Top 10 Best Beaches in Kenya

Published on:
11th June 2025
4
Minutes Read

Top 10 Best Beaches in Kenya You Must Visit

List of the top 10 best beaches in Kenya. When most people think of Kenya, they often imagine vast savannahs, stunning safaris, and the Great Migration. While this is true, Kenya is also home to breathtaking landscapes and beautiful beaches stretching along the country's coast.

These beaches are a must-visit, from world-famous Diani Beach to little-known idyllic destinations such as Tiwi and Shanzu. Wrap up your Kenyan safari by exploring these hidden gems to enjoy the feel of the tropical breeze and engage in various activities such as swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

1. Diani Beach

Without Diani Beach, no list of Kenya's top 10 best beaches would be complete. The Diani Beach is a well-known tourist destination boasting fantastic beach walks, beautiful scenery, art galleries, and much more.

Diani Beach stretches 17 kilometers from the Kongo River to Galu on the south coast of Kenya. The beach is very popular with tourists, and it’s not surprising. From having white soft sand, calm waters, and beautiful beach walks to offering numerous activities such as scuba diving, it has everything you’d be looking for on a beach safari.

Diani is also nestled close to leading tourist destinations in Kenya, such as Shimba Hills National Reserve and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, which provide habitats for various unusual species.

Skydiving
Snorkeling
Diving
Kite surfing
Jet skiing
Camel rides
Dhow safari
Dolphin spotting
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve

2. Malindi Beach

Malindi is a fascinating beach destination located on Kenya’s North coast. Malindi Beach boasts infinite gorgeous white sands, warm blue tropical waters, palm trees, and beautiful scenery.  It is a perfect destination to engage in various water activities.

Several luxury resorts are lined along the beach and a modern-day town center with craft shops, bars, restaurants, and a nightclub.

Beyond beach life, Malindi also has various historical sites you should explore, including St. Francis Xavier, which is the oldest Christian church in East Africa. It was constructed in 1542 and is enclosed by an ancient cemetery.

Snorkeling
Windsurfing
Paddle boating
Jet skiing
Hiking
Dolphin spotting

3. Kilifi Beach

A serene destination, Kilifi Beach is one of Kenya's top 10 best beaches. It is a perfect place for those seeking adventure on the Kenyan coast. From just chilling on the sand and enjoying the warm breeze to engaging in various activities such as kayaking and scuba diving, there is more for tourists to enjoy here.

Also, tourists can take a boat excursion and explore the nearby mangrove forests, which provide habitats for several bird species.

Snorkeling
Windsurfing
Paddle boating
Jet skiing
Hiking
Scuba diving
Fishing
Birdwatching
Dolphin spotting
Kayaking

Savannah Beach Combo

Masai Mara | Naivasha |Diani

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$2941 pp

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Naivasha | Nakuru Masai | Mara

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$1420 pp

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Wildlife Wonders Safari

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4. Nyali Beach

Nestled along the north coast, Nyali Beach provides an escape to those seeking tranquility and life away from the city crowds. The popular beach destination is known for its white sands, calm waters and high-end hotels catering to the needs of both local, and international tourists.

From sunbathing to various water sports activities like snorkeling, tourists can enjoy many things here. The famous Lord Shiva Gombeshwar Caves are located at the southern end of Nyali Beach. This natural cavern is said to increase the fertility of women who visit it.

Snorkeling
Windsurfing
Jet skiing
Hiking
Fishing
Lord Shiva Gombeshwar Caves

5. Bamburi Beach

Located on the northern coast of Kenya, Bamburi Beach is known for its calm waters and soft sand. It is an ideal destination for sand seekers, sun lovers, and those who want to experience a perfect family safari vacation on a budget, as entry is free.

From various water sports activities like snorkeling to unwinding, Bamburi offers all you would expect on a beach visit. It also boasts several high-end hotels, restaurant,s and nightclubs.

Snorkeling
Windsurfing
Jet skiing
Hiking
Fishing

6. Manda Island Beaches

A jewel situated on the Kenyan coast, Manda Island is a haven for those who want to relax on the beach

Manda Island was once one of the most significant settlements on the coast, but people left the island in the 17th century. It was discovered by archaeologist Neville Chittik in 1965 and has gone on to become one of the leading tourist attractions.

The island has several beaches worth exploring, offering several water activities. It is also an ideal place to spot wildlife as the vegetation here is home to animals such as buffalo, dik-dik, and mongoose.

Snorkeling
Windsurfing
Jet skiing
Hiking
Fishing
Takwa Ruins
Wildlife
Birdwatching

7. Watamu Beach

Boasting vibrant coral reefs, coconut palm trees, pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life, Watamu is undoubtedly one of the top 10 best beaches in Kenya. It is nestled 105 kilometers north of Mombasa and combines Kenyan, Arab, and Italian cultures.

Watamu is an excellent destination for various water activities but also has plenty to offer beyond the everyday beach life. The Watamu Marine National Park, situated about 1 kilometer off the coast, has over 600 fish and 110 coral species.

Snorkeling
Windsurfing
Jet skiing
Hiking
Fishing
Watamu Marine National Park

8. Lamu Island Beaches

Lamu Island, a popular beach holiday destination in Kenya, is in Lamu County. The island has beautiful beaches, guaranteeing unforgettable memories for those seeking an ideal beach experience. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and diving are some of the unmissable activities here.

Besides beach life, Lamu is a leading tourist attraction for history lovers. Lamu Old Town has history dates back to the 14th century and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

So during your visit to Lamu, ensure you explore the various historical sites there and feel free to participate in cultural festivals such as the Lamu Food Festival, Lamu Yoga Festival, and Lamu Maulidi Festival.

Snorkeling
Windsurfing
Jet skiing
Hiking
Fishing
Lamu Old Town Tour

9. Tiwi Beach

Tiwi Beach is a remote and secluded beach located south of Mombasa town. The beach is renowned for its miles of white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters.

Swimming is difficult here due to the ebbs, but there are small pools at the beach where tourists can bathe. However, if you decide to swim in the pools, ensure you wear swimming shoes because ocean tides bring sea urchins and algae to the pools.

There is a small café on the shores of Tiwa serving fresh seafood. During the day when the sun is hot, you can rent an umbrella and a sling chair, then relax on the shore,s feeling the cold breeze from the ocean.

Snorkeling
Windsurfing
Jet skiing
Birdwatching
Fishing
Private yacht cruises

10. Shanzu Beach

Shanzu is among the top 10 best beaches in Kenya. The crystal clear waters and white sands make it the perfect relaxing place on a holiday. If adventure on the ocean is what you want to experience, then Shanzu has got you with the various water sports activities to engage in here.

The beach is located close to Mombasa so you can easily take a tour around the city and explore various attractions it has to offer. But before looking for fans elsewhere, these are the key attractions at Shanzu Beach that will leave you exhilarated and wanting more

Snorkeling
Windsurfing
Jet skiing
Hiking
Kite surfing
Deep-sea fishing

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kenya’s beaches are a fantastic spot to unwind and escape the monotonous city life. There are plenty of water sports activities and several attractions near the beaches to explore. Combine a wildlife adventure with leading game destinations in Kenya and a beach safari for an unforgettable trip to the East African country.

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