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Ocean Sports
Ocean Sports
Ocean Sports

About Ocean Sports

The long-established Ocean Sports is a small mid-range resort on Watamu Beach, a couple of hours drive north of Mombasa.

It is a well-known and popular base for game-fishing, diving and beach holidays for both foreign travellers and Kenyans alike.

With its simple rooms, youthful vibe and nicely laid out dining and lounge deck above the beach, Ocean Sports is a low-key and immediately likeable mid-range hotel on the coast. Sharing some of the character of the Driftwood in Malindi, this is a great spot for sociable beach lovers and ideal for families.

Our view

With its simple rooms, youthful vibe and nicely laid out dining and lounge deck above the beach, Ocean Sports is a low-key and immediately likeable mid-range hotel on the coast. Sharing some of the character of the Driftwood in Malindi, this is a great spot for sociable beach lovers and ideal for families.

Lyndsey Marris

Lyndsey Marris

Kenya expert

Accommodation

28 rooms

Children

Best for aged 6+

Open

All year

Activities

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Watersports

Watersports

Traveller reviews of Ocean Sports

2 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


90%
2 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
1
Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr CfromHarvest

Arrived 7 Jun 2017, 2 nights

"Just too nice for safari"

"I cannot tell my wife about this stay, or she'd think I wasn't roughing it …" Read Mr C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs EfromEdinburgh

Arrived 1 Jan 2017, 6 nights

"Ocean Sports review"

"Ocean Sports' lovely chilled atmosphere and gorgeous location more than make …" Read Mrs E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all Ocean Sports reviews

Ocean Sports: Our full report

The long-established Ocean Sports is a small mid-range resort on Watamu Beach, a couple of hours drive north of Mombasa.

It is a well-known and popular base for game-fishing, diving and beach holidays for both foreign travellers and Kenyans alike.

The hotel shares its entrance road with the larger and more expensive Hemingways. With Ocean Sports being the more affordable option – having built its reputation in the 1960s as a coastal retreat for fun-loving people down from Nairobi. As a result it has never featured much in package holiday brochures, but we think it is a good value option for people who are after a simple resort-style property with a relaxed and sociable atmosphere.

The main areas of Ocean Sports start with the reception desk, always manned by friendly and helpful staff. Above it is a large cast of a marlin – a nod to the very popular sport fishing that many people come to this area and hotel to do.

It is then up a few steps to the main restaurant and bar that is a large and quite open plan area – opening onto a stone and wooden deck overlooking the sea. Red stone flooring, white washed walls and dark wood furniture are all well kept, and though arguably slightly dated the result is low key and comfortable.

The bar has the appearance of a traditional dhow, with stools dotted around it. Whilst outside is a vast stone and wooden deck, with tables and chairs dotted around and from where you can take in wonderful sea views. The long beach in front is stunning with glistening white sand that is perfect for relaxed strolls and beachcombing.

Ocean Sports also has a squash court, sand tennis court though this is sometimes used as a hockey pitch for local teams. A small massage room by the pool which also does manicures and pedicures. There is a small and sometimes lively beach bar called Ian’s Bar where it can be fun to grab a sundowner drink. Ocean Sports has an on-site dive school offering lots in the way of water sports.

Activities that can be arranged here include sea-kayaking, windsurfing, mountain biking, boat trips to the nearby Mida Creek where you can go bird watching in the mangrove forests, full and half day sport fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling.

All activities at Ocean Sports are an extra cost though prices here tend to be quite reasonable and certainly in keeping with the kind of costs we experienced in Kenya.

The 27 Standard Rooms at Ocean Sports, some of which we saw when we visited here in 2012, are quite smart and clean, but very simply furnished, with floor-standing fans, mosquito nets, air conditioning and room safes. The terracotta floors felt somewhat European, and the very simple furnishings quite typical of a mid-range beach lodge where it is expected that most people will spend their time at the beach.

