Famous Beaches in Kenya

Beaches in Kenya – Mombasa Beaches

Mombasa Beaches: The Kenyan Coast is a distinctive part of Kenya’s unrivaled tourism attractions and is home to over nine communities whose dialects gave the basis of the Kiswahili language, Kenya’s national language.

When it comes to beach life Kenya is hard to beat, offering 700 km of Indian Ocean coastline renowned for its white sandy beaches, clear waters, remote islands, and mysterious Swahili ruins. Protected for its entire length by a coral barrier reef lying just a kilometer offshore, Kenya’s beaches offer calm lagoons that are ideal for swimming and watersports, nine national marine parks promising sightings of whale sharks, dolphins, turtles, and thousands of other tropical species; and some of the finest dive sites on the planet.

About Mombasa Beaches

Mombasa is situated on the Eastern coastline of Kenya next to the Indian Ocean and it is famous among tourists for its spectacular beaches. It serves as the number one tourist destination in Kenya. Mombasa has various aquatic life, luxurious hotels as well as a very hospitable environment.

It also has a tropical climate throughout the year and it is suitable for travelers of all ages offering a wide exhibition of activities to enjoy on your Safari Holiday in Kenya.

History of Mombasa Beaches

Mombasa was founded between the 1st and 5th centuries by the ancient Swahili people and was later governed by them. In the centuries that followed, the Arabs, Portuguese as well as the British settled here as well. Today, when you visit this coastal town, the culture of the people you will see is a total reflection of its history.

Ancient architectural remains such as Old Town, Fort Jesus plus the historic Portuguese fort are famous tourist destinations influenced by Mombasa’s trade culture as well as Islamic and Portuguese culture. However, it is also a captivating, sophisticated, and commercial port town. This city is an island joined to the mainland by bridges and ferries.

It also has a great view of a wide harbor where trading ships mix with the local sailing dhows. Mombasa’s essence can be located in the modern old town alongside the small winding streets as well as the Arab architecture. Usually, the air around here is thick with the fragrance of spices.

The Culture Along the Kenyan Beaches

An exotic fusion of Arab, African, and Portuguese influences, the Swahili culture is found nowhere else on Earth. Typified by its serene pace of life, its sublime cuisine, its profound heritage, and its welcoming people, the sheer delight of the Swahili lifestyle prompts thousands of tourists to return year after year to immerse themselves in its lilting languor; and to step out of their everyday worlds and into the enchanted Swahili world of winding alleys, peeping faces, bustling markets, white-walled mosques and black-veiled women.

Roughly divided into ‘North’ and ‘South’ of the island city of Mombasa, Kenya’s beaches offer a surprising diversity. South of Mombasa are; the Shelly, Diani, and Msambweni beaches. North are Nyali, Kenyatta, Bamburi, Shanzu, Kilifi, Watamu, Malindi, and, ultimately, the beaches of the island resort of Lamu.

Beaches in Mombasa

Diani Beach

• Diani Beach is one of Mombasa’s most famous beaches for a spot of rest. It has won Africa’s top beach destination title for five years running since 2015. Stretching around 10 kilometers long, it is a famous spot in Africa for beach vacations with an excellent choice of luxury beach resorts.

• Set in the lively town of Diani, the beach is famous for its beautiful coral reefs, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and its proximity to the Shimba Hills National Reserve, which overlooks the Indian Ocean.

• It also offers different facilities like hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, and four shopping centers. Some of the activities done there are; windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, kitesurfing, diving, water-skiing, and parasailing.

Watamu Beach – Turtle Bay

• Turtle Bay is a long stretch of beach; about 7km long located on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya, about 15km south of Malindi. The beach is best known for its local reefs, clear water, and soft white sands. The beach offers a great swimming opportunity, gives you a delightful feeling and the alluring ocean also gives you an amazing sight.

• You can engage in some beach activities such as surfing, sunbathing, or taking a long walk along the shores. Turtle Bay is perfect for a calm and relaxing day by the sea.

