Diani Beach, Kenya : Things to do in Diani, diani beach hotels, diani beach Kenya location
Diani beach is one of Kenya’s most popular and iconic beaches. Every year, Diani Beach welcomes visitors from across the world simply looking to relax and unwind by the beach. The pristine beaches, the clear blue sky, the powerful waves and the friendly people of Kenya is what draws visitors to this beautiful beach. Diani beach is a perfect choice for one looking to unwind by the beach especially for visitors who are on safari in Kenya and would like to visit the national parks and end their safari relaxing by the beach. Diani is perfect to add at the end of one’s itinerary.
Diani Beach has something for every one, the visitor who is looking to relax after a lot of game drives in the national parks, a family looking to spend the holiday by the beach, an adventure enthusiast looking to experience the beauty of coastal Kenya, a slow traveler looking to experience kenya one day at a time, a food lover looking to experience food at the coast and so much more! When you visit Diani, you are spoilt for choice, so much to see and do. Some visitors choose to plan short stays and others choose to plan long stays to fully experience coastal Kenya, whatever your choice might be, Diani is a dream and worth visiting!
Things to do in Diani Kenya
One might wonder what can I see or do while in Diani, well below are the things that you can do while visiting Diani;
Take morning and evening walks on the beach
Taking walks on Diani beach is one of the best things to do in Diani. You can choose to wake up early and head out to the beach in the morning, its usually quiet and peaceful in the mornings with very few people on the beach. This offers you a chance to take a peaceful walk on the beach, step into the water, listen to the sound of the waves and watch the beautiful sunrise with golden rays hitting the water, a truly beautiful sight to behold!
Sunrise at Diani Beach
At the end of the day, you can then choose to take an evening walk on the beach, this is a great way to watch the sunset.Evening walks also offer you an opportunity to see the locals as they retire for the day heading back to their homes. I found the evening walks on the beach to be some of my favorite, the sound of the waves as they get stronger, the locals laughing and talking as they walk back home, the water birds chirping from a distance and locals walking their dogs at the beach. I loved all of it so much.
Evenings at Diani Beach
Jet ski Adventures
For the adventure lovers visiting Diani, a jet ski experience is one of the ways that you can experience Diani. The adrenaline packed adventure involves going on a jet ski on the ocean while riding through the waters as you enjoy a stunning view of the beach. The jet ski activity can take about 30 minutes.
Jet sking in Diani. Photo credit: Freety me water sports
Glass Boat and Snorkeling
The glass boat and snorkeling experience in Diani will offer you an opportunity to spend time watching sea life through the glass boat and in the midst of the trip, you also get to go snorkeling. The activity usually takes between 2 – 2.5 hours, your guide for the day picks you up from the hotel and you head out to experience the sea on a glass boat. You also get an opportunity to swim in the ocean. Snacks and soft drinks are available on the boat. After the activity, you head back to the hotel with photos and memories of a good day.
Visit Fort Jesus Museum
A visit to the Fort Jesus Museum in Mombasa, Kenya is one of the things that you can do while in Diani. Diani beach is situated on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya and the Fort Jesus Museum can easily be accessed from Diani Beach. The drive from Diani beach to Mombasa is between 40 minutes – 1 hour, while in Diani you can choose to go on a day trip to Fort Jesus Museum in Mombasa and learn about the history surrounding coastal Kenya.
Fort Jesus Mombasa
At the museum, you can choose to go on a personal or guided tour, I highly recommend a guided tour because you get a professional site guide who offers you a detailed tour of the museum. For history lovers, a site guide offers you an immersive experience. Fort Jesus is known for its historical significance and its ancient architecture and is believed to have been built by the local Swahili people.
Fort Jesus was captured and recaptured about nine times during the ancient times, however in 1895 it went under British rule and was converted in to a prison. The museum has different sections with different artifacts on display, you visit the section of the dhows that were used for transportation, you stop by a section that displays the tools and firearms that the Swahili people and Portuguese used and you also stop by a section that displays the attire and clothes that the Sultans used to wear. The tour of Fort Jesus Museum introduces to the history that surrounds the port as it also offers you a glimpse into the life of the Swahili people.