The bathrooms are slightly gloomy but adequately equipped with hot and cold water, limited toiletries, a sink and flush toilet. Guests can use a hairdryer which needs to be requested from reception.

There is one family Standard Room with a simple adjoining bedroom that houses two additional single beds. Some of the Standard Rooms are in a small courtyard, some are free standing in the gardens and some semi-detached. Though once inside they are all largely the same. Its important to note that not all rooms have a seaview.

Then there is also one Suite which is larger and much more modern. This has two rooms – a master bedroom on ground floor and a kids room upstairs which can also be used as a lounge. The facilities are the same as a Standard room, with the addition of a fridge. But the whole room feels much more contemporary with cream marble floors and a new bathroom.

Geographics

Location
Kenya Coast, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
5 days-plus
Directions
Ocean Sports is 20km from Maliindi Aiport, a transfer that takes around 30 minutes. From Mombasa Airport, depending on Mombasa traffic, the transfer should take around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
Ocean Sports does excellent, fresh seafood, and snacks all day from an extensive a la carte menu. On our last visit we didn’t get a chance to try the food, but we have tried it before and though not world-class gourmet, it is very tasty.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is available.
Drinks included
Drinks are extra, but reasonably priced.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome at Ocean Sport.
Property’s age restrictions
No age restrictions.
Special activities & services
Ocean Sport can do baby sitting – they have someone who is trained in childcare.
Equipment
Ocean Sport have cots, high chairs and children’s beds.
Generally recommended for children
This is a good value, family friendly resort and we would recommend it for children. Though it is important to note that this is a malarial area.

Communications

Power supply notes
The power is on all the time at Ocean Sport - and there is a generator back up for power cuts.
Communications
Wifi is available on the deck and lounge areas at Ocean Sport. They also have a laptop guests can borrow, of they do not have their own. Cell phone coverage is ok all around the hotel.
Water supply
Mains

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
Ocean Sport have a doctor on call 5 minutes away and also have people in the hotel who are first aid trained for minor injuries.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
Askaris (security guards) patrol the site and there is an security gate at the entrance.
Fire safety
Ocean Sport have extinguishers and staff are trained to use them. In case of need there is also have a fire hose that can draw water from the swimming pool.

Activities

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Scuba-diving

    Scuba-diving

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

  • Watersports

    Watersports

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Laundry can be done at extra charge, per item. It is machine-washed and line dried, usually returned within 24 hours weather depending.
Money
Foreign exchange is available.
Accepted payment on location
Major currencies and Kenya shillings are accepted in cash. Mastercard and Visa can also be used but there is a 5% charge for this.

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Ocean Sports's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Ocean Sports.


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When to go to Kenya Coast

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Ocean Sports in Kenya Coast


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Kenya in January

Clear, hot days and warm nights make this high season a popular time for safaris and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling as water clarity is excellent and gets better as the dry season progresses. Most lodges and tented camps treat January after the New Year week is over, as mid-season, making it a good compromise in terms of value for money with reasonably reliable, dry weather and some greenery left in the landscape.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in January, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, January is the second driest month of the year
  • Elephants dig waterholes in the dry riverbed in the Samburu reserve.
  • Wildebeest and many antelope have their calving season, to February.
  • Migrant birds are seen in huge numbers, especially in the Rift Valley.
  • Sea water clarity around the coral reefs generally good.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

Kenya in February

With the short dry season well established, the grass grazed down and wildlife gathering close to water points, this is still a good time for a safari. Good water clarity in the Indian Ocean's coastal waters makes for excellent diving and snorkelling conditions.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in February, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, February is the driest month of the year.
  • It’s sometimes possible to swim with whale sharks at Diani Beach.
  • Migrant birds are still seen everywhere, especially near water.
  • This is usually peak calving season for wildebeest and many antelopes.
  • This month is often the hottest of the year, especially on the coast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Kenya in March

Hot, increasingly humid weather – with good diving and snorkelling conditions at the start of the month – gives way to rains and lower accommodation costs. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in March, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and predicting the seasons since the beginning of this century has been difficult.

