Whale Sharks, Sea Turtle Hatchings and Cave Restaurants on the Indian Ocean, Kenya
*We are not in any paid partnerships with hotels or tour operators. All of our views are our own based on real-life experiences we’ve had during our travels.
Where to go:
As well as being one of the best safari destinations in the world, Kenya’s coastline is on the Indian Ocean, the warmest ocean in the world. So you don’t have to go far to get white sand beaches and tropical conditions at a fraction of the cost of some tropical paradises.
But the big question is: Mombasa vs. Diani Beach?
Mombasa and Diani Beach are both Kenyan gems, but they offer contrasting flavours of coastal paradise.
Mombasa, a bustling coastal city and the second largest city in Kenya, boasts a vibrant blend of culture, history, and urban energy, with its Swahili architecture and bustling markets
Diani Beach is a tranquil, palm-fringed haven, offering pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters that make it the perfect retreat for those seeking pure relaxation
Whether you crave the vibrant rhythm of Mombasa or the serene seclusion of Diani, Kenya's coast has the ideal escape for every type of traveler. Our pick, after safari, has to be Diani Beach. The landscape, beaches and accomodation in the area is incredible and certain places won’t break the bank for a luxury stay.
Interesting fact: Diani Beach is consistently ranked as the #1 Beach Destination in the whole of Africa.
Getting to Diani Beach:
Driving between Mombasa and Diani Beach
If you can’t decide between Mombasa and Diani Beach, you can always combine the two, with the drive just over an hour between them.
Depending on your travel plans into Kenya, you might be flying directly into Mombasa meaning this is a good option.
You can pick up a taxi between the two for around $50. If, like us, you don’t mind haggling, you might even do better.
From Nairobi
Flying:
The first time we came to Diani Beach was directly from Nairobi, having returned from safari in the Maasai Mara. The drive is over 9 hours so not something we fancied doing this time.
The good news is you can fly directly into Diani Beach (Ukunda Airport) with two flights operating everyday from Nairobi. You can pick up a flight for as low as $55 one-way and then it’s only a few minutes from the airstrip to the beach.
Here’s the Safari Link website for latest flight prices.
Train:
We’ve never done this but you can take the Madaraka Express: the train that runs directly from Nairobi to Mombasa. The train operates at 3pm and 8pm daily with a journey time of 5 hours 30 minutes. But the highlight of taking this option is passing by some of Kenya’s national parks, meaning you do have a chance of some animal spotting from the train.
It’s a reasonable option with tickets being:
First Class: 3000ksh ($20)
Standard Class: 1000ksh ($7)
Do have a read of some of the reviews before booking this option as there are mixed experiences, particularly during the security checks when getting on board. But, if you are looking for a cost effective way of making the trip, this could be the one.
Where to stay in Diani Beach:
Diani Beach is up there with the nicest beaches we’ve ever seen around the world but you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a little slice of luxury whilst here (though you can).
There are plenty of hotel options available, but some our standout mentions are the following:
Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa
Leopard Beach Resort & Spa
Swahili Beach Resort
Amani Luxury Apartments
Baobab Beach Resort & Spa
Luxury on a budget:
We stayed at Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa on our first trip to Diani Beach. We found this a great option for luxury on a budget with the hotel being 5* but the room rate, on average, being below $100 per night throughout the year. In terms of value for money, we found this hard to beat in Diani Beach. There are nicer 5* hotels (some listed above) but not at that price tag.
This is a serene coastal retreat situated right on the beach. The resort offers a peaceful ambiance with sweeping ocean views and direct access to the Indian Ocean. It provides a tranquil escape with comfortable accommodation, spa experiences, and multiple dining options, including a focus on fresh seafood.
The highlights for us were the outdoor experiences. The guest access on the beach was great, as were the pool bars (we spent many a day working from the swim up bar). You can also enjoy in a range of activities such as water sports, snorkeling, and nature exploration to fully immerse yourselves in the natural beauty of the coastal environment.
Luxury not on a budget:
If you want that step up on a trip to an Indian Ocean paradise then our recommendation has to be Swahili Beach Resort. We definitely got the ‘wow’ factor when we walked into this resort for the first time.
With its vibrant, Makuti-thatched villas and beachfront infinity pools, it's the kind of place where flip-flops meet luxury, and coconuts meet cocktails. It is visually stunning and has access to lots of different things to do, from water activities to entertainment to nature exploration.
The average nightly rate is around $200-240, but Swahili Beach Resort definitely earns the 5* tag in our books. The level of detail here is just that step up and it still isn’t in the price bracket of some of the luxury hotels in Diani Beach.
Our top 5 things to do
1
Once in a lifetime encounter with Whale Sharks
You can’t come to Diani Beach and not do something on the water.
Want to get up close to the largest fish on Earth? This makes our list as one of the most amazing experiences we will ever have in our lifetime.
Nothing can quite prepare you for the moment you first see a whale shark under the water. And you can do it right from Diani Beach.
Embarking on an exhilarating adventure with Whale Shark Adventures in Diani, Kenya, promises an unforgettable encounter with the gentle giants of the ocean. Whale Shark Adventures ensure a safe and eco-friendly interaction, respecting the natural habitat of these majestic creatures.
The journey begins with a boat ride into the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The team put up a spotter glider to get an aerial view of the ocean, radioing back around any whale shark activity from the air. This is a huge differentiator from other whale shark tours around the world. Those eyes in the sky give you a good chance of seeing them when they are in the area.
