Kenya is known for its natural parks and magnificent wildlife, but its real gem is the beaches found on the coastline.
Kenya's coastal beaches are an unbelievable slice of paradise. The Indian Ocean is warm, clear, and alluringly blue, the sand is powdery and white, and the wind is breezy. The sunrise and sunset are unlike anything you've ever seen before.
There are high-end resorts and restaurants where you can get traditional meals and international cuisine. That's not all, there are amazing historical relics and sites that have captivated historians and visitors for decades.
The 10 Best Beaches In Kenya
Here's our list of the 10 best beaches in Kenya that you must visit.
1. Diani Beach
Diani is the most popular beach in Kenya. It's easily accessible from Mombasa, and it's quite modern compared to other beaches. Diani is wide, long, and covered in white sand and palm trees.
Coral reefs help breaks the waves, providing a perfect environment for swimming, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, and other underwater activities. You can go on a Kenyan wildlife safari at the Shimba Hills National Reserve and Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary. Not to mention the best nightlife on Kenya's coastline can be found here.
2. Watamu
Watamu is a series of beaches set around a sandy peninsula. It’s located south of Malindi and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Watamu is known for its pristine white sand and ocean water, as well as its coral reefs.
The beach is also known as Turtle Bay, thanks to green and hawksbill sea turtles found near the reefs. Go snorkelling and diving to see the colourful marine life, sunbathe near palm trees, or visit Arabuko Sokoke Forest Preserve.
Kilifi Beach
Kilifi Beach is located in Kilifi Creek. Kilifi is a small resort with lush vegetation bordering the sandy beach with the blue warm waters of the Indian Ocean stretching out into the horizon.
In Kilifi Beach, you'll have the opportunity to eat out at affordable seafood restaurants with incredible views. Out in the ocean, you can ride on the traditional dhow, go snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, and even swim with dolphins.
Manda Toto
Manda Toto is a remote island just off the coast of Manda. Most tourists arrive for a full-day tour. It takes 40 minutes by boat from Lamu to reach the island. Manda Toto is considered one of the best snorkelling spots in Kenya.
If you're inclined, you can try your hand at some traditional hand-line fishing. If under the ocean doesn't interest you, you can still have a picnic and marvel at the raw beauty of the island.
Nyali Beach
Located across the creek from Mombasa, Nyali Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Kenya. On this beach, you have the option to go surfing, sunbathing, and swimming. Scuba dive or snorkel and see coral reefs and seagrass meadows at the Mombasa Marine National Park. You can find entertainment at a crocodile farm, malls, and the Nyali Golf Club. There are plenty of restaurants, both local and foreign, near the beach itself.
Tiwi Beach
Found south of Mombasa, you can reach Tiwi Beach by ferry, adding a layer to the adventure you're embarking on. This hidden gem has white sand, palm trees, and sandbars that stretch out to the reefs.
During low tides, small tidal pools become visible. You can sit in one and watch fish swim and splash around. There's a resort and a beach cafe, but apart from that, Tiwi is an unspoiled paradise.
Bamburi Beach
Located on the northern coast of Kenya, Bamburi Beach is a lovely beach retreat covered in soft sand and bracketed by calm waters. It's a great choice for those who love to sunbathe and watch the sun rise and set.
For those who enjoy activities at the beach, you'll be delighted to learn that there's a coral reef right off the coast. We recommend scuba diving and snorkelling in the clear water to see the reefs up close. On the beach itself, you can go camel riding. There are plenty of accommodations to be found on this coastline.
Malindi
Malindi is a town found on the northern coast of Kenya and known for its white sandy beaches. In Malindi, you will find Little Italy, where the sizeable Italian community lives, and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, home to elephants and 200 bird species.
There's a coral reef south of the town centre so you can dive, snorkel, windsurf and go sailing to enjoy the incredible ocean view.
Did you know that this is where Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama landed in Africa?
Lamu Island
Lamu Island is more of an archipelago with several beautiful beaches, such as Shela and Kipungani. Kipungani is an uncrowded and unspoiled beauty, while Shela is more popular.
In Lamu Island, the most popular means of travel is donkeys. You can travel between the beaches through dhow tours, eat homemade samosa on Shela beach, visit Lamu Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, or go windsurfing on the Indian Ocean.
Shanzu Beach
Shanzu Beach is located just off the Mombasa-Malindi Highway. The white sandy beach has coconut trees and clear waters lapping on the sand.
It’s best to go to the beach when the tide is low as you can easily walk along the shore for hours. When the tide is high, the entire area is covered in water. Shanzu has some high-end hotels and resorts, but if you're on a budget, you can find affordable accommodations.
The Best Time To Visit The Kenyan Coast
The best time for a beach holiday in Kenya is October to January, especially during the month of November. The weather is perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling during those months. If you want to swim with whale sharks, visit the country during the months of January, February, and March, as that's when shark sightings are at their highest.
Though the Kenyan coast is usually hot and humid throughout the year, we recommend avoiding the coastline during the rainy season (mid-March to late May).
Going on a Kenya safari is probably at the top of your bucket list. But how about adding a Kenya beach safari to your list too? Kenya has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you're looking for incredible underwater sights, peaceful atmospheres, breathtaking scenery, or adrenaline-pumping activities, there's a beach for you.
You can go on dhow tours in Lamu or walk for hours on white sandy beaches in Shanzu, there's always something to do. Regardless of your interests, you're bound to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Kenya's Coast.
Are you ready for an incredible Kenya beach holiday? Book a trip with us and enjoy all that Kenya has to offer!