• In the Travellers’ Choice Awards (Best of 2015), TripAdvisor ranked Watamu Beach 14th position on the continent among the top 25 beaches in Africa.

Nyali Beach

• Located on the white sandy beaches of Mombasa, the proud, legendary, and lavish, Nyali International Beach Hotel & Spa is an icon with a unique history and social value which has returned with its timeless grandeur and new and contemporary spirit.

• Our accommodation facilities and restaurants are inspired by the original art and provide the guest with an experience that is truly indulgent and exquisite.

Lamu Beaches

• Lamu Island is full of beautiful white sandy beaches, which are ideal for ultimate relaxation during vacation. Manda Bay and Shela Beach are the most famous beaches in Lamu. These beaches are best known for their picturesque views and peaceful atmosphere.

• Also, these beaches are surrounded by luxury resorts built around the ocean. These beach resorts offer visitors an exquisite place to have fun and relax during their holidays.

Vipingo Beach

• Vipingo Beach is located near Kilifi in a coastal area that consists of Swahili villages. Surrounded by green vegetation of coconut palms, the water is calm and crystal clear. The beach is panoramic but it is always isolated with very little crowd.

• If you would love to spend some peaceful and romantic time with your lover or friends, Vipingo Beach is the best place to visit.

Tiwi Beach

• Tiwi, a small settlement in Kwale County, has its fair share of a beautiful sandy beach in Kenya. The beach is located north of Diani Beach, which is about 17 km south of Mombasa.
• The beach offers nature at its peak and it is also the best place you can go to experience the best beach vacation, specifically if you enjoy relaxing in the sun.

 Gazi Beach

• Gazi Beach is located 3 km from Gazi, a coastal town in Kenya. The beach is never crowded and it is the best place to go if you are looking for privacy during your vacation.
• The beach is surrounded by sumptuous palm vegetation and some luxury lodges that offer accommodation to visitors. If you are a sun worshipper, you will love Gazi Beach.

Bamburi Beach

• This Beach is located on Mombasa’s North Coast. It is amazingly calm and it boasts fine soft sand and calm water, an excellent place to go and experience a fantastic vacation. The beach is a famous destination for sand seekers and sun lovers.

• If you love walking, swimming, or relaxing by the beach, Bamburi offers everything. It is an ideal place to find some relaxing peacetime.

Kikambala Beach

• Kikambala Beach is located North of Mombasa, on the Indian Ocean. The long stretch of white beach, filled with white sands and shielded by a long coral reef is one of the best beaches of the Kenya coast. There are several beach resorts situated on Kikambala Beach.

• The beach also offers beautiful picture-perfect views and lots of space for locals and visitors to enjoy themselves.

Shanzu Beach

• Shanzu Beach is located 30km from Mombasa, off the Mombasa-Malindi Highway. The beach is surrounded by coconut palm groves and has several beach resorts and hotels, bars, and restaurants, where visitors can lodge, enjoy, and have fun during their holidays.

• The beach offers pleasant views of the sea, the sheer beauty of the coast, and endless water spots. It is a perfect place for a tropical beach vacation; it provides a variety of adventures that give visitors unforgettable experiences.

Copa Cabana Beach, Mtwapa

• Copacabana Beach in Mtwapa, along Mtwapa Creek, is a laid-back spot with a vibrant nightlife, attracting locals on weekends and kids in the late afternoons for a various experience of evening entertainment, and daytime relaxation. The most famous restaurant is the Copa Cabana Beach Bar & Restaurant.

• Some of the activities done there are swimming, playing football, water skiing, skydiving, and snorkeling.

Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach, Mombasa

• Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach, locally known as Pirates Beach, is the only public beach in Mombasa. It borders Nyali Beach in the north and Bamburi Beach in the south. Many locals come to the sandy beach to swim, relax, and enjoy the stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

• Some of the activities done there are sunbathing, swimming, water sports, and vibrant local markets.

