The beaches of Diani are pristine, a truly picturesque setting on Kenya’s East Coast. White-sandy stretches of paradise invite vacation-goers to either sit back and relax or perhaps take some time to experience the range of activities in this must-visit region. Diani Beach is located in an area with access to both coastal activities and inland exploration for visitors of all ages. Snorkeling coral reefs, scuba diving in a marine wonderland, kite surfing and suntanning on 10 miles of unspoiled beach are just one part of the things to do in Diani Beach.
Why Visit Diani Beach
From honeymooners to families, solo travelers and those just looking for an idyllic escape, Diani Beach is the perfect place to visit. With a key focus on beach and ocean activities, it is no surprise that the region sees a lot of action both in the water and on land.
Voted as one of the best beach destinations in the Indian Ocean Island collection, Diani functions perfectly as a stand-alone beach destination as well as the perfect combination for a ‘sun & surf’ itinerary. Located 19 miles from the Kenyan city of Mombasa, access to Diani is convenient with flights connecting from Europe and other regions of Africa landing you with a paradise adventure in no time.
Water Activities and Experiences
A popular water activity on Diani Beach is a laid-back snorkeling excursion. Leisurely swim by brilliant coral reefs with the sun on your back and warm Indian-ocean waters around you. Pinnacles and coral reefs start at around 23 feet and go down as far as 80 feet inviting divers to enter a world of marine delight!
The MV Alpha Funguo shipwreck is strategically and deliberately placed on the ocean floor offering an excellent adventure for advanced divers. Catch the wind with a smooth windsurfing outing or try your luck with paddle-boarding first thing in the morning. The water activities are among the most popular things to do in Diani Beach.
Other things to do in Diani Beach
While the beach, water activities, and experiences are the main focus for anyone visiting Diani Beach – there are a handful of historical sites and places of interest that visitors can discover while staying in the area. The 14th-century Diani Persian Kongo Mosque has become hidden in a forest of baobab trees over the years. A treasure of architectural magnificence comprising intricate designs and constructed with coral stones. A fascinating feature is the large round stone that stands near the Mosque, believed to once been a center for worship and rituals in this oldest recorded mosque in Kenya.
Marvel at the fortified villages or ‘Kayas’ that remain in the Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest. An area of low hills that last saw inhabitants in the early 20th century and today stands as a sacred site to remember the ancestors of the Mijikenda people.
For something different, visitors can consider a trip to the Colobus Conservation, an organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of the Colobus Monkey. Visitors can see these tree-climbing cuties in a natural and safe environment and learn about the methods and lengths caregivers go to in the preservation of the species.
Day Trips from Diani Beach
With so much to do in Diani, days are certainly filled with activities and much-enjoyed downtime. However, for those guests staying for quite a few days, there is the option to enjoy a tour to one of the nearby islands such as Wasini Island, where a dolphin adventure can be thoroughly enjoyed, or to Funzi Island, a remote find accessible only by boat. Discover the culture and traditions of the ‘Shirazi’ tribe who live on Funzi Island and spend some time exploring the small creeks and breathtaking scenery of this hidden gem.
Chale Island Beach lies 11 miles south of Diani Beach and makes for a fun-filled day out under the African sun. Thinking further afield, guests spending time on Diani Beach can experience the combination of ‘beach and bush’ with a safari at Tsavo East or Tsavo West, a two-and-a-half-hour drive away.
One thing is clear, there is no lack of things to do in Diani Beach! Spending time on beautiful Diani Beach will offer visitors the opportunity to be as active and adventurous as they want, or simply to lie back on a soft blanket of white sand and absorb the tranquility of this coastal paradise.
