Diani Beach
★ 4.7🇰🇪 DianiSuggested visit 2-3 daysBest season June to September and December to March, with calmer seas
Island escapeBeachSnorkelling
A long white-sand beach on the Indian Ocean, with palms and coral reefs behind Kenya's most popular coast.
Overview
About 30 kilometres south of Mombasa, Diani stretches some 17 kilometres of white sand and pale turquoise water, among the best-known beaches in East Africa. Sheltering reefs make it good for snorkelling and diving, with dolphins and turtles frequently seen. Palms and resorts line the shore, and trips run to the Shimba Hills, the Colobus Conservation and Wasini Island for whale watching.
History
It developed as a resort area in the late 20th century as the coast south of Mombasa opened up, with sanctuaries for colobus monkeys and mangroves nearby.
Highlights
- •The 17-kilometre white beach
- •Snorkelling the offshore reef
- •Whale and dolphin trips to Wasini
- •The colobus and mangrove sanctuaries
Practical tips
- •Beach vendors are persistent but polite refusal works
- •Watch the tides and reef areas when swimming
Practical information
- Best time
- June-September
- Tickets
- The beach is free; snorkelling trips about USD 40
- Opening hours
- Beach open all day
- Local food
- Swahili grilled fish, coconut curry, lobster
- Getting around
- About an hour by car from Mombasa, or 20 minutes by air from Mombasa airport.
- Visa
- A visa is required; an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) can be applied for online.
Traveller reviews
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