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You will find many white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters all around the world. But there’s no denying that Kenya’s beaches along the north and south coast stand out from the crowd. Here is the where, the why, and the how for the best beaches in Kenya.
Diani Beach
Diani Beach on Kenya’s south coast is one the best beaches in Kenya. Locals from Nairobi and travellers from all around the world are drawn to the small coastal town close to Mombasa – and many return time and again. It’s easy to see why:
White and Wide Beaches
White and wide beaches are exactly that: white and wide. A walk along the shore won’t become an obstacle course across beach towels and parasols. Even during peak season, there’s space to breathe, walk, and just be.
Despite its popularity, Diani has kept its laid-back charm. In open-air beach bars and cosy restaurants, time flows a little slower.
Leave your shoes in your suitcase, life at the coast walks barefoot. Whether you’re sipping a cold Tusker at Forty Thieves Beach Bar or enjoying lunch at Piri Piries or Aniello’s, everything here feels effortlessly relaxed.
Don’t miss Nomad’s The Sands for a homemade ice cream with a sea view, mango is a must!
The offshore reef turns the Indian Ocean into a giant turquoise bathtub. The water is warm, calm, and crystal-clear—ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and stand-up paddling.
Look up, too: rare black-and-white colobus monkeys leap through the flame trees. Join a walk with the Colobus Conservation project to learn more about these gentle primates and efforts to protect their habitat.
Diani is the kind of place where days blur together in the best possible way: sun, sea, and simple joys.
Getting to Diani
Catch a flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Ukunda or a taxi from Mombasa. If you want to avoid the Likoni ferry in Mombasa, notorious for long waits due to traffic, take a detour and enjoy the drive through the picturesque Shimba Hills National Reserve.
Along the way, you might spot elephants or sable antelopes, adding a mini-safari to your journey. The lush greenery and scenic views make the ride memorable. Soon, you will relax at one of Kenya’s best beaches, where palm trees sway in the breeze and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean await.
If you are are looking for a safari, before visiting one of the best beaches in Kenya, we highly recomend our Kenya – Savannah and Sea tour. Your guide will drop you aff directly at your beach acoomodation.
Watamu
The small fishing village of Watamu is centrally located along Kenya’s north coast, north of Mombasa and south of Malindi. Most of the roughly 2000 locals live off fishing – good for you and your craving for fresh fish and seafood.
The village is less developed than the Diani Beach area and you get the chance to experience local life in a Kenyan fishing community. The rugged coastline offers plenty of space for long walks along one of Kenya’s best beaches.
However, most visitors head out to sea right away: Watamu is famous for deep-sea fishing. You can charter a boat and hire a crew on-site, cool drinks included. You may or may not return with a 114kg heavy tuna. If you do, you’ll be the star on the beach as locals and tourists come running to take a photo of your catch.
If you’re not into fishing, go on a water safari in the Watamu Marine National Park. Your boat takes you further and further until you spot the first fin of a dolphin.
There are more than one hundred resident dolphins and your guide will know where to find them. Shortly after, jump into the warm waters, equipped with snorkel, goggles and flippers and see what’s happening below the surface.
Watamu, like much of the coast north of Mombasa, is popular with Italians which plays out as an advantage for all visitors: enjoy the best pizza at Amici Miei and home-made ice cream at Bahati Gelateria Italianna. You can thank us later.
Watamu is definately on our list for one of the best beaches in Kenya!
Getting There
From Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, it’s less than a one-hour flight across the vast Tsavo National Park to Malindi, just 15 kilometres north of Watamu.
As you fly over Kenya’s dramatic landscapes – rolling hills, red earth, and winding rivers, you’ll already feel the shift from city to coast. Once in Malindi, hop into a taxi for a short, scenic drive to Watamu, offering some of the best beaches in Kenya.
Lush vegetation, glimpses of the ocean, and the gentle rhythm of coastal life greet you along the way. Before long, you’ll be unwinding on one of Kenya’s most beautiful beaches, where white sands and turquoise waters create the perfect escape.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the vibrant energy of Diani or the laid-back charm of Watamu, both destinations offer the perfect mix of relaxation and coastal beauty. From palm-fringed shores to crystal-clear waters, Diani and Watamu truly are among the best beaches in Kenya.
Add to that warm hospitality, fresh seafood, and a chance to spot marine life or explore coastal forests, and you’ve got an unforgettable getaway.
We are on the ground in Kenya and frequently visit the best beaches in Kenya. Get in touch for no obligation consultation a and we’ll plan not only your stay at one of Kenya’s best beaches, but an adventurous safari on top of it.
