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9 Best Beach Destinations in Kenya

Discover Kenya’s best beach destinations for white sand, snorkeling, and laid-back island life.

9 Best Beach Destinations in Kenya

\Whether you're planning a full-on beach vacation or just looking for a peaceful stop after a safari, here are the best beach destinations in Kenya.

Diani Beach

Aerial view of Diani Beach, Kenya, featuring a long stretch of white sand, lush coastal vegetation, and vibrant turquoise ocean waters under a vivid blue sky with scattered clouds.

Diani Beach is located about 30 km south of Mombasa and is one of the most popular beach destinations in Kenya. It’s known for its bright white sand, calm turquoise water, and long beachfront lined with palm trees. This beach is ideal for swimming, relaxing, and water sports like snorkeling, kitesurfing, and scuba diving. Diani also has a wide range of resorts, restaurants, and beach bars, making it a top choice for both locals and international travelers.

Watamu

View of Watamu Beach in Kenya showing a curved white sandy shoreline lined with palm trees, clear turquoise waters, small boats, and a bright blue sky, as seen from a wooden deck.

Watamu is a small coastal town located north of Mombasa, known for its quiet beaches and beautiful marine park. Watamu Beach has soft white sand and shallow, clear water that's perfect for snorkeling. The coral reefs just offshore are protected as part of the Watamu Marine National Park, where visitors can see tropical fish, sea turtles, and sometimes even dolphins. Watamu is quieter than other tourist spots and is ideal for couples, nature lovers, and families.

Lamu Island

Overhead view of Manda Bay on Lamu Island, Kenya, with thatched villas, coconut palms, white sand beach, and boats floating in the clear blue-green waters.

Lamu Island is one of the most peaceful beach destinations in Kenya. It’s located in the far north and is only accessible by boat or plane. The beaches here are wide, quiet, and rarely crowded. Shela Beach is the most well-known, with soft sand dunes and calm water. Lamu has no cars—only donkeys and boats—which adds to the slow, relaxed pace. It’s also home to Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Swahili architecture and history.

Tiwi Beach

Aerial view of Tiwi Beach in Kenya, showing white sandy shores, shallow turquoise waters, palm-lined coast, and a kitesurfer gliding across the ocean.

Tiwi Beach is located just north of Diani and is less developed, making it a quieter alternative. The beach is lined with palm trees and features natural tide pools and coral formations that appear at low tide. It’s a good place for travelers who want a calm and affordable beach stay without the crowds or commercial development. Tiwi is ideal for beach walks, swimming during high tide, and enjoying the peaceful sound of the ocean.

Nyali Beach

Nyali Beach in Mombasa, Kenya, with tourists walking along the wide stretch of white sand, bordered by lush vegetation and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean dotted with boats.

Nyali Beach is located just a short drive from Mombasa and is a favorite among locals for weekend trips. The beach is long and wide, with soft sand and gentle waves that are great for swimming. It’s a convenient choice if you want to stay close to Mombasa city while still enjoying the ocean. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and beach access points here, and it's often less touristy than Diani.

Malindi

Tranquil beachfront scene in Malindi, Kenya, featuring a thatched sunshade, wooden lounge chairs on white sand, and turquoise sea waves under a sunny blue sky.

Malindi is a historic coastal town with a wide beachfront and lots of cultural attractions. The beach here is clean and stretches for miles, with calm water that’s great for swimming and snorkeling. Malindi is also known for its strong Italian influence, with cafes and shops that give it a Mediterranean feel. Nearby attractions include the Malindi Marine National Park and the Vasco da Gama Pillar, which offers great ocean views.

Bamburi Beach

Close-up view of a rocky overhang on Bamburi Beach, Kenya, with white sand, scattered rocks, and the calm, blue Indian Ocean in the background under a clear sky.

Bamburi Beach is located just north of Mombasa and is one of the busiest beach destinations along the Kenyan coast. It’s popular with both locals and tourists and is known for its active beach scene, with beach bars, water sports, and camel rides along the sand. The beach has several beachfront hotels and resorts, and the nearby Mombasa Marine National Park offers great snorkeling and diving options.

Kilifi

Aerial shot of Kilifi Beach, Kenya, displaying a pristine white sand shoreline bordered by dense tropical vegetation and calm, turquoise-blue ocean waters with anchored boats.

Kilifi is a small town between Mombasa and Malindi, with a peaceful coastline and beautiful beaches. The sand is soft and white, and the area is less commercial than other beach destinations. Kilifi Creek, which cuts through the town, is a great place for kayaking, sailing, and watching the sunset. This is a good destination if you’re looking for a mix of beach and quiet, small-town feel. Nearby, you can also visit the Mnarani Ruins, a historic Swahili site.

Funzi Island

Aerial view of Funzi Island, Kenya, featuring lush green vegetation, traditional thatched-roof huts, and white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise ocean waters.

Funzi Island is located south of Diani Beach and is one of the most remote and peaceful beach destinations in Kenya. It’s only accessible by boat and has a small population. The beaches here are wide, natural, and often empty. You can take a canoe ride through the mangroves or visit the nearby Funzi sandbar that appears during low tide. It’s a great spot for anyone who wants to get off the grid and enjoy nature.

Kenya’s beach destinations offer something for everyone—whether you want lively beach resorts, quiet coastal villages, or untouched island escapes.

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