Top 10 Best Beaches in Kenya

By Philip Briggs

Kenya is renowned as a safari destination. But this diverse East African country also boasts an idyllic Indian Ocean coastline studded with palm-lined beaches, pristine coral reefs and centuries-old Swahili ports. The main air, rail and road gateway to the coast is Mombasa, an island-based city flanked by some fine beaches, including Diani, Nyali and Bamburi. There are also plenty of other beach-holiday options elsewhere along the coast, around Watamu, Malindi and Lamu. Below we introduce you to 10 of the best beaches in Kenya.

154 Kenya Beach Packages

1. Diani

Palm trees in a tropical garden along Diani Beach

Beautiful Diani is the most popular beach resort near Mombasa, or anywhere in Kenya for that matter. A perfect cocktail of fine white sand, swaying palms and turquoise waters, it is home to some of the country's top beach hotels, spaced sufficiently far apart so that things never feel crowded. The coastal forest at Diani is inhabited by three monkey species and many forest birds.

Location: 32km/20mi south of Mombasa
Things to do: Windsurfing; diving and snorkeling trips to Wasini Island; day safaris to Shimba Hills National Reserve and its community-run neighbor Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
Where to stay: Accommodations range from luxury beach resorts to funky backpacker hostels. Recommendations include the stylishly upmarket Almanara Luxury Boutique Hotel & Villas and unpretentious and long-serving family-run Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa.

168 Diani Packages

2. Watamu

Watamu, Kenya Kitesurfers on the coast of Watamu. Source: flickr.com/photos/makeitkenya/24003540303

Many people’s favorite Kenyan beach resort, Watamu is very beautiful but in a rather unconventional way, thanks to the spectacular coral outcrops that protrude mushroom-like from the bay. Watamu’s proximity to Malindi Marine National Park, Gedi Ruins, Mida Creek and Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve makes it the perfect Indian Ocean retreat for active, curious travelers.

Location: 110km/68mi north of Mombasa, 23km/14mi south of Malindi
Things to do: Swimming and all the usual beach and water sports are available. There’s off-beach snorkeling in Turtle Bay’s splendid coral gardens, or you can join a diving excursion deeper into the marine national park. Don’t miss the atmospheric medieval ruins at Gedi, hiker-friendly Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, or the community-built bird hide and boardwalk at Mida Creek.
Where to stay: There are accommodations to suit all budgets. A favorite is Kobe Suite Resort, which stands remote from the main cluster of resorts at the quieter south end of the beach.

13 Watamu Packages

3. Malindi

Malindi, Kenya Vasco da Gama Pillar in the coastal town of Malindi

Kenya’s second-largest coastal town, Malindi is a medieval port that peaked in importance during a 16th-century alliance with Portugal against Mombasa. Historic landmarks include a 15th-century pillar tomb, a 16th-century Portuguese chapel, and a windswept limestone cross erected by Vasco da Gama in 1499. The swimming beach is very attractive and a strong Italian presence informs a great selection of seafront restaurants.

Location: 120km/75mi north of Mombasa. Malindi airport is on the outskirts of town.
Things to do: As Kenya’s most urbanized resort, Malindi excels when it comes to restaurants and other such amenities. Snorkeling and diving trips are easily arranged, as are safaris into Tsavo East National Park, 100km/60mi to the west.
Where to stay: There's a big variety of accommodations. Driftwood Beach Club is great for families, while The Lawford Kenya is a historic hotel that once hosted Ernest Hemingway.

Malindi Packages

4. Shela Beach, Lamu

Shela Beach on the island of Lamu

Separated from the northern mainland by a narrow channel, the Lamu Archipelago is arguably the most alluring destination on the Kenyan coast. Its cultural focal point is Lamu Town, an atmospheric medieval trading post that retains a strong Swahili architectural identity. The archipelago is also lined with some gorgeous beaches, none better than Shela, a 10km/6mi tract of glistening white sand only 40 minutes’ walk from Lamu Town.

Location: 215km/134mi north of Malindi. Most visitors fly to Lamu.
Things to do: Shela Beach is pleasingly unspoiled. For most visitors, activities amount to catching a tan interspersed with the occasional dip in the ocean.
Where to stay: Accommodations are plentiful in Lamu Town. Shela’s Peponi Hotel is a beachfront boutique property that’s been in the same family since it opened in 1967.

Lamu Packages

5. Nyali & Kenyatta Beach

Nyali Beach, Kenya Nyali Beach during high tide

Suburban Nyali is the closest beach to Mombasa island and an attractive spot for a day trip from the city center. Kenya’s longest-serving beach resort, it first gained popularity when a hotel opened there in the 1940s. Despite its proximity to the city, it's a lovely swimming beach, and home to several prestigious hotels. At its north end, Nyali segues into family-friendly Kenyatta Beach, which is named after Kenya’s founding president Jomo Kenyatta and usually attracts a cheerful crowd of Mombasa residents over weekends.

