Sitting on the shore of the Indian Ocean on the coast of Kenya, Watamu Beach is one of the best beaches in the country. The crystal-clear waters on the white sandy shore make it one of the best places for snorkelling and witnessing the abundant marine life. It boasts a reserved coral garden, Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve. Apart from being home to hundreds of fish and coral species, the marine reserve attracts plenty of bird species. The small town of Watamu, which surrounds the beach, is a growing destination, thanks to the popularity of the palm-lined beach and marine hotspot area.
If you are planning a relaxing escape around charming snorkelling and diving spots, there are plenty of vacation rentals around Watamu Beach. For options, keep reading and discover the top Airbnb vacation rentals near Watamu Beach, Kenya.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 29, 2025.
1. Watamu Sandbar Beach Studio (from USD 206)
With indoor and outdoor seating areas, this charming vacation rental offers plenty of space for lounging. In the centre of the patio, you can find a shared pool where you can have relaxing soaks. The unit features a well-equipped kitchen where you can fix any meal at any time. It’s also equipped with Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace, which allows you to stay on top of your work.
The property boasts access to a private beach within walking distance, which allows you to enjoy the sun and the sand without disturbance.
Watamu, KenyaSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
lovely place lovely hoststhe staff were nice toothe staff is very friendlyall the staff are uber kindthe hosts are very gracious and kindLocation:
lovely serene location and a beautiful houseexcellent studio and beautiful locationthe studio is in a perfect location if you love the beachdamian is always close by and checking in with you whenever you meet to ensure you are okayfantastic location that’s easy to get to and steps from a beautiful beachCleanliness:
the apartment is lovely clean and spaciousthe room was sparkling clean the interior design lovely and the kitchenette well equippedan absolute gem it's gorgeous clean right on the beach and really homelyRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
all amenities like internet and ac worked well and the apartment was immaculately cleanthe studio is very spacious and comfortable with a lovely courtyard and poolthere is enough shade around the pool area during the day which makes it perfect to cool off
2. Spacious rental with traditional decor (from USD 184)
This spacious and breezy vacation rental is adorned with Swahili-style decor and furniture, making it ideal for a traditional stay.
The unit includes three air-conditioned bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, ensuring a comfortable time. Select rooms offer stunning views of the Indian Ocean, allowing for a scenic stay right from the comfort of your bed. The vacation rental boasts a well-equipped kitchen, which lets you cater to yourself. To make your escape hassle-free, the accommodation also includes laundry facilities.
Watamu, Kilifi, KenyaAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
deborah and mark were perfect hostsbeautiful property and the perfect hostjane and deborah were incredibly responsive and provided everything we neededthe house was pristine jane was warm and friendly and made us feel right at homejane the penthouse caretaker was amazingLocation:
located at a great locationlocation wise so much within easy walking distance it makes the ideal place to staygreat location in the center of townkitesurfing beach is about a 40min walk but there are other lovely beaches close bythe property is close to watamu village with many good restaurants and shopsCleanliness:
very clean and spaciousgood communication and very cleanthe penthouse is very clean and well keptemmanuel who cleaned the pool was also greatthe penthouse was clean well equipped and well maintainedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
very nice apartment with a beautiful sea viewgreat ocean views good ambiance clean and comfortable apartment with all its amenities in good orderamazing place fabulous views the apartment was well equipped and jane the housekeeper was charming and helpfultwo balconies was super and the on-site pool crystal clearlovely flat with double balconies that look out over the water--spotlessly clean a/c in the bedrooms very nice pool
3. Gorgeous vacation rental with pool and gazebo (from USD 260)
With a charming pool and an expansive outdoor area out front, this vacation rental offers a refreshing break from day-to-day life.
The property is built on two floors and features plenty of seating under a thatched roof on the upper floor. You can also find a gazebo outdoors, which makes for a charming space to enjoy breakfast with friends and family. With easy beach access, the place makes for a perfect recreational retreat. To top it all, the rental is pet-friendly and boasts a garden for your furry friends to stroll.
Watamu, Kenya, KenyaAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
the staff are the highlightthe host is very nice & communicativestaff at the house were lovelythe staff were super friendly and helpfulstaff were amazing cheery and helpfulLocation:
our location was perfectthe location is great walking distance to the beachthe location is great calm and close to the beachthe location was also great being just a five minute walk to the beachvilla was 10 mins walking distance to beach - very pretty beachCleanliness:
the place is clean and securethe house is amazing very beautiful a lot of space and cleanextremely clean and close proximity to everythingRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the pool makes the house even better and we enjoyed lots of chill out time outsidewe enjoyed the pool and had most of our meals in the outdoor dining next to the pool
4. Well-appointed rental surrounded by lush greenery (from USD 700)
This stunning vacation rental near Watamu Beach incorporates the surrounding greenery in one of the best possible ways. It boasts an expansive outdoor pool surrounded by a lush greenscape, perfect for taking a refreshing soak.
