Looking for the best beaches in Kenya? Look no further than our guide to the top 10 best beaches in Kenya! Discover the stunning beauty of the Kenyan coast, from the famous Diani Beach to the serene Jacaranda Beach in Watamu. Our comprehensive guide will help you plan your next beach vacation in coastal paradise.
When it comes to beaches, Kenya has an abundance of choices for tourists and locals alike. With its stunning coastline stretching over 480 kilometers, Kenya boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
This article lists the top 10 best beaches in Kenya and some bonus beaches. The beaches are ranked based on their popularity and their variety of activities. The list includes famous beaches like Diani Beach, Watamu Beach, and Malindi Beach, as well as hidden gems like Tiwi Beach, Kilifi Beach, and Manda Beach. The article also provides some information on the activities that can be enjoyed at each beach and nearby attractions and amenities.
List of Top 10 Best Beaches in Kenya
Whether you are looking for a quiet escape or a bustling hub of activity, there is a beach for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best beaches in Kenya so that you can easily plan your next beach vacation.
#1 Diani Beach
Diani Beach is perhaps the most famous beach in Kenya, and it’s easy to see why. This long stretch of white sand, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees offers everything from relaxation to adventure. Located on the south coast of Mombasa, Diani Beach is perfect for water sports like kitesurfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. With plenty of restaurants, bars, and hotels, Diani Beach is also a great place to enjoy the Kenyan nightlife.
#2 Watamu Beach
Watamu Beach is a tranquil and unspoiled beach located on the north coast of Mombasa. It’s known for its clear waters, white sands, and coral reefs, making it a perfect destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. If you’re lucky, you may spot a turtle or two. The beach is also home to the Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve, a protected area that offers a unique opportunity to see marine life up close.
#3 Malindi Beach
Malindi Beach is another popular beach located on the north coast of Mombasa. This beach is known for its vibrant culture and history, reflected in the town’s architecture and cuisine. Visitors can stroll through the old town and indulge in local Swahili dishes. The beach is excellent for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
#4 Nyali Beach
Nyali Beach is located on the north coast of Mombasa and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The beach is known for its soft white sand and clear blue waters, making it a perfect destination for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also enjoy activities like jet skiing, kitesurfing, and snorkeling. With various restaurants and bars, Nyali Beach is also a great place to grab a bite or a drink while enjoying the view.
#5 Tiwi Beach
Tiwi Beach is a hidden gem located on the south coast of Mombasa. This secluded beach is perfect for those looking for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Tiwi Beach is known for its pristine waters, coral reefs, and swaying palm trees. Visitors can also enjoy activities like collecting sea shells and swimming. With only a few hotels and restaurants, Tiwi Beach is a great place to relax and unwind.
#6 Bamburi Beach
Bamburi Beach is located on the north coast of Mombasa and is known for its lively atmosphere. This beach is perfect for those looking for adventure and excitement. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, watching the sunset, and banana boat rides. The beach is also home to several beach bars and restaurants, making it a great place to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
#7 Shanzu Beach
Shanzu Beach is located on the north coast of Mombasa and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The beach offers soft white sand and clear blue waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports like snorkeling and jet skiing.
#8 Kilifi Beach
Kilifi Beach is located on the north coast of Mombasa and is a hidden gem that only a few tourists know about. The beach offers soft white sand, clear blue waters, and a variety of water sports like scuba diving, windsurfing, and kite surfing. Visitors can also explore the nearby town and indulge in local cuisine.
#9 Manda Beach
Manda Beach is located on Manda Island in Lamu County and is a secluded spot that offers a unique experience. Visitors can take a boat ride to the island and enjoy soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling, and visitors can also explore the nearby town of Lamu and indulge in some of the local Swahili cuisine.
#10 Chale Island
Chale Island is located off the south coast of Mombasa and is a private island that offers a luxurious beach experience. Visitors can enjoy soft white sand, clear blue waters, and various water sports like snorkeling and kayaking. The island also offers luxurious accommodation, with beach villas and private suites available.
Bonus: Other Beaches in Kenya
#11 Turtle Bay Beach
Turtle Bay Beach is located on the north coast of Mombasa and is a quiet and secluded spot. The beach offers soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of water sports like kite surfing and snorkeling. Visitors can also spot some turtles and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the beach.
#12 Shela Beach
Shela Beach is located on Lamu Island and is a beautiful spot that offers soft white sand, clear blue waters, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The beach is also home to historic architecture, including the Lamu Fort and Museum.
#13 Mombasa Beach
Mombasa Beach is a long stretch of sandy beach near Mombasa Island. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean and a range of activities to enjoy.
The beach is known for its soft, white sand and clear blue waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Visitors can also indulge in a range of water sports like snorkeling, jet skiing, and diving.
In addition to the beach, there are several nearby attractions to explore, including the Fort Jesus Museum, the Mombasa Tusks, and the Old Town. The Fort Jesus Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The Mombasa Tusks were built in 1952 to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Mombasa, while the Old Town is a cultural melting pot of Arab, Indian, and European influences.
