Complete Guide to the Best Beaches in Kenya

Get inspired and jump-start your travel planning with our guide to the best Kenya beaches for your next holiday. PLUS, our hotel picks for each of these wonderful destinations!

On my first overland journey up the Kenyan Coast a decade ago, I was blown away by the sheer number and diversity of world class beaches on offer.

From the powdery white-sands beaches south of Mombasa to the ancient shores of Lamu Island, each and every one seemed just as spectacular as the last.

So grab your beach bag and let’s explore Kenya’s most spectacular beaches together (most personally vetted by me…a hard job, yes, but someone had to do it!)—with helpful tips for making your holiday the best yet!

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The Best Kenya Beaches

First up on our ultimate guide to the best Kenya beaches is a real stunner.

For solitude seekers and beach enthusiasts, there’s so much to love about Chale Beach on Chale Island, located just two kilometers across the bay from Gazi.

Dense mangrove forest covers much of this tropical island providing a lush hideout for all sorts of native wildlife.

And just offshore, some of the best diving and snorkeling in the area awaits visitors along the incredible coral reef.

This secluded white-sands beach with its vibrant turquoise water is an idyllic picture-postcard paradise on the Kenyan Coast, tailor-made for honeymooners and those dreaming of the perfect luxury beach getaway.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself extending your stay on this true bucket list slice of paradise.

While most of Manda Island’s best beaches form the golden strand facing Lamu Island, there is one very notable exception – the powdery white-sands beach of Manda Bay.

Calm, azure water, lush, tropical surroundings, and plenty of sunshine all add up to make Manda Bay one of the best Kenya beaches for beach aficionados and water sports enthusiasts.

Spend your days relaxing on the beach or at the adjacent resort, or head farther afield to explore this incredible corner of the Kenyan Coast.

Ancient ruins, the UNESCO-designated town of Lamu, and more amazing beaches on neighboring Manda Toto island are just a few of the many memorable adventures awaiting visitors.

Regularly touted as one of the very best Kenya beaches (and top beaches in world), Diani Beach wows visitors with its impossibly-white powdery sand, crystalline waters, and one of the most laid-back vibes of any of Kenya’s mainland beaches.

Despite its global rockstar status and proximity to Mombasa (Kenya’s second-largest city), spectacular Diani has somehow managed to avoid the over-development and over-tourism that beleaguers other Mombasa-area beaches.

Diani Beach is a top choice for snorkelers and scuba divers, outdoor-loving honeymooners and holiday makers, as well as those hoping to sink their teeth into some of the best Swahili cuisine on the Kenyan Coast.

For some of the best snorkeling along the Kenyan Coast, we recommend doing a day tour from Diani Beach to spectacular Kisite Marine Park.

There isn’t a beach in Kenya quite like the beaches surrounding the town of Watamu, located half way between Malindi and Kilifi.

On my first visit, I was blown away by the otherworldly offshore coral formations, which make for a memorable day of exploration and a spectacular backdrop to lazing away the days along sunny Kenyan Coast.

Watamu is an ideal destination for those looking for a truly unique beach destination with easy access to a good assortment of eateries and beachfront accommodation.

Shopping, scuba diving, and the local nightlife scene are all just a short hop away, as well as the ancient Gede ruins which we found to be a worthwhile half-day trip from Watamu.

And be sure to leave time for marine life spotting among the coral reefs and tidal zones at Watamu Marine National Park, a haven for Green Turtles, Dugongs and over 100 species of native birds.

Simply one of the best Kenya beaches for explorers and adventure seekers.

Standing in stark contrast to the ancient and bustling seaport of Lamu Town, the area offers some of the most peaceful, remote, and starkly stunning beaches you’re likely to find anywhere along the Kenyan Coast.

Whiling away hours upon hours along the serene golden southern shores of Lamu Island remains one of the personal highlights of my time in Lamu.

And Shela Beach, with its coral town backdrop reminiscent of the Greek isles proved a perfect locale to sip a cold drink and cool off in the warm and inviting sea.

Even more tranquility, luxury, and palm-fringed beaches await visitors to Lamu on neighboring Manda Island, a short hop across the narrow channel.

With its remote and far-flung feel, Lamu offers some of the very best Kenya beaches for privacy and solitude seekers, honeymooners, and travelers looking for something unique in a beach holiday.

If you’re looking for a beach destination with lots to see and do, and a friendly locals vibe, Kilifi is one of the best Kenya beaches for that and more.

Base yourself on idyllic Bofa Beach (the main beach) or along one of the tranquil beaches along the mouth of Kilifi Creek for magical days filled with sun and relaxation.

Be sure to leave time for sea turtle spotting among the coral reefs or a half-day trip to nearby Mnarani ruins.

Malindi is a popular stop along the Kenyan Coast largely owing to its well-connected domestic airport and proximity to the area’s biggest attractions.

The town has a long and fascinating history, being heavily influenced by everyone from Bantu farmers and Swahili traders to Chinese, Portuguese, and German explorers and immigrants.

