Kenya isn’t just about safaris, hiking and savannahs. It has a lot to offer as the stretch along the Indian Ocean in the country is also home to some of the most stunning and serene beaches in Africa. Most of these Kenyan beaches are rank as top in Africa and are usually preferred by the visitors.
The Kenya’s coastline offers the perfect beach experience. This blog post will cover in detail the best beaches in Kenya you should add to your bucket list, their location, comparison to help you choose the better choice.
1. Diani Beach
Diani Beach is consistently ranked as the best beach in Kenya and arguably, in East Africa. The beach has a stretching of approximately 17 kilometers along the southern coast and located about 30 kilometers south of Mombasa.
This award-winning destination combines natural beauty with modern luxury and thrilling adventure making it popular. It features powdery white sands, calm turquoise waters, and palm trees. The place is also equipped with luxurious beachfront resorts and hidden villas where the visitors eat and even sleep.
The place offer a wide range of nightlife activities for honeymooners, adventure lovers, and families alike. This offshore coral reef creates gentle waves, making it safe for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kitesurfing.
This place is also a dream destiination that combines both wildlife and beach activities. Diani beach is near the Colobus Conservation Centre and Shimba Hills National Reserve, where you can see elephants, sable antelopes, and forest birds. Visitors can also take a boat trip to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park to swim with dolphins.
Accommodation ranges from budget hostels like Diani Backpackers to high-end stays such as The Sands at Nomad and Almanara Luxury Villas. The beach also features several oceanfront restaurants and bars offering seafood, cocktails, and vibrant nightlife. However, the timing of your visit to Diani is crucial for making the most of your trip.
2. Watamu Beach
The beach is located between Malindi and Kilifi. Watamu Beach is a smaller beach as compared to Diani but the most charming because it is bigger on marine biodiversity and unspoiled natural beauty. It’s part of the Watamu Marine National Park, a protected area popular for its coral reefs, clear waters, and rare sea turtles.
A visit to Watamu is something worth a dare. The marine park is parked with colorful fish, coral gardens, dolphins, and even seasonal whale sharks. Other fun activities to experience at this place including snorkeling and scuba diving. Glass-bottom boat tours make the underwater world accessible even for non-swimmers.
Beyond the water activities, you can explore the Arabuko Sokoke Forest which is a home to endangered birds and the golden-rumped elephant. Visitors can also explore the ancient Gede Ruins is located in Watamu.
Watamu beach also give ideal vibe for relaxed holidays. The accommodation ranges from luxury resorts like Medina Palms and Hemingways Watamu to budget-friendly eco-lodges such as Turtle Bay Beach Club.
The town is small and walkable, with plenty of cafes, seafood spots, and beach bars. Its calm waters also make it safe for families with young children.
3. Tiwi Beach
Tiwi Beach is located just a short drive north of Diani Beach. It is one of Kenya’s best-kept secrets, secluded, peaceful, and pristine. It is a perfect destination for travelers who want to enjoy a quite and people free area.
Unlike Diani and Watamu, Tiwi is not lined with resorts or tourist shops. Instead, you’ll find peaceful stretches of sand, clear tide pools, and cottages. Swimming be done especially in the beach’s famous coral pools available in the area.
Tiwi is ideal for romantic adventures, writers and solo travelers. Other things you can enjoy here include snorkeling and beachcombing. You can also arrange local boat trips in the still and calm waters.
Accommodation is mostly budget-friendly, with Tiwi Beach Cottages being one of the few structured options available. You can reach Tiwi via the Likoni Ferry from Mombasa or directly from Ukunda if coming from Diani.
4. Nyali Beach
The beach combines sun, sand, and city life. It is located just a 10-minute drive from Mombasa’s city center.
Nyali Beach is wide, clean, and less crowded than you might expect for its proximity to Mombasa. The water is calm, making it ideal for beach activities such as swimming, jet-skiing, and beginner surfing. You can also enjoy camel rides along the beach or relax in a beachfront café.
The beach’s biggest advantage is its access to Mombasa’s urban attractions. Nearby, you can visit the East Africa’s largest crocodile farm called, Mamba Village. A short ride brings you to Fort Jesus and the Old Town, where Swahili and Arab cultures blend in historical architecture and markets.