March is the month when – traditionally – intensely hot conditions build up until a cloudburst finally happens at the end of the month or in early April, to relieve the humidity. As ever, regional variations across the country can greatly impact on visitors' experiences.

  • Sea-water clarity is best for diving before the long rains start.
  • Visitor numbers are low, though the Easter holidays can be busier.
  • Night skies can be scintillatingly clear in early March.
  • Cropped down savannah grasses can make it easier to see the wildlife.
  • Temperartures climb high, especially at lower elevations.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Kenya in April

April sees the full onset of the southeast monsoon wind or kusi, which heralds the long rains. Temperatures drop soon after the rains are established and you’ll often have facilities largely to yourself in this more affordable low season, sometimes known as the "green season". The bush quickly springs to life, with greenery sprouting almost before your eyes. While you're likely to get a fair number of heavy showers, the breaks in the rain can yield sparklingly clear conditions.

With the dust settled and bright sun piercing the clouds, conditions can be sublime for photography, especially first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon with another storm brewing. You may be lucky, or you may find conditions very wet and muddy.

  • A wet month, the coast often gets more than 300mm (12in) of rain.
  • Sunny spells can provide great light for photography.
  • Buffalo and zebra calving season often happens in this month.
  • Baby crocodiles hatch, for example on Central Island in Lake Turkana.
  • Palearctic migrant birds gather to fly north to breeding grounds.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Kenya in May

While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, between the cloudbursts the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in May, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and while it's reasonable to expect heavy rains in many parts during this month, especially on the coast, the rains don't always come evenly or in some areas come at all.

In an El Niño year, the so-called long rains that normally are established across much of the country by May can be meagre, to the despair of farmers. On the other hand in a La Niña year, the long rains can bring floods. On the coast, the monsoon winds make the climate much more predictable, with heavy rains common throughout this month.

  • Frogs breed in the ponds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu.
  • Wildebeest, impala and other grazers are in rut (the breeding season).
  • Kilimanjaro looks its best as heavy rain falls as snow on the summit.
  • There's a sharp peek of rainfall on the coast with many rainy days.
  • Accommodation prices are uniformly low, while some camps close.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in May

Kenya in June

The rains give way to cloudy, cooler weather, often making for comfortable conditions by the end of the month, especially in the highlands. Starting from mid-June or the beginning of July and running until the end of October, this is the high season, and accordingly has higher accommodation rates and – at least until early September – higher numbers of visitors.

While the early part of June can often be rainy on the coast, it can be a great time to go on safari, with fresh greenery, many young animals and good photographic conditions with clear air.

  • The Taru Desert, inland from the coast, is carpeted with flowers.
  • The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is held in Loiyangalani.
  • Madaraka Day (commemorating self rule) is 1 June.
  • The annual Lewa marathon runs a course through the wildlife.
  • The Diani Rules "sports" event rips up the rulebook at Diani Beach.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Kenya in July

Kenya’s “winter" season sets in (winter is a misnomer but locals feel the change), and the highlands can be rather grey. Skies are often cloudy and the days can be surprisingly cool, with an average daytime high in many highland safari areas of 15-20°C and night-time temperatures dropping below 10°C in Nairobi and the highlands. Lower parts of the country and the coast are usually warm and dry, typically reaching highs of around 25°C with lows in the high teens.

As this is the start of the high season, coinciding with the usual arrival of the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, July is a busy month. Ask your Expert Africa specialist to advise on how to avoid the crowds, which is not that difficult to do.

  • The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July.
  • Simbi Lake (Kisumu) and Crater Lake (Naivasha) can attract flamingoes.
  • Watersports start to pick up and some surfing is possible at Malindi.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are a common feature in the Maasai Mara.
  • The sea can be choppy along the coast, making diving difficult.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

Kenya in August

The Great Migration fills the plains of the Maasai Mara, and school’s out, so the park roads are full of tourists – ask your Expert Africa specialist for advice on crowd avoidance tactics. Choose a private conservancy rather than a public national park or national reserve for quieter conditions.

