Kenya is well known worldwide as one of the World's best Safari destinations but did you know that Kenyan beaches are some of the best worldwide?
If someone told you that Kenya’s 600 kilometer long coastline is littered with beaches that rival those in the Caribbean or the Maldives and Bali, chances are quite high that you could have laughed! Yet, after diving headfirst into Kenya’s sandy paradises, you will become a full believer—and you may even swallow a bit of that Indian Ocean during your Safari. So, grab your sunscreen, your snorkel, and maybe even your sense of humor, because we’re about to explore our seven best beach destinations in Kenya ( having a 600 kilometer stretch of a coastline means there's more beaches but because we have to finish this blog we will only feature the top seven). I promise, this journey will have you packing your bags faster than you can say “Hakuna Matata.”
1. Diani Beach: The Quintessential Beach Paradise (And Playground for Kitesurfing Ninjas)
Ah, Diani Beach. The crown jewel of Kenya’s coastline, where the sand is whiter than my attempts at dancing salsa, and the water is as blue as my favorite Hawaiian shirt. Diani is not just about lazing on a beach chair (though that’s a strong temptation); it’s also an adventure hotspot. If you've ever fancied yourself as a kitesurfing ninja, this is your place. Or, if you’re like me and struggle with balancing on land, a simple snorkel adventure might suffice. But also be on the lookout because the local monkeys can be a bit cheeky, so make sure to always have your windows and doors shut while going outside because your snacks may disappear...
Diani beach has previously been voted as the 43rd best beach in the world by the Daily Mail as seen HERE and the 56th best beach worldwide by CNN as seen HERE.
Where to Stay: You can set up base at the gorgeous Almanara Luxury Villas, where Swahili meets chic, and a personal chef makes you forget what dieting even means. For a more bohemian vibe, The Sands at Nomad will win you over with its sunset beach bar that will leave you absolutely mesmerized.
Activities: Besides kitesurfing and snorkeling, there’s skydiving, deep-sea fishing, and the occasional beach volleyball match and also a yearly 5-a-side beach rugby tournament where you’ll realize Kenyans are unfairly good at everything. Also, a beach camel ride is an option - because why not?
2. Watamu: A Slice of Heaven with a Rich Past ( Some Pizza, is a Must)
Watamu is a laid-back and quaint village that feels like it’s been sprinkled with a bit of pixie dust. If relaxation had a headquarters, it would without a doubt be here. Nestled within the Watamu Marine National Park, the waters are so clear you could practically see a fish checking its reflection. “Watamu” in Swahili, (Kenya's national language) means “the sweet ones” and the people there truly are sweet!
Being a small extension of Italy means that Watamu has Pizza, and not the ordinary stuff that you enjoy everyday but some of the best Pizza in the world! While there's lots of options on where you can have Pizza the best Pizza place in Watamu has to be SUNSET BEACH BAR where you get to enjoy your Pizza while watching the sunset from a distance! How epic is that? Show us another place worldwide that can match this...we'll wait. You don't have to believe us though as you can check it out yourself here (much better than the ones we get from Dominos).
What makes Watamu interesting is the people. The people here are warm and incredibly courteous (The people here have strong ethos when it comes to manners) that you don't see in most places that you travel to. The waters are shallow and warm thus allowing the little ones (and adults that are scared of large water bodies like myself) to have more fun playing in the water! There's lots of beaches in this town and you are literally spoilt for choice from Garoda beach, Papa remo beach, Blue lagoon beach, Jacaranda Watamu Beach and Mapango beach. Each beach is as good as the other blessed with turquoise waters and clear skies that will leave you utterly breathless!
Where to Stay: Hemingways Watamu is our in-house preferred luxurious cocoon with panoramic ocean views and an infinity pool that will leave you feeling like you are swimming in the clouds. For a more unique experience, Medina Palms (right next to Hemingways Watamu) has rooms so big they could host an entire yoga retreat with an infinity that you simply have to take photos of (while you are posing in frame of course) to brag to them how much of a bomb time that you had on Safari!
Activities: When not attempting to charm the monkeys, you can go for paddle boarding in Mida Creek, a serene mangrove forest. Also, a must-do is a trip to the Gede Ruins, an ancient city founded in the 11th century and later on abandoned—creepy, beautiful, and haunted… maybe. In the afternoon you can go to Lichthaus (one of the best sunset beach bars that you will ever come across) for that tranquil environment watching the sunset while you are enjoying drinks and conversation with your friend(s) and/or family! This place really earned it's name WATAMU (the sweet ones in Swahili).
3. Malindi: A Fusion of Cultures and Tranquility (With a Side of Italian Gelato)
Malindi is like that eccentric aunt who’s had a colorful past—once a thriving Swahili port, then a Portuguese trading hub, and now a town with a surprising number of Italian restaurants. I walked along its charming streets, trying to decide whether I was in Africa or Europe. Spoiler: the gelato at Osteria is simply amazing.
One of the more prominent residents in Malindi is former Formula 1 Supremo Flavio Briatore who is an investor in the area. Some of the more popular people to have visited Malindi include world famous football Coach, Jose Mourinho and Fashion model Naomi Campbell who all come down periodically just to experience the sun and sand here in Kenya. Naomi loves the area so much that she even built her own paradise in Malindi!
Malindi has over 20,000 Italians who have settled in the area to the point that even the locals themselves have learnt to speak fluent Italian! While 60 million people visit Italy for vacation guess where the Italians love to travel for their vacations... Generally speaking, Kenya is very much a hidden gem with regards to being a tourist destination compared to other countries like France and the United Kingdom of which none of them gets 300 days a year of Sunshine the way Kenya does!
