Superb and breathtaking, the coast beaches in Kenya are top in Africa. Sun sand and sea summarizes the Kenyan coast in few words. From beautiful white sand beaches fringed by palm trees swaying to the trade winds and straddling the warm Indian ocean, the appeal of the beaches are in a class of there own. With very beautiful coral reefs, classy beaches and varied marine wildlife, various leisure activities can be undertaken which include spot fishing, snorkeling, diving, sunbathing among many others. World class resorts and lodges are also found along the coast beaches in Kenya. In short, the region is a paradise.
Diani Beach
Diani beach is considered as the most popular beach of the South Coast. It is quite easily the most relaxing spot that any tourist or any local would be happy to visit just to unwind or to take in the different sites that the coastline has to offer. Diani beach has been awarded the best beach destination in Africa many times. It is a popular destination for all and sundry, from families with both older and younger children to backpackers who are off on an adventure, to honeymooners who would like their time together to be punctuated with views of the fantastic ocean and jaw-dropping sunsets. Diani beach truly has something for everyone in terms of activities and ambiance. The activities offered include; kite surfing, skydiving, boat riding, visiting marine parks, and one of the utmost favorites; swimming with the dolphins and sea turtles. Sample safari
Watamu Beach
Watamu in Kenya is a beautiful and peaceful village on the Kenya Coast, nestled between pristine beaches and lush tropical forest. Watamu, the name translates into ‘sweet people’ is a home to the Bajuni people; who trace their descendants to the intermarriages between the local Giriama People and the Arab traders. It is a small town approximately 20 kilometers south of Malindi. The Shoreline of the area features white sand beaches and offshore coral formations arranged in different bays and beach like Garoda Beach, Turtle Bay, Blue Lagoon Bay and Jacaranda beach. They are a part of Watamu Marine National Park. The Marine Park is one of the best parks in snorkeling and diving in the coast of East Africa. It is also the third best beach in Africa, the Park has a crystal clear water and silver sand beaches. Watamu offers snorkeling, scuba diving and deep sea fishing among a host of other activities.
Malindi
Malindi is a coastal town along the Indian Ocean. Having hosted Vasco da Gama’s fleet in 1498, Malindi town has been welcoming people ever since. It has a marine national park and some fantastic stretches of beach. Malindi has white sands, clear water and best sailed at low tides because the beach floods in high tide Malindi is famous for deep sea fishing, snorkeling and wind surfing. Sample safari
Tiwi beach
Tiwi beach is based in the south coast and nearer to Diani beach. It is one of the least visited beaches ideal for people who prefer privacy. With unspoiled pristine white sands, reef accessible at low tides and of shore winds, the beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and wind surfing. The reef is close to the shore hence it is not conducive for sailing in low tides.
Mambrui Beach
Referred as golden beach, this is also another least visited beach with golden sands and dunes which gives it a desert like appearance. The beach is a few kilometers from Malindi town. With fishing huts built on the hill side and the sand dunes, the vistas provide beautiful settings. Very few resorts are found on the resort. Mambrui beach is a good spot for kiting and wind surfing.
Nyali beach
Nyali is located in Mombasa and surrounded by urban residential area and high class hotels. It is a few minutes from the central business district and boast of white sands making it popular with local and foreign tourists. The shoreline is ideal for making sandcastles or just strolling next to the water. Side winds over flat water makes it good for wind surfing beginners. There are also a variety of restaurants serving local and International cuisine. The beach is generally uncrowded apart from weekends. .
Shanzu beach
Shanzu beach is located in Mombasa a few kilometers from the central business district. It is close to urban residential areas and high end hotels are located by the beach. It mostly caters for hotel guests. The beach has white sands fringed with palm tress with clear and refreshing water. Surfing and sailing are popular activity at Shanzu beach. In low tide, it is possible to walk a long the beach for long distance.
Lamu Island
The small island of Lamu is located on the Indian Ocean. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting here is a step back in the old days. You can see dhows in the ports and ocean. Until recently there were are no vehicles and donkeys were the common mode of transport but a causeway has been constructed linking it to the mainland. There are now vehicles in Lamu. Some of the island’s many beaches can be explored on a dhow boat. Shela beach is one of the most popular and longest beach on the island. Some of the key resorts and accommodation facilities are found around this areas. There is also the Manda beach which runs parallel to Shela beach and are one kilometer apart. On some seasons there are more jelly fish in the ocean which can be hazardous. The current between the two beaches can also be very strong. A water sport center is available at Peponi hotel on Shela beach. Wind surfing equipment can be rented from the sports center. Other activities include kayaking, water skiing, dhow sailing and fishing trips.
Other attractions that go hand in hand with the beaches are the marine parks and reserves. They are:
Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Situated on the southern coast of Kenya near Shimoni and south of Wasini Island in Kwale District, Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park is the perfect destination for anyone who loves marine activities like snorkeling in and around the coral reefs, sunbathing and scuba diving enthusiasts. The park has a great variety of marine life, coral formations, dolphins and turtles.
Mombasa Marine National Park
Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve is situated on the Northern shores of Mombasa approximately 15 kilometers north of Mombasa Island off Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu beaches. The park is an aquatic and scenic destination with great ocean ecosystem created by sea features which makes the park more tranquil. These features include the coral reefs. With their different colors, sizes and shapes, the coral reefs are very much visible in the park while on diving experiences. They include the Favia coral, Pavona coral, brain coral, Acropora coral among others. The park is both a marine park and a national reserve. This marine park is approximately 10 kilometers squared and the reserve covers 200 square kilometers.
Watamu National Marine Park and Reserve
The Watamu National Marine Park and Reserve is an astounding piece of paradise that provides credence to the beauty and splendor that is the Kenyan Coastline. Popularly referred to as the ‘Haven of the Green Turtle,’ Watamu National Marine Park and Reserve is located about 90miles north of Mombasa. The Mombasa area is accessible by air, train, or road before being transferred to the park. The coral gardens within Watamu National Marine Park are located just about 300 meters from the shoreline and is home to over 600 species of fish, 110 species of stony coral, and a vast number of crustaceans, mollusks, and invertebrates. Among the most viewed fish species include the parrotfish, which is considered responsible for white sandy beaches themselves due to its ingestion and digestion of the coral reef. The lionfish and the snapper are also common in the area.