Other Beaches in South Coast Mombasa

• Kinondo
• Chale Island
• Funzi Island
• Msambweni
• Shimoni
• Wasini Island

Mombasa Beaches Activities

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

• Snorkeling is an entertaining activity of swimming using a snorkel usually done in several marine National parks along the Kenyan coast such as Mombasa Marine National Park, Malindi Marine National Park, and Watamu Marine National Park. They provide a memorable safari experience and a destination suitable for a family safari.

• This activity entails swimming with the help of a snorkel and fins deep into the ocean water. Snorkeling allows one to explore the marine life in its natural undisturbed habitat just like a wild game drive safari. Some of the animals likely to be seen during snorkeling include a wide variety of tropical fish such as butterflyfish angelfish, starfish, sea turtles, reef sharks, clownfish, and dolphins among others

• Scuba diving is also an underwater swimming activity that involves the use of a self-contained underwater breathing appliance which is known as Scuba. What makes it so special is that the divers carry their source of breathing gas, which is usually compressed air giving them freedom to stay and move longer underwater than the surface-supplied divers and more time than free divers.

Beach Volleyball

• Nyali Beach is another great spot for beach sports enthusiasts, with its gentle waves, and wide sandy expanse. The beach’s natural beauty adds to the excitement of playing beach volleyball and water polo.
• Visitors can join local teams for friendly matches or simply enjoy a relaxed game under the sun.

Fishing

• Deep sea fishing tours in Mombasa are offered as four-six, and eight-hour expeditions, and for the most hardcore anglers, multi-day trips.

Swimming

• Mombasa’s beaches offer safe, warm waters perfect for swimming, specifically at beaches like Bamburi, Nyali, and Pirates. Some beaches have set up swimming areas with lifeguards for added safety.

Wildlife Watching

• Head to the waters off Diani Beach for the chance to see dolphins. Some beaches, particularly near Diani, have turtle conservation projects. You may be able to see the nesting or hatching of sea turtles during the right season.

Mombasa Beaches – North Coast Beaches in Kenya

Bamburi Beach

• Bamburi Beach offers a picturesque stretch of sandy beach with a good number of top-class hotels and resorts lined up facing the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
• The beach is located in close proximity to several town attractions.

Nyali Beach

• Nyali Beach offers long miles of white sandy beach, backed by private villas, hotels, and gardens. They are suitable for those seeking a beach holiday with the convenience of Mombasa’s urban attractions close at hand.

Shanzu Beach

• Shanzu Located about 20 kilometers from Mombasa city along the Indian Coast, is a town, a lovely spot, with superb beaches and many beautiful and interesting places to visit.
• There is a holiday market in Shanzu with lots of small shops and a Bazaar offering a large collection of local crafts at very good prices.
• Kilifi
• Watamu
• Malindi
• Lamu Island

Mombasa Beach Resorts

Voyager Beach Resort

• The rooms are well-kept and stocked. The resort also has mosquito repellent supplied daily in the rooms and it works perfectly. The air conditioning is also well done and quality.

Serena Beach Resort & Spa

• It is located in Mombasa North Coast, Shanzu Beach. The resort is set on the pristine Shanzu Beach, this 5-star resort offers elegant rooms, a stunning swimming pool, and an extensive spa. It is famous for its Swahili-inspired architecture, lush gardens, and beachfront setting.
• The resort also offers cultural experiences, a children’s club, fine dining, and water sports like snorkeling and windsurfing.

Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa

• The Resort & Spa offers 143 aesthetically decorated rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities to make your stay a memorable affair.

Bamburi Beach Hotel

• Their stunning beachfront property offers secluded views of the Indian Ocean and is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Park Inn by Radisson, Mombasa

• It is located in Nyali Beach, North Coast. The resort has a more modern resort offering contemporary rooms and facilities.
• Park Inn by Radisson is great for both leisure and business travelers. The resort features an outdoor pool, restaurant, and also gym.

• Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa
• Swahili Beach Resort
• Neptune Paradise Beach Resort & Spa
• Ocean Village Club
• The Reef Hotel