lovely for a fresh scoop of gelato, warm ham and cheese toasted focaccia ham or a delicious crepe.

    • Naturalmente Pane: Fancy some fresh bread, croissants or doughnuts? This Italian bakery is your joint for all things baked goods. Popular place for morning coffee.

    • Non-Solo Padel: Fancy a healthy salad, smoothie or breakfast? Head to Non-Solo Padel for a tasty and delicious refreshment.

    • Bambú: shabby chic rooftop lounge bar.

  • We are very happy to make bookings on your behalf. We do recommend booking excursions and some restaurants in advance. Dhow trips, Kitesurfing courses, Paddle Boarding, and certain restaurants can be very popular in the high season.

  • There is a well-stocked supermarket called Blue Marmalade 5 minutes from the house. Whilst it stocks most items, it may not have your preferred brand so we do recommend bringing your preferred toiletries.

  • There are several chemists in Watamu who stock most medicines including Good Life Pharmacy, Richlands Chemist, Rafiki Chemist, and Whitesands Pharmacy.

  • Watamu has its own hospital called Watamu Hospital. It fulfills most basic needs. The nearest major hospital is Aga Khan Mombasa or Mombasa Hospital which are 2 hours by car.

  • There are multiple ways to get to Nautilus. The most popular choice is Malindi Airport from Nairobi and only 30 minutes drive away. Airlines such as Jambo Jet, Safari Link, and Air Kenya are regularly used. Private charters are also an option through companies such as Phoenix Aviation which we can orgnise. There are also international flights into Mombasa which is a 2-hour drive away. From both airports, private taxis can be organised.

  • Sitting very near to the equator, Watamu is warm year-round. This being said, there is certainly a time where Watamu beach is in its ‘prime’. September - April the beaches are in their best condition and there are few rainy days. The rainy season begins in May and lasts until August. In these months there are higher winds (prime for kitesurfing) and the temperature drops and can range between 22-29 degrees celsius. In these months there can be more seaweed on parts of the beach.

    PRIME time in Watamu would be from October through to March. In December Watamu is particularly busy so if you are looking for a more serene and quiet escape October, November, January, February are your months to visit.

  • Nautilus has WIFI in most parts of the house.

  • We have two kayaks for you to enjoy.

  • We have two bicycles for you to use during your stay. We can contact a local bicycle rental company should you want more or wish to go on a cycling tour.

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