South Coast Beaches including Diani Beach: The beaches south of Mombasa are an earthly paradise of tropical forests, white sand beaches and coral reefs centered around Diani Beach.
There are beaches to suit any travelers tastes and interests. There are busy resorts with plenty of organized activities and non- stop nightlife or quiet beach destinations offering the chance to relax and experience nature.Whether you are looking for a base to actively explore this fascinating region, or just somewhere to unwind and find peace, Kenya’s south coast has everything you could wish for.
The area is serviced by World Class resorts, centered around Diani Beach, letting the visitor relax in style and comfort. The beaches here are broad expanses of pure white sand, while the ocean is warm and inviting, with protective reefs creating perfect calm havens for swimming.Water sports enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice on the South Coast. Most of the resorts and hotels along the beaches offer a wide range of water sports such as Water-skiing, Sailing, Jet-skiing, para-sailing and much more.
Boating/Sailing:
A range of boats can be hired to explore the coast, including Hobie cats and sailing skiffs. Sea Kayaks are also widely available, and are ideal for exploring remote coves and sheltered bays. Shimoni is a good place for those looking to charter yachts. Both yachts and crews are available for private charter. The coast of Kenya is a great place to explore by yacht, or the perfect base from which to set sail for Zanzibar to the South or the Red Sea to the North.
Swim with Dolphins
If you would like to see or swim with Dolphins, there are large populations found around the South Coast.
Diving and snorkeling boats on day trips to Wasini Islands or Dive sites often encounter dolphins along the way. These are bottlenose dolphins, and they are often seen in large family groups. The dolphins usually follow and feed on schools of fish.
They will often follow passing boats and swim into the breaking bow wave, using the slipstream created to coast along the side of the boat. This playful behaviour is very common among dolphins, who seem to take great pleasure in streaming from side to side of the bow, often breaking water and leaping into the air of the boat.
Dolphins are also known to join divers and snorkelers, and to surround and swim with people. This magical experience is a common occurrence on day trips in this area.
SCUBA Diving and Snorkeling:
Beneath the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean lies a world of undersea wonders. There are plenty of excellent dive sites all along the South Coast. Diving is generally good all year round, although visibility lessens during July and August due to silting. There are dive sites situated along the coast from Tiwi south to Shimoni. Some of the best sites are centered around Kisiite Mpunguti Marine Reserve. This area is home to large Manta Rays which are occasionally encountered on dive expeditions.
In February-March each year, there are almost guaranteed sightings of Whale Sharks on outer reef dives along the Kenyan Coast. The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, measuring up to 18 meters and weigh up to 20 tons. It feeds on platonic creatures and small fish, and has only tiny teeth.
One of the best dive sites is Nyulli Reef. A good deep dive site with strong tidal currents, this dive is best suited to experienced divers. Spectacular coral and plunging drop offs are home to excellent sea-life, including snapper, barracuda, rare zebra sharks and massive Napoleon wrasse.
An easier dive is Kisiite Point. There is plenty of large, tame shoals to be found here, with average dive depth at around 12 meters. Divers at the point often encounter hawksbill turtles and bottlenose dolphins.
Wreck Diving is possible at the Northern end of this strip of coast, on the MV Unfunguo, a former trawler, which has now become a thriving artificial reef. Since the wreck split open some years ago, the inner hull has become a massive haven for sea life, and makes for a truly spectacular dive.
There are many dive operators in this area, both private and those attached to resorts. Equipment, boats, refills and dive guides are all provided. International PADI, NAUI and SSI standards of safety and quality are all maintained. Full courses with qualified instructors and international SCUBA certification are available.
Many operators offer Night Dives and specialist Nitrox Diving.
The best option is a day trip on a dive boat, catamaran or dhow with one of the many dive companies operating in this area.
For non divers there are plenty of options for fantastic snorkeling, with plenty of shallow and accessible coral gardens, especially at the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserve.