Like July, August is generally mild and relatively dry in the safari areas, but it can be very chilly in the highlands, even in the middle of the day, and hail occasionally falls above altitudes of around 2,400m (8,000ft). Nairobi can be disappointingly overcast, with low cloud.

  • Apart from Christmas holidays, this is the busiest month of the year.
  • Late August sees peak wildebeest drama at the Mara River crossings.
  • Coastal winds are good for kite- and wind-surfing.
  • Few mosquitoes are around at this generally dry time of year.
  • The annual Camel Derby takes place in the Samburu capital, Maralal.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

Kenya in September

The skies clearing of cloud signals the start of hot, dry weather with little chance of rain – and, after the first few days of the month, far fewer visitors – making the latter part of September a good time for a quieter safari. While early September is often good for dramatic migration crossings along the Mara River, you might consider deliberately postponing your trip until later in the month, when the migration can still be very impressive and visitor numbers fewer.

If tourist surges are somewhat predictable, however, the patterns of the wildebeest migration are more volatile, and like all of Expert Africa's climate and weather assessments, they are based on accumulated years of experience rather than guaranteed certainty.

  • This is still high season, with prices to match.
  • Many river crossings take place on the Mara river in both directions.
  • Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators.
  • The Rift Valley Music Festival takes place by Lake Naivasha.
  • With school holidays over by early September, late-month is quieter.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Kenya in October

Still hot, mostly dry and not too busy, this is many people’s preferred month for a safari, and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling. The wildebeest and zebra herds of the great migration are often still to be seen, though in dwindling numbers. The swamps of Amboseli attract thirsty wildlife including large herds of elephants.

While we wouldn't expect much rain across most of the country this month, the climate has become so unpredictable that you can never say never, and the possibiity of the short rains – usually associated with November to mid-December, starting early, can't be discounted.

  • This month sees the tail end of the great migration in the Mara.
  • Palearctic migrant birds start to arrive, staying until March.
  • Turtle nests hatch at Watamu, until November.
  • Amboseli elephants focus on the swamps for their daily water.
  • The Indian Ocean monsoon winds turn from southeast to northeast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Kenya in November

The northeast monsoon wind or kaskazi heralds the start of the “short rains", usually some time in the second half of the month. From November to mid-December, this is the low season, and accordingly has lower accommodation rates and lower visitor numbers. Across most of the country you can expect warm, somewhat cloudy weather, with occasional heavy showers and localised flooding.

Expert Africa bases its description of the climate in November, like the other months of the year, on the records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable: some years the short rains don't come at all, or don't reach every part of the country. In an El Niño year, the November short rains can be very heavy, but in a La Niña year, they can fail completely.

  • Swimming with dolphins in Lamu can be done from now until April.
  • Birders gather at Ngulia in Tsavo West to ring Palearctic migrants.
  • The Lamu Cultural Festival takes over the town and Lamu Creek.
  • Agricultural shows often take place regional market towns.
  • This is low season, so camps can be great value, with special offers.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Kenya in December

In a typical December, the rains usually finish by middle of the month, leaving the landscape looking its best, under clear blue skies, and heralding the start of the second peak tourist season from around 20 December to the first week of January. Our assessment of the likely weather in December, like the other months of the year, is based on climate records, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

Christmas can sometimes be wet, but most years the rains have finished a week or two earlier, with the festive season ushering in the perfect combination of clear skies and sunshine by day and starry nights.

  • Christmas and New Year are busy, with the lodges and camps full.
  • Rates are highest after 24 Dec, with supplements on public holidays.
  • Republic Day and Independence day are celebrated on 12 December.
  • Good kite- and wind-surfing restarts, with strong northeasterly winds.
  • Mango season begins, providing excitement for primates and elephants.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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