About 24 km south of Malindi, Watamu, is smaller than Malindi and has its own marine national reserve. Once a mellow little fishing village with makuti-roofed cottages, Watamu has retained its charm, despite the mushrooming of snazzy hotels, pseudo German beer halls and curio stalls. It is now a town of contrasts with neon clad package tourists walking among the striding Maasai. It has lovely beaches with glittering white sand and coral heads emerging from the sea like sculptures. Watamu is excellent for snorkeling in the marine reserve and is a good base for exploring the Gedi Ruins, Arabuko Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek.