Diani Beach
Kenya's premier beach destination on the South Coast. Pristine white sand beaches, turquoise Indian Ocean waters, Shimoni Caves, and dolphin cruises.
About Diani Beach
Diani Beach is one of Africa's most beautiful coastal destinations, stretching for over 17 kilometres along the Indian Ocean. This stunning beach is renowned for its powder-white coral sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and swaying coconut palms — a tropical paradise that has been voted Africa's Leading Beach Destination multiple times at the World Travel Awards.
The warm Indian Ocean waters (averaging 25–28°C year-round) support vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, making Diani a premier destination for snorkelling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing. Offshore, the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park protects dolphins, sea turtles, and whale sharks. Boat trips to Wasini Island offer the chance to swim with wild dolphins.
Beyond the beach, Diani offers rich cultural and natural experiences. The Shimoni Caves — a network of limestone caverns used during the slave trade — provide a haunting glimpse into East Africa's past. The Colobus Conservation centre protects endangered Angolan colobus monkeys. Diani is approximately 30 km south of Mombasa, making it an ideal beach extension after a safari adventure.
Highlights
Quick Facts
Available Safari Packages
Explore our curated safari packages that include Diani Beach
Nairobi, Masai Mara & Coast
Nairobi → Masai Mara → Nairobi → Coast → Nairobi
Nairobi, Masai Mara & Coast Immersion
Nairobi → Masai Mara → Nairobi → Diani → Mombasa → Nairobi
7-Day Mombasa Coastal Holiday
North Coast → Mombasa → South Coast (Diani)
History & Culture
Discover the rich heritage and cultural significance of Diani Beach
The Slave Trade at Shimoni
The Shimoni Caves, located about 75 km south of Diani, are a network of natural limestone caverns that played a dark role in the slave trade. During the 18th and 19th centuries, enslaved people were held in these caves before being transported to Zanzibar. The name "Shimoni" means "place of the hole" in Kiswahili. Today, the caves serve as a memorial and educational site.
Swahili Coastal Culture
The Kenya coast is part of the historic Swahili cultural corridor extending from Somalia to Mozambique. The Digo people are the predominant local community, known for woodcarving, traditional medicine, and sacred kaya forests — ancient fortified villages now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Arab, Persian, and Portuguese influence is visible in local architecture, cuisine, and the Kiswahili language.
Wildlife & Animals
Discover the incredible wildlife that calls Diani Beach home
Dolphins
Bottlenose and spinner dolphins are regularly spotted off the coast near Wasini Island.
Sea Turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles nest on Diani's beaches, with conservation programmes protecting nesting sites.
Colobus Monkeys
The endangered Angolan colobus monkey inhabits the coastal forest, protected by the Colobus Conservation centre.
Tropical Fish
The coral reefs support over 250 species of tropical fish, from clownfish to moray eels.
Whale Sharks
Between October and March, whale sharks can occasionally be spotted in deeper waters off the coast.
Safari Activities
Experience the best of Diani Beach with these amazing activities
Swimming & Beach Relaxation
Miles of pristine white sand and warm, calm waters make Diani perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Snorkelling & Scuba Diving
Explore vibrant coral reefs at Kisite Marine Park with tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays.
Dolphin Cruise
Boat excursions to Wasini Island to swim with wild dolphins and enjoy a traditional Swahili seafood lunch.
Shimoni Caves Tour
Explore the eerie limestone caves historically used as holding cells during the East African slave trade.
Kite Surfing
Consistent trade winds and shallow lagoon make Diani one of East Africa's best kite surfing spots.
Camel Rides
A unique coastal experience — ride camels along the shoreline at sunset.
Where to Stay
Choose from a variety of accommodation options in Diani Beach
Southern Palms Beach Resort
Sprawling beachfront resort with tropical gardens, pools, and direct beach access.
Did You Know?
Fascinating facts about Diani Beach that will amaze you
Diani Beach has been voted Africa's Leading Beach Destination at the World Travel Awards multiple times.
The Shimoni Caves were used as slave holding cells, with some chambers stretching up to 5 km underground.
Wild dolphins near Wasini Island have a near-100% sighting rate during the right season.
Diani is approximately 550 km from Nairobi by road, passing through Tsavo National Park.
The Angolan colobus monkey is one of Kenya's most endangered primates, protected here since 1997.
Diani's coral reef supports over 250 fish species in one of the western Indian Ocean's most diverse ecosystems.
The beach sand is actually crushed coral, giving it its distinctive bright white colour.
Kite surfing competitions are regularly held here, with consistent south-easterly trade winds June–October.