The accommodation includes plenty of charming lounging areas, including a thatched space with comfy furniture near the pool. For morning tea or coffee, you can lounge on the veranda, which looks out to the pool. You can also find a deck that offers views of the surrounding nature. For convenience, the property has a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities.
Kilifi County, KenyaAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
the staff antionina katana and john were sooo friendly and welcominganthonina was incredibly helpful in making us feel at homesuz was always super helpful and answered any questions quicklythe house was beautiful and the staff were greatthe staff were amazing and always so helpful whenever we had any queriesLocation:
a beautiful place in a beautiful location that i can’t recommend highly enoughwould very much recommend suz's place if you're planning a trip to watamuCleanliness:
the pool is lovely and kept wonderfully cleanvery spacious well appointed spotlessly clean and within a convenient distance from the shops and restaurants in watamuRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
i will sure bring my family over though we will need wifi:)the home is extremely comfortable full of light and with a great pool and many areas to relax
5. Well-maintained vacation rental set in a resort (from USD 659)
This vacation rental set in Medina Palms resort features Swahili-style architecture with modern amenities, making it one of the most charming stays in the area.
The property boasts a private kitchen, well appointed with kitchenware and modern appliances, ideal for culinary enthusiasts. You can find three shared pools where you can take relaxing soaks while enjoying the views of the Indian Ocean.
You can also maintain your workout routine at the on-site gym, shared with other guests. For parents with toddlers, the property includes a cot, a high chair and children’s tableware.
Watamu, Coast, KenyaAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
5-star host for surethe staff and facilities at medina are fantasticthe host very responsivethe staff at medina really make you feel pampered and relaxedthe staff was friendly helpful and accommodatingLocation:
great place and great locationgreat location and a really great valuegreat location to spend a week relaxing in watamujust amazing the location and everything was just amazingthe location great - right by the beachCleanliness:
we loved jade’s property found it clean and very peacefulthe kitchen was well equipped and cleanthis is a beautiful property the apartment was spacious well furnished and cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the swimming pools fantastichad a relaxing holiday with beautiful pools and experienced chefmedina palms is a beautiful property with multiple pools and ocean viewsgreat place spacious apartment with all amenities required during a holidaywifi is also good i managed to work from my room every day of my stay
6. Rental unit on the beach with stunning views (from USD 263)
With its shared pool area opening directly onto the beach, this vacation rental has one of the easiest accesses to Watamu Beach.
One of the best spots for lounging on the property is the private terrace that overlooks the rocky part of the ocean. You can enjoy the magnificent views while lounging on the comfortable seating or having meals with your group at the dining table. The unit boasts a well-equipped kitchen and a washing machine, making for a hassle-free stay. If you’re taking a personal vehicle, you can take advantage of the free on-street parking.
Watamu, Kilifi County, KenyaAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
thank you so much for to a great host fransicashe’s a fantastic host and i would highly recommend her placefederica was very responsive and always available to respond to our queriesfederica's is super responsive and flexiblefederica was very responsive and any issues were dealt with promptlyLocation:
quiet but close to so many good restaurantsgreat location right next to the beach and really close to some of the best restaurants in watamueverything we needed was a walking distance including a great variety of restaurants to samplegreat beach front location with private access to the beachthe apartment itself was very spacious nicely designed in a quiet location which is so relaxing and calmingCleanliness:
the living area is spacious and clean and well servicedher apartment is clean very spacious and lovelyfantastic stay perfect location quite and spacious clean nice house helpRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the apartment is spacious beds comfortable and the view from the balcony is a real treatlovely spacious apartment with fantastic views and stylish decor
7. Spacious rental with landscaped garden (from USD 286)
Set in a residential home community alongside other apartments, this vacation rental offers access to communal facilities, including the outdoor pool. It also features a charmingly landscaped garden, which further opens onto the beach, making it perfect for a scenic break. You can also find a barbecue and a private outdoor dining area, ideal for gathering with friends and family.
Inside, it includes a well-equipped kitchen that allows you to cater to your group. The unit is also ideal for a scenic and hassle-free workcation as it includes Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace.
Watamu, KenyaAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
the staff very helpfulhouse manager was also very welcoming and helpfulstaff were very friendly and availablethe whole staff was very kind and friendlygraham is a very efficient host and we will definitely return to blue bayLocation:
the location is perfectgreat location and lovely spacious apartmenta very lovely place with close to the beachgraham's place is in a terrific location close to the beaches and restaurants of downtown watamuspacious and stylish apartment with a beautiful beachfront locationCleanliness:
quiet clean and safethe apartment is clean and the beds are comfortablethe apartments are very spacious and cleangreat stay at a clean apartment with everything you need for both short or long tripsthe place was lovely super clean and everything was in place for our arrivalRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we arrived to be informed that wifi was available and it worked extremely wellaircon and fans in the bedrooms and the breeze right from the ocean was nice during hotter daysthe kids adored the pool and the view of the ocean from the rocks is breathtakingthe beds are large and very comfortable the lounge well appointed in the kitchen had everything one would need
8. The White House (from USD 772)
This spacious vacation rental with a sweeping outdoor space is perfect for large groups and families.
