Photo: Diani, Kenya
Diani Beach stretches for around 17 kilometres of white sand and turquoise water on Kenya's south coast, backed by coral cliffs and palm forest.
A short drive south of Mombasa, Diani pairs easy beach days with diving on the coral reef, kitesurfing, dhow trips and the colobus monkeys of the coastal forest. It is the most developed and family-friendly stretch of the Kenyan coast.
Why visit Diani
Coral-reef diving
Snorkel and dive the reef just offshore.
Warm ocean year-round
Calm, swimmable water and long tides.
Watersports
Kitesurfing, dhow sailing and deep-sea fishing.
Colobus forest
Rare Angolan colobus monkeys in coastal woodland.
Getting there
Fly from Nairobi to Ukunda (Diani) airstrip in about an hour, or land at Moi International in Mombasa and transfer south (roughly one hour, including the Likoni crossing).
Best time to visit
Dec – MarHot and dry — best beach weather
Jun – OctCooler and breezy, good for kitesurfing
Apr – MayHeaviest rains, quieter and greener
Local tips
- Pack reef shoes for rocky low tides
- Check tide times for swimming
- Respect quieter dining hours during Ramadan
Frequently asked
When is the best time for the beach?
December to March is hot and dry with the calmest sea.
Is Diani good for families?
Very — shallow lagoons, resorts with pools and easy day trips.
Can I dive year-round?
Yes, though visibility is usually best October to March.
How do I get there?
Fly to Ukunda airstrip, or transfer from Mombasa in about an hour.
Plan your Diani trip
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