Nyali has a wide range of accommodation also. The place has budget hotels to upscale resorts like Sarova Whitesands and Voyager Beach Resort. Food lovers will appreciate beachfront restaurantsat the placesuch as Tamarind, Yul’s, and Café Mocha.
This beach is ideal for travelers who want to experience both the serenity of the sea and the cultural richness of Mombasa without spending hours in transit.
5. Bamburi Beach
Bamburi Beach is located north of Mombasa and is one of the best beaches in Kenya popular for both locals and tourists. The beach has a mixture of beachfront resorts and family-friendly experiences, making it an excellent choice for visitors who want both comfort, and fun.
The beach has white sand, gentle waves, and warm waters. The nearby reef offers a great place for snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding.
Just a few minutes away is Haller Park. It is an eco-tourism gem where you can walk among giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles. Another nearby attraction site is Mamba Village, where you can see the crocodiles.
What to do in Bamburi:
- Relax on the beach with a cold coconut in hand.
- Take a glass-bottom boat tour to explore marine life.
- Visit Nyali Golf Club or City Mall for shopping.
- Enjoy beach dining at Yul’s Restaurant or Big Tree Beach Bar.
Accommodation options are abundant, with the place having luxury resorts like Sarova Whitesands and Severin Sea Lodge. Budget hotels and Airbnb stays are available within the area. The nightlife in Bamburi is also vibrant, with clubs, bars, and beachfront music spots.
6. Lamu Beaches
Lamu Island offers some of the most relaxing experience in Kenya. Unlike the more developed coastal regions, Lamu remains one of the most filled tourism area. Its beaches are expansive, uncrowded, and deeply connected to Swahili heritage.
Shela Beach is located just a few minutes’ walk from Lamu town. It is the most famous on the island with soft sand dunes and calm breeze. Transport is by donkey or dhow boat, giving the island a unique and relaxed atmosphere.
Top things to do on Lamu’s beaches include:
- Relaxing on Shela Beach at sunrise or sunset.
- Taking a dhow cruise to Manda Island or Kipungani.
- Exploring the sand dunes and freshwater wells near the beach.
- Participating in Swahili cooking classes or dhow-building workshops.
High-end boutique hotels like Peponi Hotel in Shela offer stunning beach views, while charming guesthouses and Swahili homes provide budget-friendly options.
7. Che Shale Beach
It is located about 25 kilometers north of Malindi town. Che Shale Beach is a hidden coastal gem that’s gaining popularity among adventure seekers, particularly kitesurfers.
What truly sets Che Shale apart is its appeal to the eco-luxury traveler. The beach is home to Che Shale Resort, which pioneered sustainable tourism in the area.
Che Shale is also Kenya’s top destination for kitesurfing. The consistent winds from July to October and December to March create ideal conditions for the activity. The Che Shale Kite School offers lessons, rentals, and gear for all skill levels.
Visitors can also enjoy other activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, deep-sea fishing, and boat excursions. For nature lovers, the surrounding area offers opportunities for birdwatching and coastal hikes.
8. Kikambala Beach
Kikambala Beach is located just north of Mombasa. It is popularly known to offer peaceful alternative to the busier coastal spots like Bamburi and Diani. The beach has a wide, white sandy shores and gentle waves, and with modern resorts and restaurants.
Popular resorts in the area include PrideInn Paradise and Sun N Sand Beach Resort, which offer family-friendly facilities, beach access, pools, and even waterparks. The beach is also safe for swimming, and the shallow reefs nearby make for great tidepool exploration.
Visitors can can enjoy quiet beach walks, local cuisine, and authentic Swahili culture. Camel rides and boat trips are available, and nearby attractions like Jumba la Mtwana Ruins or Mtwapa Creek adding a spice to your trip.
Conclusion
Kenya’s coastline is a hidden gem that rivals even the most popular beach destinations in the world. If you’re planning a beach holiday in Kenya, don’t miss the chance to discover Kenya’s beautiful shores. The above 8 best beaches in Kenya will help you find the best option for your trip and make the most out of it.
