Malindi Airport (MYD) is the one and only airport near Watamu.

MYD is 16 kilometres from central Watamu, so you’ll have a reasonable commute into the center.

Pass through the glass doors of MYD and your Watamu adventure will have begun! The city’s main airport, it’s located 16 kilometres from the downtown area.

Watamu is serviced by 8 airlines from at least 5 worldwide airports.

In general, travelers fly with Jambojet Limited, 748 Air Services and Fly540 when heading to Watamu. The biggest proportion of these flights arrive from Nairobi, with Jambojet Limited servicing this route the most.

With approximately 107 direct flights operating each week, you’ll be landing in Watamu before you can ask, “Are we there yet?”

Travelers frequently set off from Nairobi, Lamu and Diani Beach airports when heading to Watamu.

If you’re heading to Watamu from Nairobi, you’re looking at a flight duration of 1 hour and 22 minutes. Those leaving from Lamu can expect to be on the plane for 25 minutes. From Amboseli it’s 15 minutes away.

If you’d like to have some extra spending money on your Watamu vacation, then listen up! As any seasoned traveler knows, avoid booking at the last minute. Fares are usually more expensive just prior to the departure date. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has multiple airports, you may be able to pick up a terrific deal by flying into a smaller terminal. Lastly, another simple way to save some cash is be ready to book fast. If you see a good deal, don’t hold off — snap it up while the opportunity’s there.

Wherever you’re jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you’ve planned ahead. We’ve made a list of handy hints that will get your Watamu vacation started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It’s also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don’t forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of your aircraft are no fashion runway. Layer up with comfy clothing and take a cardigan as it tends to get cool inside the cabin. Flat, enclosed shoes are also a good idea.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. There’s lots you can do to mitigate your risk. Wear a quality pair of compression socks, drink lots of water often and remember to keep your legs and feet moving. Walk around the cabin when possible or perform exercises in your seat.

It’s simple — be prepared. We’ve rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Watamu, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It’s also possible you’ll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They’ll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.