As you slip into the water, the sheer size and grace of these magnificent whale sharks become apparent. There is something incredibly humbling about coming face-to-face with one of the world’s largest animals and seeing how peaceful and elegant they can be. We can’t put this into words so can only say that this a must.
Check the season as whale sharks aren’t always in the area around Diani Beach. If you are going in whale shark season then we cross our fingers that you get to experience this whilst you’re there.
2
Dive or snorkel marine protected coral reefs on Wasini Island
Just a few kilometers off the coast of Diani Beach, you'll find the enchanting Wasini Island and the Kisite Marine National Park. This marine sanctuary spans 28 square kilometers, boasting pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
The true marvel here, however, lies in the abundant presence of dolphins and sea turtles. Almost everywhere you look, pods of dolphins or sea turtles gracefully emerge from the water.
Our choice for this memorable trip was Pilli Pipa Dhow Safaris, a remarkable operator that offers a unique experience. Instead of the usual motorboat, you'll journey to Wasini Island on a traditional Indian Ocean wooden sailing boat, adding a touch of authenticity to your adventure.
Once inside the marine park, there are numerous dive sites suitable for both beginners and certified divers. You can explore the Pilli Pippa website for detailed information on the diverse dive options available with this PADI-certified operator.
If snorkeling is your preference, you'll be spoilt for choice with the untouched and thriving coral reefs in the area. Don't be surprised if you find sea turtles swimming gracefully beside you during your aquatic exploration.
Many of the day tours with Pilli Pipa include a delicious lunch on Wasini Island. Here, you can savor traditional Swahili culture while dining on mouthwatering seafood dishes with a view of the water and the lush mangrove forests on the island.
This experience offers an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and adventure, making it the ideal way to uncover the underwater beauty of the Kenyan coast.
3
3
Eat a luxury dinner inside a cave
If you're a food enthusiast like us, we've been fortunate enough to dine in some incredible places worldwide. However, one of the most exceptional dining experiences can be found right near Diani Beach.
Ali Barbour’s, a fine dining gem, is nestled within a natural coral cave that's been around for nearly 180,000 years. Yes, you read that right – fine dining inside a cave! This unique setting provides an intimate and surreal atmosphere, and the best part is the affordability of this luxury restaurant.
As you enter the cave, you're greeted by the warm glow of candlelight and the soothing sound of waves breaking against the rocks, providing a serene and magical backdrop to your dining experience. The natural openings in the cave’s roof allow the sun to set perfectly inside the cave, so we’d recommend getting there just before for the best experience.
Ali Barbour’s is a haven for seafood lovers, given its prime location along the Indian Ocean. While it specialises in exceptional seafood options, it caters to all dietary requirements so you’re guaranteed fine dining for your preference.
And…it's just a quick 10-minute drive from Diani Beach, making it an unmissable dining destination for your coastal adventure. We can’t recommend this enough!
4
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Forest
Nestled amongst Kenya’s eleven coastal forests lies Kaya Kinondo, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. This forest is not just a haven of natural beauty but also a repository of history, notably the fortified villages constructed by the Mijikenda tribe in the 16th century.
Kaya Kinondo is more than just a forest; it's a sacred sanctuary, cherished by the Mijikenda people. It's a spot for deep spirituality and a source of traditional healing practices.
Now, here's the cool part: Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest isn't your run-of-the-mill tourist spot. It's tucked away, but the good news is, you can easily reach it by taking a short drive from Diani or joining a Kinodo nature tour. It's like uncovering a hidden treasure in Diani's array of attractions!
Nature lovers, this place is a paradise for you. It's also a living museum of history and a chance to dive headfirst into the local culture. Trust me, it's up there with our favorite attractions in Diani.
5
Safari in Shimba Hills National Reserve
Kenya is, without doubt, one of the best safari experiences in the world. And most people come here to visit the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu or Tsavo national reserves.
But animal spotting is right on your doorstep in Diani Beach, with Shimba Hills National Reserve, just over 30km away from the beach. The fact that it isn’t that well known among other national parks in Kenya, means you can secure great rates when visiting, particularly if you intend to do an overnight stay.
Interestingly, the reserve also hosts the largest population of African Elephants in the whole of Kenya so, if you’re set on seeing these gentle giants in their environment, Shimba Hills makes for a great day trip or overnight stay.
As of 2023, the park entry fee is:
$22 (International Adult Visitor)
$12 (International Child Visitor)
This is very reasonable against other park entry fees and you can spot 3 of the big 5 here, including the elusive leopard.
As well as game drives, check out Sheldrick Falls waterfall and the Mwaluganje Forest.
Unplanned bonus: turtle hatchings on the beach
We couldn’t officially add this to our top five things to do in Diani Beach, as it was completely unplanned.
Diani is full of sea turtles. Being on the Indian Ocean, we saw them everyday. But didn’t expect to be taking a stroll along the beach, only to find that it was hatching day for one of the nests.
We quite literally stumbled across thousands of sea turtle hatchlings making their maiden voyage from sand to sea. Local conservationists from the community were there on the day and informed us that, during season, this is a common occurrence, and they’d be monitoring and protecting the nesting site over the few months before.
It did help to be in the right place at the right time, but it is not uncommon in Diani Beach to come across sea turtle nests at different points of the year. So we would definitely recommend you try and find out online or when you arrive or there has been any turtle activity in the area and you might just get lucky, like us!
