Kenya · Kenya South Coast

Diani Beach

Kenya's best beach — 25 km white sand, Colobus monkeys + kite-surfing

Diani Beach is Kenya's premier beach — 25 km of powder-white sand + turquoise Indian Ocean. Kite-surfing capital of Kenya, Colobus monkey sanctuary + luxury beach resorts. 30 min south of Mombasa airport by taxi or ferry.

Airport
Ukunda UKA + Mombasa MBA (+30 min)
Beach length
25 km
Best season
July-October + December-February
Ferry
Likoni Ferry Mombasa-south coast (free)

Diani Beach highlights

25 km white-sand beach

Powder white sand + calm turquoise Indian Ocean. Public access.

Kite-surfing lessons

Kenya's kite-surfing capital. Kaskazi Kite School + others offer lessons from $80-120.

Colobus Conservation Sanctuary

Rescue centre for the endangered Angolan Colobus monkey. Free tour + donation.

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park (Wasini Island)

Snorkel + dolphin spotting + Swahili seafood lunch on Wasini Island. Full-day tour ~$80-120.

Shimba Hills National Reserve

30 min inland — elephants, sable antelope + Sheldrick Falls hike. Free-ish game drives.

Diani Kite Riders + Camel Ride Beach

Camel rides on the beach + wind + water sports.

Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant

The famous cave-restaurant fine dining — natural coral cave. Book ahead.

Getting there

Ukunda Airport (UKA) has flights from Nairobi Wilson (1h). Or Mombasa (MBA) + 30-min taxi via Likoni Ferry. Standard bus + shuttle from Mombasa.

Getting around

Tuk-tuk along Diani Beach road (~$1-3). Uber operates in Mombasa but not always Diani. Rent a scooter or ATV.

Best time to visit

July-October + December-February (dry). Avoid April-June monsoon.

Budget per day

$40-90 mid-range · $100-250 upper mid · $400+ luxury (The Sands at Nomad, Almanara Luxury Villas)

Fly to Moi International (Mombasa) — 30 min via Likoni Ferry (MBA)

Popular direct routes from: Nairobi Wilson, Nairobi Kenyatta, Zurich, Frankfurt

Where to stay in Diani Beach

Frequently asked about Diani Beach

How do I get to Diani Beach from Mombasa airport?
Taxi/Uber 30 min via Likoni Ferry (~$25-40). Or shuttle bus $10-15. Ferry is free.
When is the best time to visit Diani Beach?
July-October + December-February (dry, low humidity). Avoid April-June (heavy monsoon rain).
How many days do I need at Diani Beach?
3-5 days — day 1 arrive + beach, day 2 Kisite Marine Park day trip, day 3 Colobus Conservation + Shimba Hills, day 4-5 relax + kite-surf.
Is Diani Beach safe?
Yes — very safe. Diani has been a resort area for decades. Standard beach vigilance for belongings.