Top Beaches to Visit In Mombasa-Beyond Diani
- BeyondForest
- Jun 23
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 7
Sunsets over the Indian Ocean, local Swahili cuisine, dhow rides, and proximity to historical sites like Fort Jesus add to the experience.
Mombasa, Kenya’s coastal gem, boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in East Africa. Stretching along the Indian Ocean, these beaches offer a mix of vibrant culture, relaxation, and thrilling water activities.
You must cross the Likoni Ferry from Mombasa Island to reach Diani from Nyali.
Image of Camels at Diani beach by Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant
Diani Beach, located south of Mombasa, is a top destination known for its white sands, turquoise waters, and palm-lined shores—perfect for kite surfing, snorkeling, and luxury resorts. On the North Coast, Nyali Beach is a favorite for its accessibility and calm waters, making it ideal for families and beginners in water sports.
Most beaches are guarded by coral reefs, creating shallow lagoons perfect for swimming and kayaking.
Aerial View of Daini Beach by juneid13
Bamburi Beach and Shanzu Beach are lively, filled with beach hotels, bars, and vibrant nightlife, attracting both locals and international tourists. Tiwi Beach, further south, offers a quieter experience with tidal pools and coral reefs perfect for peaceful swims and reef exploration. Shelly Beach and Funzi Island Beach are lesser-known gems with a raw, untouched beauty, often visited for solitude and marine life.
Mombasa’s North Coast beaches include Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Shelly while South Coast beaches include Diani, Tiwi, Galu, Funzi, Watamu and Lamu
Diani Beach | Kwale County |
Nyali Beach | Mombasa County |
Bamburi Beach | Mombasa County |
Shanzu Beach | Mombasa County |
Shelly Beach | Mombasa County |
Tiwi Beach | Kwale County |
Watamu Beach | Kilifi County |
Galu Kinondo Beach | Kwale County |
Funzi Island Beach | Kwale County |
Takaungu Beach | Kilifi County |
Pirates Beach (Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach) | Mombasa County |
Vipingo Beach | Kilifi County |
Nyali Beach
Nyali Beach is one of Mombasa’s most popular beaches, located just across the Nyali Bridge from Mombasa Island in Nyali Suburb. Known for its long stretch of soft white sand and clear blue waters, Nyali Beach offers a peaceful yet accessible escape from the city.
The beach is protected by a coral reef, creating calm, shallow lagoons ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. It’s less crowded than other public beaches, making it perfect for morning walks and quiet relaxation. Nearby, you'll find luxury resorts, private villas, restaurants, and Nyali Golf Club, giving the area a blend of coastal charm and urban convenience.
Vipingo Beach
Vipingo is perfect for travelers who want a stylish yet peaceful beach experience away from the crowds.
Vipingo Beach lies along the northern Kenyan coast in Kilifi County, about 35 km from Mombasa. It’s a serene, uncrowded stretch boasting soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, ideal for those seeking a quiet getaway . The beach is framed by lush palm and baobab trees, giving it a tropical, untouched feel
Nearby luxury villas and boutique resorts, such as Vipingo Beach Resort, offer private beachfront access, swimming pools, spa facilities and restaurants—blending relaxation with modest amenities
Pirates Beach
Pirates Beach (Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach) lies about 10 km north of Mombasa’s city center along the coastal highway .
Diani Beach
Diani Beach is one of the most iconic and breathtaking coastal destinations in Kenya, located in Kwale County, about 30 kilometers south of Mombasa. Renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sands, and lush palm tree backdrops, Diani stretches over 17 kilometers along the Indian Ocean and offers a serene yet vibrant experience for both local and international travelers.
Image of Diani Beach by mariska_mg
What sets Diani apart is its perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The coral reef that lines the coast provides a calm lagoon ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, while further out, thrill-seekers can enjoy kite surfing, jet skiing, and deep-sea diving. Diani is also a gateway to marine life exploration, with dolphins, turtles, and even whale sharks spotted during certain seasons.
Aerial View of Diani by Air Wilderness
Access to Diani is easy via Ukunda Airport or by crossing the Likoni Ferry from Mombasa.
Luxury resorts, beach cottages, and eco-lodges dot the shoreline, catering to all budgets. Nearby attractions include Colobus Conservation, Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest, and the Shimba Hills National Reserve—home to elephants and the rare sable antelope.
Bamburi Beach
Bamburi Beach is a lively and popular coastal destination located along the North Coast of Mombasa, in Mombasa County. Known for its golden sandy shores, warm ocean waters, and coral reef protection, it’s ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and camel rides. The beach is lined with numerous resorts, bars, and beachfront restaurants, making it a favorite among both local and international tourists.
Bamburi is also close to key attractions like Haller Park, Mamba Village, and Butterfly Pavilion, adding to its appeal. With its energetic vibe, accessibility, and variety of activities, Bamburi Beach offers a complete and memorable beach experience.
What are the names of the beaches in Mombasa ?
Here are the main beaches in Mombasa Nyali Beach, Bamburi Beach, Shanzu Beach, Pirates Beach, Vipingo Beach, Tudor Beach, Kikambala Beach, Mtwapa Beach ,Diani Beach, Tiwi Beach, Galu Kinondo Beach, Funzi Island Beach, Shelly Beach and Gazi Beach
Which is the safest beach in Mombasa
Nyali Beach is often considered the safest beach in Mombasa for several reasons It’s located in a well-developed residential area with a strong security presence. The beach is less crowded than Pirates Beach, reducing risks of theft or overcrowding.Many resorts and hotels along Nyali Beach provide private security, lifeguards, and clean facilities.
