Diani Beach

Written by Andreas Keller, Harry Mboya
09/08/2025
A tranquil sunset at Diani Beach, Kenya, with a bird silhouetted against the orange sky.
Oscar Esibi, Pexels

Diani Beach offers a picturesque coastline with powdery white sands and clear turquoise waters, providing both serene relaxation and a wide array of active pursuits. It serves as a popular coastal escape, often combined with safari adventures.

Diani Beach features a lively social scene with numerous beachfront bars that transition from relaxed daytime settings to energetic evening hubs with DJs and themed nights. Popular spots like Tandoori Bar, Shakatak Disco, and Full Moon Club offer opportunities to socialize, dance, and experience local and international music, while the Diani Night Market provides a vibrant atmosphere for cultural immersion and food. The Kongo River estuary is also a popular gathering place for enjoying tranquil sunset boat trips.

Top 7 Things to do in Diani Beach

Diani Beach offers a diverse range of activities, from serene beach relaxation and thrilling water sports to immersive wildlife encounters and vibrant cultural experiences.

1. Beach Relaxation and Swimming

Indulging in the tranquil atmosphere of Diani Beach is effortless. The expansive shoreline boasts soft, powdery white sands meeting the clear, warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It is perfect for leisurely wading or invigorating swims. Enjoying an early morning stroll along the beach during low tide offers a peaceful start to the day. The beachfront areas are clean, providing an ideal setting for unwinding under the sun.

Cost: Free.

Transport: Most accommodations are either directly on the beachfront or a short distance away. Local tuk-tuks are readily available and provide convenient transport around Diani, typically costing between KES 100-200 (approximately $0.75-$1.50 USD) for short distances within the main area.

2. Kitesurfing Lessons

Diani Beach is recognized as a premier destination for kitesurfing, offering optimal conditions with consistent trade winds and warm, shallow waters. Whether a beginner or an experienced rider, the flat water conditions are ideal for learning and progression. Certified instructors are available to guide participants through lessons, ensuring safety with rescue boat assistance and modern equipment.

Cost: A 3-hour private beginner class typically costs around $210 USD, which includes all necessary equipment. For a semi-private class with two students and one instructor, the cost is approximately $130 USD per person.

Transport: Several reputable kitesurfing schools, such as Kite254 and KiteMotion, are situated along Diani Beach, particularly in the Galu Beach area. These locations are easily reached by a short tuk-tuk ride from most Diani accommodations, with fares ranging from KES 100-200 (approximately $0.75-$1.50 USD).

3. Wasini Island and Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park Tour

Embark on a full-day dhow cruise to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, a vibrant underwater ecosystem renowned for its coral reefs and diverse marine life. This excursion offers opportunities for dolphin spotting and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Following the marine exploration, the tour typically includes a fresh seafood lunch on Wasini Island and a guided walk through the local village, providing insight into Swahili culture.

Cost: Full-day tours generally range from $126 to $160 USD per adult. This price usually covers hotel transfers, marine park entrance fees, snorkeling equipment, breakfast, and a seafood lunch.

Transport: Tours almost always include convenient pick-up and drop-off directly from Diani Beach hotels. The journey proceeds by road to Shimoni Jetty, where the traditional dhow boat departs for the island and marine park.

4. Shimba Hills National Reserve Day Safari

Experience a half-day or full-day safari adventure at Shimba Hills National Reserve, a lush coastal rainforest boasting a significant population of African elephants and the rare sable antelope. A game drive through the reserve offers sightings of various wildlife. The tour often includes a guided hike to the scenic Sheldrick Falls, where visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in its natural pools.

Cost: A full-day safari tour from Diani varies from $120 to $260 USD per person, with prices often decreasing for larger groups (e.g., around $180 USD for two people, or $140 USD for four). The cost typically includes transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle, park entrance fees, a professional guide, and lunch.

Transport: Most tours provide pick-up and drop-off services from Diani hotels. The drive to Shimba Hills National Reserve usually takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes from Diani.

5. Colobus Conservation Centre Visit

Visit the Colobus Conservation Centre, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of the Angolan colobus monkey and other primate species. A guided eco-tour offers an opportunity to learn about ongoing conservation efforts, observe the primates in their natural or rehabilitation environments, and understand the importance of preserving their coastal forest habitat.

Cost: Entry fee for adults is approximately KES 1,000 (around $7.50 USD).

Transport: The centre is located along Diani Beach Road and is easily accessible by a short tuk-tuk ride from most hotels. Tuk-tuk fares for local trips typically range from KES 100-200 (approximately $0.75-$1.50 USD).

6. Kongo River Sunset Cruise

Embark on a peaceful evening boat tour along the picturesque Kongo River estuary, where the river meets the Indian Ocean. Cruising on a traditional dug-out canoe, one can appreciate the serene environment, observe diverse birdlife among the mangroves, and witness a beautiful Diani sunset. Some tours offer the option to include a dinner experience.

Cost: A standard 2-hour sunset cruise can cost around $35 USD per person. Tours that include dinner may be priced higher, around KES 5,000 (approximately $38 USD).

Transport: Many tours include hotel pick-up in a private tuk-tuk as part of the package. The Kongo River estuary is situated at the northern end of Diani Beach, making it easily reachable by local transport from most areas of Diani.

7. Jet Skiing

Experience the thrill of jet skiing across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean along the Diani coastline. This activity offers an adrenaline-pumping ride with scenic views, perfect for individuals or small groups seeking speed and excitement on the water. Brief safety orientations are provided before the ride.

Cost: Rental for a single-seat jet ski for 10 minutes is approximately KES 2,800 ($25 USD), while a double-seat for the same duration is KES 3,300 ($30 USD). Longer durations like 30 minutes can cost around KES 6,500 ($50 USD), and an hour around KES 11,000 ($85 USD).

Transport: Jet ski rentals are available directly on Diani Beach, often affiliated with beachfront hotels or water sports centers. Access is typically by walking from nearby resorts or a short tuk-tuk ride if coming from further down the beach.

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Coastal Region
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