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Watamu Marine Park & Reserve
Famous for its vast stretches of casuarina fringed white sandy beaches, the coastal resorts of Malindi and Watamu are also world leaders in accessibility, beauty and diversity of marine life which lives just off-shore on Barracuda and North Reef coral reefs and Turtle and Whale Islands.
Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve encompasses the Mida Creek mangrove forest where young coral begins its existence before the tides take it out to the reefs beyond. The forests are rich in fish, crabs, prawns and oysters and are also excellent for birdwatching. Tewa Caves, near the mouth of the creek, are partly underwater - here Giant Groupers (up to 800lbs) co-exist with many other exotic fish species. On the mainland are Giant Monitor Lizards, dik dik, antelope, mongoose and monkey species.
The coral reefs are home to more than 140 species of hard and soft corals. Their symbiotic relationship with the chlorophyll generating plants give the corals their spectacular night-time phosphorescent colours. The reef plays a diverse role. As well as bio-diversity strongholds, they are breeding grounds for fish and other marine life, a vital barrier against the force of the sea, protecting marine organisms and tourist recreation, they keep out dangerous sharks common to the deeper waters, and their colour and the exotic coral fish they support provides a major attraction for tourists. The historic Gede Ruins in Watamu offer interesting excursion.
National Parks & Reserves at Kenya's Coast
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