Pirates Beach, officially known as Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach, is a lively public beach on Mombasa’s North Coast, located in Mombasa County. Pirates beach is located about 10 km north of Mombasa’s city center, along the Mombasa–Malindi Highway, nestled between Bamburi Beach and Nyali Beach
What is Nyali Beach known for?
Nyali Beach is known for its clean white sand, calm waters, and peaceful atmosphere, making it one of the most relaxing beaches in Mombasa. Located just across the Nyali Bridge from the city, it’s famous for being less crowded than public beaches like Pirates.
Diani Beach is generally considered better for a full beach holiday experience, while Nyali Beach is better for quick access and convenience. Diani offers a longer stretch of white sand, crystal-clear waters, and more luxury resorts, making it ideal for honeymooners, water sports lovers, and those seeking tranquility. It's more scenic and less urban. Nyali, on the other hand, is closer to Mombasa town, making it great for short stays, business travelers, or day visits. It has good swimming spots and easier access to city attractions like Haller Park and Nyali Mall.
Which is better Galu beach or Diani Beach?
Galu Beach and Diani Beach are neighboring beaches on Kenya’s South Coast, but they cater to slightly different preferences Diani Beach is more popular and developed, with many resorts, restaurants, and water sports. It's perfect for travelers who enjoy a vibrant beach atmosphere and lots of activity while Galu Beach, located just south of Diani, is quieter, more secluded, and ideal for travelers seeking privacy, fewer crowds, and a more untouched feel. It's great for relaxing, long walks, and boutique stays.
Why is Diani Beach famous?
Diani Beach is famous for its stunning natural beauty, featuring 17 kilometers of powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush palm trees. Located in Kwale County, south of Mombasa, it’s known as one of Africa’s top beach destinations.
How far is Nyali from town?
Nyali is just a short hop from Mombasa just 6 to 8 kilometers away, located on the mainland north of Mombasa Island. It’s connected by the Nyali Bridge, making for a quick drive of roughly 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic
Diani and Ukunda are closely related but not exactly the same.Ukunda is a bustling inland town in Kwale County, while Diani Beach refers specifically to the nearby coastal stretch along the Indian Ocean. The two are only about 2–5 kilometers apart, and most visitors use "Ukunda" when referring to the airport (Ukunda Airstrip) or local transport hub, while "Diani" refers to the beach and resorts area.
How much is SGR to diani?
An Economy Class ticket costs 1,500Ksh while First Class is KSh 4,500 Since there's no direct SGR route to Diani, you'll need to Take SGR to Mombasa Terminus in Miritini then transfer by road to Diani via Likoni Ferry
Can you swim in Diani Beach, Kenya?
Yes you can absolutely swim in Diani Beach! The water is warm and shallow, averaging around 27–28 °C (82–83 °F) even in January, making it comfortable for swimmers.A fringing coral reef shelters the beach, creating a calm lagoon ideal for swimming, paddling, and snorkeling close to shore .
Does Diani Beach have sharks?
Diani Beach generally does not pose a significant shark threat to swimmers. HThere is no recorded unprovoked shark attacks at Diani or nearby Mombasa beaches in recent history. You might encounter reef sharks, but these are typically small, shy, and pose little danger .The real marine spotlight belongs to whale sharks—the gentle giants that drift through between October and April, with sightings peaking in January–February
Is Nyali close to Diani?
Nyali and Diani are both coastal areas near Mombasa, but they lie on opposite sides of the island. Nyali is on the North Coast, while Diani is on the South Coast in Kwale County. Though they are only about 35–40 km apart,
Top Hotels around Beaches In Mombasa
Blue Marlin Hotel, Diani Beach, Kenya
Blue Marlin Beach Hotel is a charming boutique retreat on Galu/Diani Beach, offers 20 Swahili‑style rooms with private verandas overlooking the Indian Ocean. It features an outdoor pool, spa, 24‑hour gym, and beachfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and cocktails. Guests rave about its relaxed ambiance, garden setting, and exceptional location just steps from the white sand and turquoise waters.
Southern Palms Resort Diani
Southern Palms Beach Resort, located directly on pristine Diani Beach in Kwale County, is a popular mid-range, all-inclusive retreat. Featuring two expansive, free-form lagoon pools winding through lush tropical gardens, the resort offers a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere .The 298 spacious rooms and suites are decorated in modern Swahili style, each with a balcony or patio, air conditioning, minibar, TV, and optional safe
Voyager Beach Resort, Nyali
Voyager Beach Resort is a vibrant, family-friendly Nautical‑themed resort located on Nyali Beach, about 7 km north of Mombasa.
Voyager Beach Resort offers all-inclusive stays, three swimming pools (one with waterslide), a dedicated children’s club, four bars, three restaurants, and a water‑sports centre with scuba, kayaking, and glass‑bottom boat rides
Vipingo Beach Resort
Vipingo Beach Resort in Kilifi County (Tezo/Kikambala) is a serene beachfront boutique retreat featuring a private beach, ocean-facing pool, and lush gardens. Rooms include sea‑view balconies, air‑conditioning, and Wi‑Fi. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, spa, fitness centre, sauna, hot tub, canoeing, and airport shuttle
Bamburi Beach Hotel
Bamburi Beach Resort (also known as Bamburi Beach Hotel) is a well-established, family-friendly beachfront resort on Kenya’s North Coast in Mombasa County, just 12 km northeast of Mombasa city .Built in 1971, the resort blends African and Arabic styles and features 149 rooms with private balconies,
Baobab Holiday Resort, nestled in Bamburi (Mombasa County) opposite Haller Park, is a welcoming three-star retreat just a 5-minute walk from the beach . It offers air‑conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, outdoor pool, and two on‑site restaurants serving Chinese and international cuisine
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