Mtwapa, a small fishing village on an inlet 10 miles north of Mombasa, has grown into a ramshackle township, on either side of the main Malindi road. There are no beaches or tourist hotels but a few one to two star hotels, local pubs and clubs considered part of the coasts red light district.

Many beautiful residential homes dot the north and south banks of the creek which has a small but well visited yacht marina and a water sports centre on a floating restaurant. Mtwapa Creek is a popular destination for yachts and sport fishermen. Waterskiing can be arranged and small motorboats are available for hire. Dhow tours are offered by Kenya Marineland. Several companies based in Mtwapa offer deep-sea fishing for marlin and other large billfish.