Where to Stay: We highly recommend the cozy and classy Billionaire Resort and Retreat, where the vibe is laid-back and the staff greet you like family. For a more relaxed atmosphere, The Lion In The Sun Hotel is the place to be, mixing top-tier elegance with modern luxury.
Activities: We would recommend some deep-sea fishing for the fishing aficionados. The Malindi Marine National Park is fantastic for diving or snorkeling among the corals and the sea life (up to 80% of all life on earth is found in the oceans). And don’t miss the Vasco da Gama Pillar, where you can reflect on how explorers somehow survived without Google Maps!
4. Lamu Island: Timeless Beauty and Heritage (And More Donkeys Than Cars)
Lamu Island is like stepping into a time machine set to the 14th century. Narrow streets, intricately carved doors, and… donkeys. Lots of donkeys. They are the Uber of Lamu, and they don’t accept tips, but they do like carrots. Here, I embraced my inner historian courtesy of Lamu being a UNESCO HERITAGE site. Being Kenya's oldest continually inhabited town it was one of the original Swahili settlements along the East African coast line.
Other than the history, the real reason to go here is the beaches. With Lamu being so quaint and laid back with very minimal human interference to the environment this place is more of a retreat and is arguably one of the best places to unwind and disconnect from the Big City life that we are all used to.
The beaches here are very relaxed and the vibe is very much chilled out. You can walk on the beach bare foot while watching locals pass by using the dhows. 310 kilometers squared of Lamu Island is covered in Mangrove forests which are great at sequestering carbon from the atmosphere which aligns really well with our efforts towards REGENERATIVE TOURISM
Where to Stay: Peponi Hotel in Shela feels quite like home— that is if your home had an oceanfront view and fantastic seafood! If you’re looking for a blend of Swahili, Arabic, and Indian architecture, The Majlis Resort is your spot, with its incredible infinity pools.
Activities: I took a dhow (traditional sailing boat) trip around the archipelago, which was more calming than a meditation app. I also explored the Lamu Museum, then ended the day watching the sunset while eating fresh samosas by the beach—because that’s how one should always end the day.
5. Mombasa: Where History Meets the Ocean (And Traffic)
Mombasa, Kenya’s coastal capital, is a place where history, culture, and the sea come together… and sometimes, so does the traffic. But don’t let that deter you; the beaches —Nyali, Bamburi, and Shanzu—are worth the adventure. I enjoyed wandering through the Old Town, imagining myself as a 16th-century trader.
Mombasa is the most modern of all these towns with it being a City, you get incredible convenience (pretty much similar to what you would get in Nairobi) with malls and markets being easily accessible and available. Being a city, the beaches here can be quite full of people especially during the Easter and Christmas holidays.
Where to Stay: Sarova White sands Beach Resort & Spa is massive and packed with everything you could want, including a waterslide that you simply have to try out. For a nautical-themed family fun, Voyager Beach Resort will have you chanting “Aye Aye Captain” in no time.
Activities: Apart from the obligatory sunbathing, you have to visit Fort Jesus (bring water, it’s a hot walk) to learn a bit of the Portuguese, Omani and British history along the Kenyan coast and then indulge in street food that range from coconut sweets to Swahili fish curries. For an adrenaline rush, we highly recommend that you try out some jet skiing.
6. Chale Island: Secluded Beauty (And Perfect If You Want to Feel Like Robinson Crusoe)
Chale Island, just off Diani Beach, is tiny, secluded, and perfect if you want to feel like you've shipwrecked on a paradise island—without the actual shipwreck. It's a bit like your own private hideaway, minus the threat of pirates.
Unlike the other areas in this list Chale is a private Island and is a favorite of the more reserved person that would like to have a low key and intimate Safari experience at the beach and enjoy everything that comes with the coast
Where to Stay: The only option is The Sands at Chale Island, which will leave you feeling like you are starring in your very own episode of “Castaway: Luxury Edition.” We recommend opting for the overwater suite because when in Chale…
The sunset beach bar gives an incredibly relaxed vibe to the point that you will be wisshing that you showed up earlier (regardless of how early you arrived) simply because the atmosphere here is very relaxed and good for your heart (literally)!
Activities: Snorkeling, mangrove exploring, or just pretending to be the star of a tropical adventure film. Also, the spa is phenomenal. You haven't truly relaxed until you've had a massage while listening to the waves lapping beneath you.
7. Tiwi Beach: A Hidden Treasure (Or, “Why Didn’t I Know About This Place Sooner?”)
Tiwi Beach is like Diani’s quiet, artsy cousin. Less crowded, more private, and the perfect place to practice your “Robinson Crusoe” skills (bring a volleyball just in case). Here, you will find tranquility, fewer tourists, and tide pools that felt like nature’s own aquarium.
Tiwi is the perfect beach destination for the introvert that wants to go out to the beach and not feel crowded out by lots of people. An
Where I Stayed: I opted for the rustic charm of Tiwi River Camp, a family-run spot where I learned that camping on the beach is both exhilarating and mosquito-friendly. For a step up, Amani Tiwi Beach Resort offers comfort with stunning ocean views.
Activities: Besides chilling in the tide pools and wondering if I could smuggle a starfish home, I did a bit of reef walking and a sunset beach bonfire. Pro tip: marshmallows taste much better when toasted on a Kenyan beach!
Why Kenya’s Coast is the Perfect Beach Destination
From Diani’s bustling adventure scene to Tiwi’s serene solitude, Kenya’s coastlines are as varied as they are beautiful. Whether you're seeking thrills, history, or just a sun-kissed siesta, there's a beach in Kenya with your name on it. So, next time you think about a beach vacation, think beyond the obvious—because Kenya has all the waves, wildlife, and wonder you could wish for. And remember, if you see a monkey in Diani, hide your snacks!
Until next time, happy travels, and don’t forget your flip-flops!
Comments