A day dhow trip to Wasini Island, within the reserve, is easily arranged from Diani or Shimoni. This usually includes snorkeling and/or diving, and a seafood lunch on the island. This is an ideal way to spend the day. Dolphins often accompany the dhows through the reserve, and the island itself is well worth exploring.
Fishing:
Shimoni has a long standing reputation for big game fishing. The Pemba Channel is the best fishing destination, and there are many highly skilled local operators. Fully equipped and stocked boats with the best available equipment and tackle are available for full and half day charters. The main game fish include Sailfish and Marlin, Kingfish, Wahoo, Horse Mackerel and others. The best source of local information for fisherman is the Pemba Channel Fishing Club in Shimoni. A tag and release program ensures Eco-friendly fishing. Big game fishing can be arranged in season (December-March).
If you would like to see or swim with Dolphins, there are large populations found around the South Coast.
Diving and snorkeling boats on day trips to Wasini Islands or Dive sites often encounter dolphins along the way. These are bottlenose dolphins, and they are often seen in large family groups. The dolphins usually follow and feed on schools of fish.
They will often follow passing boats and swim into the breaking bow wave, using the slipstream created to coast along the side of the boat. This playful behaviour is very common among dolphins, who seem to take great pleasure in streaming from side to side of the bow, often breaking water and leaping into the air of the boat.
Dolphins are also known to join divers and snorkelers, and to surround and swim with people. This magical experience is a common occurrence on day trips in this area.
SCUBA Diving and Snorkeling:
Beneath the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean lies a world of undersea wonders. There are plenty of excellent dive sites all along the South Coast. Diving is generally good all year round, although visibility lessens during July and August due to silting. There are dive sites situated along the coast from Tiwi south to Shimoni. Some of the best sites are centered around Kisiite Mpunguti Marine Reserve. This area is home to large Manta Rays which are occasionally encountered on dive expeditions.In February-March each year, there are almost guaranteed sightings of Whale Sharks on outer reef dives along the Kenyan Coast. The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, measuring up to 18 meters and weigh up to 20 tons. It feeds on platonic creatures and small fish, and has only tiny teeth.
One of the best dive sites is Nyulli Reef. A good deep dive site with strong tidal currents, this dive is best suited to experienced divers. Spectacular coral and plunging drop offs are home to excellent sea-life, including snapper, barracuda, rare zebra sharks and massive Napoleon wrasse.
An easier dive is Kisiite Point. There is plenty of large, tame shoals to be found here, with average dive depth at around 12 meters. Divers at the point often encounter hawksbill turtles and bottlenose dolphins.
Wreck Diving is possible at the Northern end of this strip of coast, on the MV Unfunguo, a former trawler, which has now become a thriving artificial reef. Since the wreck split open some years ago, the inner hull has become a massive haven for sea life, and makes for a truly spectacular dive.
There are many dive operators in this area, both private and those attached to resorts. Equipment, boats, refills and dive guides are all provided. International PADI, NAUI and SSI standards of safety and quality are all maintained. Full courses with qualified instructors and international SCUBA certification are available.
Many operators offer Night Dives and specialist Nitrox Diving.
The best option is a day trip on a dive boat, catamaran or dhow with one of the many dive companies operating in this area.
For non divers there are plenty of options for fantastic snorkeling, with plenty of shallow and accessible coral gardens, especially at the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserve.
A day dhow trip to Wasini Island, within the reserve, is easily arranged from Diani or Shimoni. This usually includes snorkeling and/or diving, and a seafood lunch on the island. This is an ideal way to spend the day. Dolphins often accompany the dhows through the reserve, and the island itself is well worth exploring.