The property boasts a charming pool area carved out of lush and thriving greenery, making it ideal for a refreshing soak amidst nature. The pet-friendly unit offers direct access to one of the most gorgeous parts of the beach, allowing you to make the most of the sea and the sand. You can also find a barbecue grill and an outdoor dining area, perfect for gathering in a stunning setting.
Watamu, Kilifi, KenyaAccommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Host:
lovely house and helpful stafffantastic staff and foodthe staff is nice and friendlyrick and sharon were quick in responding to any questions we had and were wonderful hostssharon was a great host who answered to messages quicklyLocation:
the location is greatthe best location in watamuamazing location a minute walk from the beachgreat value for the locationbeautiful location right on the beachCleanliness:
extremely clean house clean poolthe pool was clean inviting and warmlisting was accurate and very very clean especially in this precarious season we are inRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the pool was one of our favorites
9. Watamu Beach Cottages (from USD 45)
These bed-and-breakfast units, set amidst the lush nature of the area, offer charming escapes near Watamu Beach.
The property features Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces, allowing hassle-free workcations in a charming setting. For relaxation, you can take a soak in the year-round outdoor pool, which is shared with other guests. You can also go for a workout session in the gym to stay active. Moreover, you can check out the on-site Bamba Kofi Snackbar for breakfast, snacks and drinks.
Watamu, KenyaAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
the staff was lovely and kindthe staff is caring and helpfulthe host is very friendly and staff are approachable and always ready to helpi really appreciated the kind and helpful staffnice place with very friendly staffLocation:
great location if you want to be close to the beachthe bungalows are situated very close to a beautiful beachperfect location from the accommodation you walk on to a very beautiful beacha peaceful location with everything needed within reachgreat spot with an excellent beach locationCleanliness:
the room in the clubhouse was spacious and cleanthe cottages are sweet neat clean and tidythe room was clean and fairly basic with a shared kitchen and seating areaclean safe great staff and i would highly recommend it anyone looking for comfortable stay in watamuthe room (near the snack bar) was simple but clean and loved having the acRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we had breakfast included and this was really goodgreat to have a pool and chill area as wellthe bling banda we stayed in was lovely tastefully ornated good mosquito net clean bedsheets wifibeautiful beach front location if you get lucky with room 1 lovely peaceful space to relax and unwind
10. Charming rental surrounded by nature (from USD 597)
This gorgeous vacation rental is surrounded by lush nature and offers some of the best views of the Indian Ocean in the area.
The property boasts plenty of charming lounging spaces scattered around its premises. It features a fully equipped kitchen where culinary enthusiasts can make any recipe. A barbecue and outdoor dining are also included, which make for a fun cookout. With the availability of a travel cot and a high chair, the accommodation is ideal for families with toddlers.
The unit offers easy access to one of those stretches of beach that are best for snorkelling and kite surfing.
Watamu, Kilifi County, KenyaAccommodates: 12
Top guest reviews
Host:
the staff was very helpful and professionalthe staff were excellent through and throughthe host was incredibly responsive and delightfulthe staff are amazing and super friendlythe staff is super friendly and the cook amazingLocation:
very beautifull house and very nice locatedgreat place close to beach a bit of a walkfantastic snorkeling and only a story beach walk to nearby restaurantslarge characterful house with an excellent location on the beachamazing location beautiful house and fantastic staffCleanliness:
the place was clean and the floors were mopped and we walked barefoot all the timealthough it was a low season ocean was clean warm and very tenderthe cleaning staff always around to make sure the house was spotlessthe rooms are spacious and clean and with amazing viewsaccess to the beach is very good as it is very clean and privateRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the fans were nice to keep air moving but the nights were cooldickson ( room steward) was in charge of the cozy atmosphere and done it perfectwell-equipped house comfortable with direct beach access and an amazing rooftop spacethe views are stunning the rooms are spacious and comfortable and the staff was lovelywe loved the rooftop sundowners and the pool all bedrooms are decorated with love and detail
Witness the thriving marine life near Watamu Beach
The gorgeous white sand and palm-lined beach, surrounded by flourishing corals and marine life, offers one of the best places for relaxation in the country. To make the most of it, book one of the above-mentioned Airbnb vacation rentals near Watamu Beach and have a scenic stay.
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