10 Best Beaches in Kenya
Last updated on July 6th, 2023 at 08:30 pm
Kenya is famous for its national parks and wildlife, but it also has some of the best beaches on the continent.
A visit to a Kenyan beach is definitely worth including in your travel schedule, from Lamu in the far north to the beaches close to Mombasa.
Kenya has beaches for everyone, whether you are seeking tranquility, delicious food, family-friendly locations, or thrilling water sports.
There is something for everyone at these top 10 beaches in Kenya.
1. Diani Beach
For five years running, Diani Beach has been named the best beach destination in Africa, and it’s not hard to understand why.
![diani beach Kenya](https://miketravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/kenya_diani_beach.jpg)
Diani Beach has everything you would expect from a tropical paradise: soft, rolling sands ideal for sunbathing, clear waters ideal for snorkeling, and a wealth of sea life to be seen.
Coral reefs shield the beach from strong waves, making it the ideal place to swim, float, or snorkel.
Diani beach is perfect for a few days of rest after a grueling wildlife safari.
2. Nyali Beach
Nyali Beach is located across the creek from Mombasa. It is known for its high-class hotels, beautiful residential houses, and long white sand beaches, making it a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists.
![nyali beach Kenya](https://miketravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/kenya_nyali_beach.jpg)
3. Watamu
Watamu is a lovely and peaceful village tucked between exquisite beaches and dense tropical forests.
![kenya watamu beach](https://miketravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/kenya-beach.jpg)
This region is one of the most undeveloped and natural regions of the Kenyan coast, and it is well known for its distinctive, easygoing way of life. It is the ideal location for visitors who want to unwind, explore, and take in all the beauty it has to offer.
Watamu is a great location for diving and snorkeling due to its crystal-clear waters.
4. Kikambala
Because Kikambala Beach lies on the county’s fringes north of Mombasa, it is not a very crowded area.
Along Kikambala’s southern stretch as well as farther north, in the area of Kilifi Creek, you can find inexpensive accommodation options and delightfully uncrowded beaches.
![kikambala beach Kenya](https://miketravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/kenya_kikambala.jpg)
5. Lamu Island
Lamu Island is a Unesco World Heritage Site and has been a center of Swahili and Islamic culture for over 700 years, with great beaches, dazzling coral reefs, a wealth of activities, great cuisine, and friendly service.
![lamu island kena](https://miketravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/kenya_lamu_island2.jpg)
6. Tiwi Beach
Tiwi Beach is one of Kenya’s finest beaches and is located south of Mombasa. It features pristine white sands, shady coconut palm and casuarina trees, and a big rock pool where you can cool off.
The location provides a quiet and unobtrusive contrast to the busier beaches further north.
![tiwi beach kenya](https://miketravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/kenya_tiwi_beach.jpg)
7. Bamburi Beach
Bamburi is a coastal area with many top-notch beaches and luxurious hotels.
Bamburi Beach is open to the public so it is highly crowded on the weekends and during holidays.
![kenya bamburi beach](https://miketravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/kenya_bamburi_beach.jpg)
8. Shanzu Beach
Shanzu Beach is located north of Mombasa on the Kenyan coast.
![shanzu beach Kenya](https://miketravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/kenya_shanzu_beach.jpg)
Numerous resort hotels and vacation homes define Shanzu Beach but a lot of locals also visit this palm-tree-lined beach to take in the fine, white sand. Many activities are accessible to hotel guests only but there is a private water-sports supplier who offers a selection of activities to non-guests.
9. Gazi Beach
Gazi Beach is located in Kwale County along Kenya’s coastline.
This remote sandy strip is only known to the most ardent Kenya beach enthusiasts and is perched along the road between Diani and the Tanzanian border.
![gazi beach kenya](https://miketravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/kenya_gazi_beach.jpg)
10. Malindi
Malindi, located on Kenya’s north coast is a tropical town with unique hideaways and a stretch of lovely beaches.
![malindi kenya](https://miketravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/kenya_malindi2.jpg)
Malindi is well-known for its coral reefs, which are best viewed at the Malindi National Marine Park or in adjacent Watamu and are located barely 1,000 feet off its shore. Popular activities include game fishing, surfing, and simply sunbathing on the beach.