1. Diani Beach
The sea here is calm, warm, and crystal clear, ideal for swimming. There is a long, wide beach with white, soft sand that covers over 17 kilometers, ideal for walking along the beach after a refreshing dip. One of the reasons Diani is good for swimming is that it has offshore coral reefs.
The coral reefs break the waves and trap the waters along the beach quiet and secure. You are most likely to find locals as well as tourists swimming, snorkeling, or just floating calmly.
The beach is also extremely clean and there are several resorts, cafes, and beach bars where you can relax with a drink after you have had your swim. Be it morning calm or sunset swimming, Diani offers a tranquil, scenic, and safe experience to all types of swimmers.
2. Watamu Beach
Watamu Beach, part of the Watamu Marine National Park, is one of Kenya’s most serene and cleanest beaches. The area is renowned for white powdery sand and clear crystal, shallow water, perfect for swimming.
Since it is a sea reserve, sea and beach are well taken care of. Coral reefs near the beach act as natural breakwaters, calming the sea and turning it into a safer place for sun bathers, especially children or beginners. What is unique about Watamu is the sea’s cleanliness you can always spot the sandy sea bed while you swim.
It is a great place to swim and snorkel there together as well. The marine park is also full of colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. Swimming in Watamu is like swimming in one huge natural aquarium.
The beach is not as busy as other beaches, so it is ideal for quiet, undisturbed swims. If you prefer quiet beaches with nature as the main attraction, Watamu is the place to be.
3. Tiwi Beach
Tiwi Beach is a hidden paradise to the north of Diani Beach, and it is as good an option but less hectic. Not touristy so fewer people and more natural environment.
The water is warm, silky, and hospitable, perfect for those who simply need to swim without beach parties or rowdy groups drama. Like all the best beaches, Tiwi is also endowed with coral reefs that act as wave breakers naturally. This gives the best and safest swimming experience even in periods of tide change.
Natural tidal pools where you can float and relax like having your own spa are present as well. To get the best swimming, visit during high tide when the water level is higher and more spread on the sand. Tiwi’s in a position that makes it ideal for couples, singles, or anyone looking for a quiet swimming experience.
Simply take your own picnic basket, towel, and gear because the facilities are simple, but that’s half the fun!
4. Nyali Beach
Nyali Beach, situated roughly a mile north of Mombasa Island, is one of the most convenient beaches if you happen to be in town. Although it is close to the hustle and bustle of Mombasa, it has clean, swimmable water and a wide sandy beach.
It is popular but never crowded, and the water is usually calm due to the offshore reef system. Nyali is ideal to swim in as its seabed is gently sloping so you can wade very far out to sea before it gets deep. This makes it especially great for children with families or those wanting to wade instead of swim.
The beach is fringed by hotels, restaurants, and beach resorts, and thus it’s easy to spend an entire day there. Whether you like to take a morning splash before sightseeing or a cool splash after spending the day out in the sun, Nyali Beach has both convenience and comfort.
5. Bamburi Beach
Bamburi is favourite among residents as well as tourists, thanks to its accessibility and wide range of facilities. Despite being well-trodden, Bamburi is still a decent place to swim.
The beach has a protective reef that calms the waves, and the seabed is mostly sandy with few rocks, making it comfortable underfoot. Lifeguards are often on duty, especially near resort areas, which adds to the safety of swimming here. The beach is also well-maintained, and you’ll often find locals enjoying a morning swim or families taking a dip during weekends.
After swimming, you may also attempt camel rides, beach sports, or pick a snack at one of the nearby cafes. Bamburi is perfect if you’re looking for a lively, people-loving beach environment where swimming is just among the activities available.
6. Shanzu Beach
Shanzu Beach is another scenic beach found between Mtwapa and Bamburi. What makes it unique for swimming is its year-round tranquility, shallow waters. The beach is less crowded compared to that at Bamburi, and as such, it is a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.
Swimming here is particularly pleasant when the tide is high and the water is closer to shore, sweeping larger portions of the sandy ocean bed. Since the area is not as developed as others, you have more natural surroundings to you, palm trees rustling in the wind, outboard fishing boats, and fewer beach vendors.
Without massive crowds, it is ideal for quiet swimmers. While there are fewer on-beach restaurants, a majority of the nearby resorts offer day passes so that you can utilize their facilities after your swim. It’s a charming blend of local scene and seaside attractiveness. If you must swim in a spot that is even still fairly authentically Kenyan, then Shanzu is a great choice.
7. Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach is located on the southern mainland of Mombasa, and while it’s one that is actually often underestimated by travelers, it’s a local favorite for a reason. It’s a quiet beach, the warm waters perfect for a dip, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
It’s named seashell beach because you can see many seashells along the shore. The gentle slope of the beach into the sea allows swimmers to gradually get into the water, which is great for kids or even just a relaxed swimmer. The atmosphere of the community here is quite friendly and you will find, for the most part, local families out for a weekend swim or enjoying a picnic.
The facilities such as changing rooms and restaurants are extremely minimal but the overall mood compensates. Swimming here actually gets you a true flavor of the local seaside way of life. If you’re in Mombasa and you’re looking to swim off the beaten path, Shelly Beach is well worth checking out.
8. Kikambala Beach
Kikambala Beach is located north of Mombasa, past Shanzu, and is known for its long shoreline and peaceful ambiance. The waters here are clean, shallow, and mostly calm, making it great for swimming, especially during the high tide.
Since Kikambala is not as developed as Diani or Watamu, you’ll find fewer crowds and more space to enjoy your swim. The beach is also frequented by locals and some few tourists who are staying in nearby beach resorts. You can swim, sunbathe, or even explore the exposed coral pools at low tide.
The charm of Kikambala is that you can enjoy a cooling plunge without too much disturbance, no constant beach vendors and raucous water sports. It’s an excellent place if you want to connect with nature and swim in its most natural form. Just make sure to view the tide charts so you can maximize your visit.
9. Lamu Beach (Shela)
If what you’re searching for is a unique blend of culture and coastscapes, head on over to Shela Beach in Lamu. One of the northern Kenyan coast’s most tranquil beaches. Lamu itself is famous for its old-world charm, but Shela Beach is a pure setting with silky sand and spotless, warm waters that are perfect for a dip.
The beach is large and largely unspoiled by commerce. It’s not unheard of to have whole sections of beach to yourself. The waters are calm by and large, especially in the mornings, and the beach is clean and safe. The non-existence of jet skis or parties ensures that the atmosphere is calm.
A stroll into Shela village subsequently has Swahili architecture and narrow alleys that make you feel as if you were in a bygone era. Should swimming along with exposure to culture and relaxation be your desire, then Shela Beach is a gem worth traveling to.
10. Gazi Beach
Gazi Beach, situated between Diani and Msambweni, is the most underrated beach along the Kenyan coast. It’s not very developed, hence a very natural and peaceful setting. The sea is shallow, warm, and ideal for easy swimming.
As it’s also off the tourist trail from most traveler spots, Gazi is typically deserted and peaceful, and you can swim here in quiet. The nearby Gazi Women’s Mangrove Boardwalk is also a great extra bonus for nature strollers who would like to have a pre- or post-swim walk.
Soft sand and soft waves define the beach itself thanks to coral reefs further out. Should you be lucky, you can even see local fishermen with their catch or dhows sailing by. Gazi is suited best for nature-swimming enthusiasts, solitude, and simplicity.
