Beaches to Visit from Nairobi

Diani Beach is one of Mombasa's most popular beaches for a spot of rest and relaxation. It is a long white sand beach with watersports like windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling, kitesurfing, diving, water-skiing and parasailing. Diani beach also has an excellent nightlife.

Located in Mombasa, the Tiwi beach is known for its white sand and secluded location. It is a perfect spot for diving and snorkelling. Birdwatching is also a famous tourist activity here. Coconut palms and casuarina trees along the side of the beach frame the view, and the coral reef lies about 50 metres offshore, reached by boat.

Bamburi Beach on the northern coast of Mombasa is a calm beach boasting tranquil blue waters and soft whitish sand. It is ideal for swimming and water sports like snorkelling and scuba diving. Camel riding is also popular here. The protected coral reefs of the Mombasa Marine National Park Reserve lie close by, and restaurants and cafes line the shore.

Nyali Beach, located in Mombasa, is known for its white sand. The calm water of the sea makes the spot serene. The beach is perfect for diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, and sunbathing. One can visit the Shiva Cave, situated at the beach's southern end.

Malindi lies about 120 kilometres north of Mombasa, so from Nairobi it means the flight to Mombasa and two hours up the coast road, or a direct flight into Malindi's own airstrip. The beach is wide and pale, backed by hotels and restaurants, and Vasco da Gama landed here in 1498. Of everything on this list it is the furthest from the Mombasa strip, and the quieter for it.

Watamu Beach, located 15 kilometers south of Malindi, is famous for its white sands and clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving. Home to diverse wildlife, Watamu is part of the Watamu National Marine Park. Green turtles nest on the sand here, and the reef beyond holds more than 500 species of fish, with humpback dolphins passing offshore.

Shanzu Beach in Mombasa is a peaceful spot for tourists, offering water sports, beach lounging, and dining. With its white sandy beaches, clear waters, and coconut palm trees, the beach looks different at low tide compared to high tide, adding to its unique charm.

Gazi Beach, on Kenya's peaceful south coast in Kwale County, is a quiet and uncrowded spot. Also known as Gasi Beach, it's home to the olive thrush baboon and the Colobus monkey. The beach features a unique mangrove ecosystem, adding to its cultural and historical significance.

Lamu Beach, about an hour's flight from Nairobi, boasts tranquil white sandy shores on Lamu Island. Its laid-back charm, complemented by nearby attractions like Manda Bay and Shela Beach, offers a diverse coastal escape. There are no cars on the island, so moving between the beach and Lamu Old Town is done on foot, by donkey or by boat.

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 diverse experience of daytime relaxation and evening entertainment. The most popular restaurant is the Copa Cabana Beach Bar & Restaurant.