Best Beaches in Kenya

Diani Beach is one of Mombasa's most popular beaches for a spot of rest and relaxation. It is a long white sand beach with watersports like windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling, kitesurfing, diving, water-skiing and parasailing. Diani beach also has an excellent nightlife.

Activities: Windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling, kitesurfing, diving, water-skiing and parasailing
Pets Allowed: Yes

Lamu Beach, just an hour from Nairobi, boasts tranquil white sandy shores on Lamu Island. Its laid-back charm, complemented by nearby attractions like Manda Bay and Shela Beach, offers a diverse coastal escape.

Getting Around: Only by walk
Activities: Water sports, Lamu Museum, beach walks, Dhow sailing, Ruined City of Takwa, Lamu Fort, and Manda Island exploration
Pets Allowed: Yes.

Bamburi Beach on the northern coast of Mombasa is a calm and picturesque beach boasting tranquil blue waters and soft whitish sand. It is ideal for swimming and water sports like snorkelling and scuba diving. Camel riding is also popular here.

Address: Malindi Road, Mombasa
Length: 5 kilometres
Activities: Camel riding, swimming, water sports like snorkelling and scuba diving

Nyali Beach, located in Mombasa, is known for its white sand. The calm water of the sea makes the spot serene. The beach is perfect for diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, and sunbathing. One can visit the Shiva Cave, situated at the southern end of the beach.

Activities: Volleyball, windsurfing, scuba diving, kite surfing, swimming, and game drives in Nguuni Nature Sanctuary.

Located in Mombasa, the Tiwi beach is known for its white sand and secluded location. It is a perfect spot for diving and snorkelling. Birdwatching is also a famous tourist activity here. Palm trees along the side of the beach make the view a picturesque one.

Address: Likoni Ukunda Road, Diani Beach, Mombasa
Activities: Snorkelling, diving, and other water sports
Facilities: Restrooms, shower available; Sunbathing equipments available for rent

Shanzu Beach in Mombasa is a peaceful spot for tourists, offering water sports, beach lounging, and dining. With its white sandy beaches, clear waters, and coconut palm trees, the beach looks different at low tide compared to high tide, adding to its unique charm.

Address: Serena Road,Mombasa
Length: 1 kilometre
Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Activities: Dolphin spotting, kitesurfing, Baracuda diving, windsurfing, glass-bottom boat, deep sea fishing, dhow sailing, snorkelling.
Facilities: Restrooms, lifeguards, and beach loungers
Parking: Available
Pets Allowed: Yes.

Watamu Beach, located 15 kilometers south of Malindi, is famous for its white sands and clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving. Home to diverse wildlife, Watamu is part of the Watamu National Marine Park.

Activities: Swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, sunset cruises, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and diving.
Facilities: Restrooms, changing rooms, showers, and sunbeds
Pets Allowed: Yes

Malindi Beach on Lake Malawi is a renowned Kenyan destination, known for its pure coasts, beachside dining, resorts, and sea activities. With historical significance as Vasco Da Gama's landing site, it offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, history, and modern amenities with plenty of hotels for a memorable coastal experience. Malindi beach is also known as Golden Beach or Buntwani.

Activities: Visiting Vasco da Gama Pillar, sailing, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, and snorkelling.
Facilities: No shower room and restroom.
Parking: Available
Pets Allowed: Yes.

Gazi Beach, on Kenya's peaceful south coast in Kwale County, is a quiet and uncrowded spot. Also known as Gasi Beach, it's home to the olive thrush baboon and the Colobus monkey. The beach features a unique mangrove ecosystem, adding to its cultural and historical significance.

Activities: Mangrove Boardwalk, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking.
Facilities: Restroom, shower room, cafe and restaurant.
Pets Allowed: Yes

Mambrui Beach, a secluded golden sandy stretch north of Malindi after crossing the Sabaki River, is named after nearby sand dunes. Ideal for a peaceful retreat, especially favored by water sports enthusiasts for various activities along the picturesque coastline.

Activities: Kitesurfing, windsurfing, and water-skiing
Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
Facilities: Restrooms available
Parking: Available

Galu Kinondo Beach, located south of Diani Beach, is a peaceful retreat known for its vast white-sand area at low tide. Offering a quiet escape, it's perfect for those who prefer a more serene beach experience along the beautiful Kenyan coastline.

Activities: Kitesurfing, jet-skiing, snorkelling, and safaris
Pets Allowed: Yes

Copacabana Beach in Mtwapa, along Mtwapa Creek, is a laid-back spot with a vibrant nightlife, attracting locals on weekends and kids in the late afternoons for a diverse experience of daytime relaxation and evening entertainment. The most popular restaurant is the Copa Cabana Beach Bar & Restaurant.

Address: Maweni - Mtwapa, Mombasa
Activities: Swimming, playing football, water skiing, skydiving, snorkelling, kayaking.
Facilities: Restrooms, changing pads for babies
Parking: Available at the clubs
Pets Allowed: Yes

Chale Island in Kenya, located at the northern end of Msambweni Bay, is a culturally significant and beautiful destination. It's named after a revered Digo warrior, considered sacred by locals. Surrounded by white sandy beaches, this secluded private island offers a 5-star hospitality experience in luxurious resorts.

Length: 1.2 kilometres
Activities: Snorkelling and diving
Accommodation: The Sands at Chale Island

On Kenya's coast, Manda Island is a surfer's paradise with waves for all levels and a scenic coral reef. Explore historic ninth-century ports like Takwa, a recognized Kenyan National Monument since 1982, offering a glimpse into the island's rich history.

Activities: Exploring the historic town, surfing, kiteboarding, snorkelling, and other watersports
How to reach: By ferry or air
Accommodation: Manda Bay

Kikambala Beach, also known as Vipingo Beach, boasts beautiful white sand, palm trees, and a calm vibe. Situated in the northern suburbs of Mombasa, the tides reveal coral reefs, so wearing reef shoes is recommended. With few hotels and minimal tourists, the beach is ideal for a peaceful getaway.

Length: 12 kilometres
Activities: Kite, glass bottom boat tour, snorkelling
Food: 2 basic refreshment kiosks
Facilities: Restrooms available
Pet Policy: Dogs allowed

Kilifi Beach, also known as Bofa Beach, offers more than just relaxation. Visitors can explore Kilifi Creek for boat rides and birdwatching, and discover the ancient Gede Ruins nearby. Adventure seekers can enjoy snorkelling and diving to see colourful marine life.

Length: 5 kilometres
Activities: Snorkelling, boat rides, swimming
Parking: Available
Facilities: Lifeguards, restrooms, chairs and umbrellas for rent available
Pets Allowed: Yes