Fishing:
Shimoni has a long standing reputation for big game fishing. The Pemba Channel is the best fishing destination, and there are many highly skilled local operators. Fully equipped and stocked boats with the best available equipment and tackle are available for full and half day charters. The main game fish include Sailfish and Marlin, Kingfish, Wahoo, Horse Mackerel and others. The best source of local information for fisherman is the Pemba Channel Fishing Club in Shimoni. A tag and release program ensures Eco-friendly fishing. Big game fishing can be arranged in season (December-March).
Cycling
One of the best ways to explore the South coast and surrounding villages is by bicycle. This gives you the freedom to explore quiet village roads and trails. Cycling is a popular form of local transport in this area, and on most paths and roads you will encounter other cyclists.
Local people will always be willing to help out with directions and advice, and are often quite keen to meet and talk with visitors to Kenya. This is an ideal opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise, and get a new perspective on the area and local life.
Bicycles can be hired locally all along the coast either from hotels or private operators. Check the condition of the tyres, chain and frame before hiring a bike.
Bird Watching
The South Coast is a perfect destination for coastal birding. The forest at Diani is a refuge for Fischer’s Turaco, Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Little Yellow Flycatcher and the Uluguru Violet Backed Sunbird.
Nearby Dzombo Hill is home to a Digo Kaya (see Cultural Safari) and is also home for the rare Sokoke Pipit, the African Crowned eagle and around 33 other forest dependent species.
Offshore, the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park has an important population of rare Roseate Terns, among other pelagic birds, centred on Kisite Island.
Monkey Rescue
The Jadini- Diani forest region is a refuge for the highly endangered Black and White Colobus Monkey. Both the Angolan and more common Guereza sub species are present here. A local group The Wakaluzu Trust is devoted to the conservation of these rare primates and their habitat.
The colobus and other primates of this area, including vervet monkeys and baboons are threatened both by traffic on the main coastal road, and by hand feeding by tourists which encourages anti-social and unnatural behaviour.
The Wakaluzu Trust works builds aerial bridges across the roads to prevent traffic casualties, and work to educate tourists against feeding monkeys.
They also have a program to sterilize male baboons to prevent over population problems that threaten the local eco-system.
View our Kenya Suggested Itineraries or Kenya Beach & Safari Special Offers to get some ideas or email us to get a This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. now.
One of the best ways to explore the South coast and surrounding villages is by bicycle. This gives you the freedom to explore quiet village roads and trails. Cycling is a popular form of local transport in this area, and on most paths and roads you will encounter other cyclists.
Local people will always be willing to help out with directions and advice, and are often quite keen to meet and talk with visitors to Kenya. This is an ideal opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise, and get a new perspective on the area and local life.
Bicycles can be hired locally all along the coast either from hotels or private operators. Check the condition of the tyres, chain and frame before hiring a bike.
Bird Watching
The South Coast is a perfect destination for coastal birding. The forest at Diani is a refuge for Fischer’s Turaco, Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Little Yellow Flycatcher and the Uluguru Violet Backed Sunbird.
Nearby Dzombo Hill is home to a Digo Kaya (see Cultural Safari) and is also home for the rare Sokoke Pipit, the African Crowned eagle and around 33 other forest dependent species.
Offshore, the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park has an important population of rare Roseate Terns, among other pelagic birds, centred on Kisite Island.
Monkey Rescue
The Jadini- Diani forest region is a refuge for the highly endangered Black and White Colobus Monkey. Both the Angolan and more common Guereza sub species are present here. A local group The Wakaluzu Trust is devoted to the conservation of these rare primates and their habitat.
The colobus and other primates of this area, including vervet monkeys and baboons are threatened both by traffic on the main coastal road, and by hand feeding by tourists which encourages anti-social and unnatural behaviour.
The Wakaluzu Trust works builds aerial bridges across the roads to prevent traffic casualties, and work to educate tourists against feeding monkeys.
They also have a program to sterilize male baboons to prevent over population problems that threaten the local eco-system.
View our Kenya Suggested Itineraries or Kenya Beach & Safari Special Offers to get some ideas or email us to get a This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. now.