In more recent times, it has become a popular destination for Italian tourists and entrepreneurs, which is evident in the numerous Italian-owned restaurants and hotels in Malindi.

In may not be surprising, then, that the character of Malindi’s 8 km (5 mi) golden strand changes dramatically heading north from the center of town.

Head to Golden Beach (Bridge Beach) for picturesque sunrise and sunset strolls, an easygoing locals vibe, and access to the bulk of the restaurants in town.

Follow the beach north for softer sand, fewer people, and lots of peace and serenity. Head south for an otherworldly coral coastline and the bulk of Malindi’s beach hotels and resorts.

For a subdued and less-developed (yet no less magical) vibe near world-famous Diani Beach, head north to Tiwi Beach, a palm-fringed powder-sands paradise that remains undiscovered by mass tourism.

Tiwi offers endless opportunities for onshore and offshore exploration. Be sure to check out the numerous coves and pools brimming with colorful marine life, particularly the Tiwi Africa Pool which seems tailor-made for self-guided snorkel adventures.

Ten kilometers north of bustling Mombasa sits Shanzu Beach, a small slice of picture-postcard perfection where young families, romantic couples, and silver-haired holiday makers soak up seemingly endless days of fun in the sun.

Where crystalline turquoise water gently laps at powdery white sand and swaying palm trees provide natural shade.

Explore the Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve providing endless opportunities for basking in the spectacular beauty of the area’s colorful and diverse habitat.

Rent an umbrella and chair, book a tour of the marine reserve, or soak up the sun from the superb resorts and hotels dotting this magnificent beach.

Located just south of Diani Beach is yet another stunner.

Handily making our list of best Kenyan beaches, Galu Kinondo Beach is essentially a continuation of Diani Beach into the communities of Galu and Konondo, so expect much of the same in terms of quality of sand and sea.

With that said, Galu Kinondo Beach offers fewer amenities than Diani, but enough if you plan accordingly. A number of excellent hotels and guesthouses front this low-key white strand.

Visiting the Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest is a must if you plan to spend a couple of days in the area. Excellent guides are on hand to point out the highlights and provide helpful background regarding the cultural and historical significance of the forest.

Located 25 km (15 mi) north of Malindi, Che Shale is a world unto itself.

Spread out along one of the more isolated stretches of Kenyan Coast, Che Shale is a low-key paradise brimming with rugged beauty.

For those looking to get away from it all in paradise while retaining a good number of modern comforts, Che Shale might very well be what you’ve been dreaming of.

One of the best Kenya beaches for rest, relaxation, and losing the crowds.

Nyali might not be the most mind-blowing beach on our list, but it might just be the most interesting.

The closest beach to the Mombasa city center, Nyali Beach attracts a diverse crowd from across Mombasa, Kenya, and the globe.

Expect to encounter a healthy dose of touts hawking their wares, from trinkets to camel rides. Also bet on powdery sand, azure water, and some of the best sunrises around.

Tips for getting the most out of your time on the Kenyan Coast

• Keep in mind that the shallow waters of the southern Kenyan Coast can be heavily affected by sargassum (seaweed). However, it tends to come but is most prevalent between June and August and in November. Tides also play an important roll in the amount of seaweed washing up on the shore. If seaweed is a dealbreaker for your visit, Lamu Island and Manda Island are good places to consider.
• So-called “Beach Boys” and touts dressed as Masai are a common sight on popular beaches along the Kenyan Coast. While often perceived as an annoyance to visitors, it’s worth keeping in mind that significant inequities remain in Kenya and many of these individuals are simply doing their best to make a living.
• With that said, it’s also worth noting that young men claiming to be Masai and hawking their wares along the coast might not be what they seem.
• The Kenyan Coast is a predominantly Muslim region with a conservative culture and traditional value set. It pays to dress conservatively, even on a beach holiday. This might not matter as much at secluded, all-inclusive-style resorts such as Chale Beach and Manda Bay, but should be taken into account at more popular, public beaches in Kenya such as Nyali, Diani, and Malindi.
• The rainy season on the Kenyan Coast typically begins in March/April and tapers off by the end of May or early June. Additionally, there is a second “short rains” period that peaks in November. Rainy season is the best time to grab a deal on lodging and airfare, but be aware that many restaurants might be closed for the season and diving and scuba tours might be limited.

What to Know About Kenya Beaches

Does Kenya have good beaches?

YES!!! The Kenyan Coast is home to some of the best beaches in Africa, and some say in the entire world! A warm, tropical climate, powdery sand, and calm, shallow, turquoise water all contribute to making Kenya beaches some of the most sought after across the globe. Check out our list above for the best Kenya beaches.

What is the most popular beach in Kenya?

While Diani Beach receives the lion share of press and accolades among the beaches in Kenya, the beaches closer to the center of Mombasa receive the bulk of visitors. The most frequented beaches in Kenya tend to be Nyali and Bamburi.

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Featured Image: The Sands at Chale Island