Location: Only 3km/2mi north of central Mombasa as the crow flies, but twice as far by road
Things to do: Local points of interest include Nyali Golf & Country Club, which is the country’s only 18-hole course. Glass-bottomed boat excursions lead to the coral gardens of Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve.
Where to stay: Accommodations include Voyager Beach Resort

6. Shanzu & Bamburi Beach

Bamburi Beach, Kenya Sun loungers overlooking Bamburi Beach

Among the most popular beaches in Kenya, Shanzu and Bamburi are adjoining beaches that run for more than 5km/3mi south of Mtwapa Creek. Like Nyali and Kenyatta, the setting is somewhat suburban, but the beaches are thoroughly idyllic, and great for swimming at high tide.

Location: 10km/6mi north of central Mombasa
Things to do: Windsurfing; diving and snorkeling trips into Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve; wining and dining at a scattering of classy seaside restaurants
Where to stay: Dozens of resort hotels line Shanzu and Bamburi, notably the popular PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort, PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort and Serena Beach Resort & Spa

7. Kilifi

Kilifi Creek, Kenya View of Kilifi Creek

The focal point of Kenya’s yachting community, the small creekside town of Kilifi is fringed by a gorgeous palm-lined beach that still remains relatively unknown to travelers. The nearby Mnarani National Monument incorporates Kenya’s largest baobab tree and the well-preserved ruins of a medieval Swahili trade port.

Location: 70km/43mi north of Mombasa
Things to do: Good swimming at high tide. Marine excursions can be organized through hotels.
Where to stay: Mnarani Beach Club has a stunning location on Mnarani Creek. Amenities include a beautiful private beach, an immense swimming pool and a well-run in-house watersports center.

8. Kuruwitu

Kuruwitu, Kenya Beach at Vipingo Ridge Beach Club, Kuruwitu Conservancy

This underrated beach is the site of a 30-hectare coral reef that is protected in Kenya's only community marine conservancy. Established in 2006 by the fisherfolk of Kuruwitu, it was awarded the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Equator Prize in 2017. It was also visited by Britain’s King Charles III, who planted a block of coral there as part of a reef rehabilitation program, in 2023. Eco-credentials aside, the beach at Kuruwitu is stunningly beautiful and great for swimming and snorkeling at high tide.

Location: 35km/22mi north of Mombasa
Things to do: In addition to swimming, you can snorkel directly from the beach using gear rented out by the conservancy. Also on offer are glass-bottomed boat trips to the reef and sunset dhow (traditional sailboat) rides. Seaside meals and drinks can be enjoyed below the swaying palms of the super-chilled Vipingo Ridge Beach Club.
Where to stay: It’s an easy day trip from the town of Kilifi or any of the beaches around Mombasa, or you can stay locally at Vipingo Ridge or Vipingo Beach Resort

9. Mwazaro

Mwazaro, Kenya Mwazaro Beach

Small but perfectly formed Mwazaro is surely the best-kept travel secret on Kenya’s coast. The beach’s steep incline, together with a sheltered location in calm Funzi Bay, makes for ideal swimming conditions, especially at high tide. There are no large resorts here, just a few traditional Swahili fishing villages, and one low-key but idyllic lodge. Mwazaro is the closest mainland beach destination to Wasini Island and Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park.

Location: 70km/43mi south of Mombasa
Things to do: In addition to chilling on the beach you can join a snorkel trip to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Wasini Island. Nearby, the historic port of Shimoni is known for its slave caves, while Gazi is home to a community-run mangrove boardwalk where you can see six species of mangrove tree, amphibious mudskipper fish and the dazzling mangrove kingfisher.
Where to stay: Mwazaro Beach Lodge is a paradisical palm-shaded beach retreat with two swimming pools, airy thatched chalets and a great seafood restaurant that welcomes day visitors.

10. Mambrui

Mambrui, Kenya Mambrui coastline

Extending north from the Galana River mouth, this wide sandy beach, hemmed in by tall golden dunes, is one of Kenya’s best. Very beautiful and totally unspoiled, it’s a great choice for those who want to get off the beaten track.

Location: 25km/16mi north of Malindi
Things to do: Good for swimming and kitesurfing. Amenities are limited, but that’s part of its attraction.
Where to stay: Che Shale Inn is a rustic but charming family-run resort at the north end of the beach. Mambrui is easily visited as a day trip from Malindi.