Diani Beach, on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast, is one of East Africa’s most beautiful beach destinations. It’s known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, palm trees, and endless ocean activities. Whether you’re here to relax on the beach, snorkel with tropical fish, explore coral reefs, try kite-surfing, take boat trips, or soak up local Swahili culture, this Diani Beach Travel Guide will help you plan your perfect visit. Below you’ll find the best things to do, top beaches, activity ideas, where to stay, and practical travel tips.
Where to stay in Diani Beach?
We stayed in the Baobab Beach Resort & Spa, which has an amazing pool with access to this amazing white beach (not private). You can visit towns, walk down the beach, or do some snorkeling.
Top things to do in Diani Beach
1) Visit a local village
Visit a local village in Diani to see traditional dances, visit the medicine man and learn the way of life in Kenya.
2) Day Tour: Shimba Hills
Go a day trip to Shimba Hills, a tropical rainforest that covers an area of 202 km². Go see the Marere dam and Sheldrick Waterfalls.
3) Snorkeling
Go on a glass boat and sail to a sand bank to do some snorkeling. During the crossing, our captain showed us the ‘sea spiders’. I have a fear of normal spiders, and upon seeing these ‘spiders’, I got shivers (yes, they squirmed). But I must say there wasn’t any colorful coral like the ones I saw in Egypt or the Dominican Republic.
The Kenyan people understand the coral problem as they used to illegally fish with cyanide. They therefor created the protected Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, a snorkeling paradise with vibrant coral reefs with colourful fish.
4) Swim in the African Pool in Tiwi
Go swim in a natural wonder carved from ancienct coral rock in Tiwi. It’s called the African Pool as its has the shape of the African continent.
5) Beach Please
So I spend most of my time in Diani Beach at the swimming pool or at the beach. In the afternoon, the water came near the wall of the hotel, and the waves were enormous! Watch out that you’re not pulled into deeper waters.
Still applying my #1 rule for swimming in the ocean: Make sure someone is always further in the sea than you. In case there is a shark in the water, it will go after them first (seems legit, I’m sure I’m not the only one who uses this rule, right?)
6) Buy a souvenir on the beach
There were also a lot of locals trying to sell some stuff to us at the beach. We bought ourselves some personal keychains. If you’re more creative you can make your own jewelry as souvenir!
What to pack for Diani Beach?
Light, breathable clothing is best due to the tropical climate, and do safaris in neutral colours to blend in (beige, brown, and green). Make sure to bring these top 5 items on your safari trip:
- Snorkel set: for seeing all the fish and coral in the sea
- Camera: to take amazing photos of your trip!
- Sunscreen: don’t get sunburned when visiting Egyptian temples!
- Microfiber towel: compact towel to take everywhere with you & that dries quickly!
- Hat or cap: for sun protection
Use my ultimate packing list to have everything in your luggage for your tri
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Diani Beach
✈️When is the best time to visit Diani Beach?
The best time is during the dry months (June-October and January-March) for beach weather (ocean and weather are calm then).
🕒 How many days do you need in Diani Beach?
4-5 days is ideal to relax on the beach, explore nearby reef sites, and enjoy water sports.