#14 Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach (Pirates)
Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach, located in the Nyali area of Mombasa, is one of Kenya’s most popular public beaches. The beach is named after Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta, and is a favorite spot among locals and tourists.
One of the unique features of Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach is the variety of food and drink vendors available on the beach. Visitors can enjoy a range of local cuisine, fresh seafood, and cold drinks while enjoying the stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
#15 Jacaranda Beach
Jacaranda Beach is a beautiful and serene beach located in the coastal town of Watamu, about 120 kilometers north of Mombasa. It is known for its picturesque views, crystal clear waters, and white sandy beaches.
Jacaranda Beach is perfect for those seeking a quieter, more relaxing beach experience. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea and indulge in water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving.
FAQs: Best Beaches in Kenya
If you plan a trip to Kenya and want to explore its beaches, these FAQs will help answer some of your questions.
What are the top 10 beaches in Kenya?
The top 10 beaches in Kenya are Diani Beach, Watamu Beach, Malindi Beach, Nyali Beach, Tiwi Beach, Bamburi Beach, Shanzu Beach, Kilifi Beach, Manda Beach, and Chale Island.
What makes Diani Beach famous?
Diani Beach is famous for its long stretch of white sand, turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and a perfect place for water sports such as kitesurfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The beach also has plenty of restaurants, bars, and hotels for visitors.
What activities can be enjoyed at Watamu Beach?
Watamu Beach is known for its clear waters, white sands, and coral reefs, making it a perfect destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors may also spot turtles while indulging in these activities. The beach is also home to the Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve, a protected area that offers a unique opportunity to see marine life up close.
What is the specialty of Malindi Beach?
Malindi Beach is known for its vibrant culture and history, reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Visitors can stroll through the old town and indulge in local Swahili dishes. The beach is excellent for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
What can be experienced at Nyali Beach?
Nyali Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The beach is known for its soft white sand and clear blue waters, making it a perfect destination for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can enjoy activities like jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing and dine at various restaurants and bars.
What is unique about Tiwi Beach?
Tiwi Beach is a secluded beach on the south coast of Mombasa, perfect for those seeking a quiet escape from the city. The beach has pristine waters, coral reefs, and swaying palm trees. Visitors can collect sea shells and swim in hotels and restaurants to relax and unwind.
What makes Bamburi Beach lively?
Bamburi Beach is known for its lively atmosphere and is perfect for visitors looking for adventure and excitement. The beach has many activities, such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing, and is home to several beach bars and restaurants.
What is the uniqueness of Kilifi Beach?
Kilifi Beach is a hidden gem that only a few tourists know about. Besides diving, visitors can also explore the nearby town and indulge in local cuisine.
What are the best water sports to try at the beaches in Kenya?
The best water sports to try at the beaches in Kenya include kitesurfing, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Many of the beaches offer equipment rentals and instruction for beginners.
What is the best time to visit the beaches in Kenya?
The best time to visit the beaches in Kenya is during the dry season, which runs from December to March and July to October. During this time, the weather is sunny and warm with little to no rainfall, making it perfect for beach activities.
Are the beaches in Kenya safe for swimming?
Yes, most of the beaches in Kenya are safe for swimming. However, it’s always important to check the conditions before entering the water, as some areas may have strong currents or dangerous marine life.
Can I stay overnight at the beaches in Kenya?
Yes, many of the beaches in Kenya offer a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Visitors can choose from hotels, lodges, villas, and even private islands.
How do I get to the beaches in Kenya?
The best way to get to the beaches in Kenya is by flying into the nearest airport and then taking a taxi or private transfer to the beach of your choice. The main airports in Kenya are Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa. Alternatively, visitors can also take a bus or train to the nearest town, hire a taxi, or take public transportation to the beach.
Is Diani expensive?
Diani can be relatively expensive compared to other beaches in Kenya, but it still offers affordable options.
How much do you pay at Diani Beach?
Diani Beach has no entry fee, but some activities, such as water sports, may require payment.
What is the number 1 beach in Kenya?
Diani Beach is widely regarded as the number one beach in Kenya.
Does Kenya have any beaches?
Yes, Kenya has several beaches along its Indian Ocean coastline.
Which is better, Diani Beach or Zanzibar?
This is subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, Diani Beach is considered by many to be one of the best beaches in the world.
Is Diani Beach public or private?
Diani Beach is a public beach and is open to everyone.
In Closing
Finally, Kenya’s coastline is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the vibrant atmosphere of Diani Beach to the secluded paradise of Tiwi Beach, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking to explore the underwater world, indulge in local cuisine, or relax on the soft white sand, Kenya’s beaches will surely provide a memorable experience.
So pack your bags and get ready to explore the best beaches that Kenya has to offer.
See Also
- List of Top 10 Best Travel Blogs in Kenya
- Top 8 Tourist Destinations in Kenya
- List of Top 20 Fun Things to Do in Nairobi 2023
- Top 5 Things to Do in Kenya in 2023
- Kenya: Everything You Need to Know About Country Code 254
- Food in Kenya: Top 20 Kenyan Dishes Everyone Should Try
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