Inside Fort Jesus
Wasini Sunset Cruise
What better way to experience Diani that going on a sunset cruise. This is one of the best things to do in Diani as you get to go on a sunset cruise on a Swahili dhow, pick up is from your hotel and then you head to Wasini Island. Wasini Island is 75km south of Mombasa and lies off the coast of Southeast Kenya. You sail on the Swahili dhow, watch the sunset, go swimming and even do snorkeling if that is of interest to you. You get to enjoy snacks and soft drinks while on board. The Wasini Sunset cruise is a half day trip that starts in the afternoon and ends around 7 pm with drop off at your hotel.
Sunset in Wasini
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in Diani offers you an experience underwater with the guidance of diving instructors. This is a great activity to do as you dive underwater to see the sea life, local marine and coral reef life that you see while underwater include moray eels, stingrays, moorish idols, clown fish, trigger fish, nudi branches, hawksbill turtles, guitar rays and surgeon fish among others. Giant whale sharks can also be seen but the best time to see them is between the months of November and April. For the amateur divers, diving instructors are assigned to help guide you during the activity.
Kite Surfing in Diani
Kite surfing is a popular activity in Diani, the best time to go kite surfing is between the months of December to March, the wind is strong at this time of the year. Kite surfing is an interesting activity even for beginners, Diani beach has both areas with shallow and deep end so with the help of your guide you can start with the shallow end. For the expert kite surfers, you can surf in the deep end and ride the waves near the reef, Diani is perfect for kite surfing with its clear waters, great climate and steady wind.
Kongo River Canoe Sunset Cruise
One of the less popular activities in Diani is the Kongo River sunset cruise, although its a less known activity, its perfect for sunset lovers and bird watchers. Kongo River is located north of Diani beach. The sunset cruise happens in a traditional locally made wooden canoe and offers a different experience as you quietly sail across the Kongo River.
A traditional wooden on the Kongo River
For birders, the best time to go on this canoe ride is in the morning when there are fewer people. The morning canoe ride offers you an opportunity to look out for water birds and migrant species. Birds to look out for include Wolly-necked Stork, Lesser Crested Tern, Western Reef Egret, Common Greenshank, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, African Green-Pigeon, Common Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, African Palm-Swift, Sanderling, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Sooty Gull, Black-headed Heron, Little Egret, Great Egret, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Sacred Ibis, African Fish-eagle, Malachite Kingfisher, Little Bee-eater and Water Thick-knee among others.
Wasini Dolphin Safari
One of the things to do in Diani include going on a water dolphin safari. The activity is a full day activity that starts and ends at your hotel. You are picked up and then you head out sailing across the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The safari includes watching dolphins as they exist in their natural habitat, snorkelling, swimming and a Wasini village tour for a glimpse into the life of the locals. The Wasini dolphin safari is with a Swahili dhow hence offering you an experience on the traditional dhow.
Kayaking in Diani
You can choose to go kayaking while in Diani, this is a great activity both for experts and beginners. For a beginner, the guides give you a kayak and then take you through lessons on how to use the double-bladed paddle to push against the water on alternating sides. For the expert kayaker, you simply are given your equipment and you start your activity as you are treated to beautiful views of the beach and the ocean. You can also choose to go kayaking on the Kongo River, a very calm relaxing experience.
Relax at one of the resorts in Diani Beach
Swahili Beach Resort in Diani
One of the best ways to relax while in Diani is at a 5-star resort. There are a number of luxury resorts in Diani that offer the perfect haven for relaxation. Spend time in your luxurious room resting, order room service, eat good food, take walks to the beach, go for a massage and relax in the resort sunbeds as you overlook the ocean. The 5-star resorts have excellent well-trained staff that will make your stay memorable and one for the books.
Visit Beach Restaurants in Diani
You can choose to explore the restaurants in Diani for an experience of Swahili cuisine and sea food. There are a number of restaurants that you can try and these include The Estuary Diani, this is a beautiful restaurant with a great ambiance surrounded by baobab trees and a view of the sea. Their menu consists of Swahili dishes and international dishes. Private dinners can be arranged as well as small-group dinners, the restaurant offers one of the best sunset views in Diani. There is another restaurant in Diani that you can visit which is the Ali Barbour’s Cave restaurant, the best way to visit is by making a reservation in advance. The cave restaurant is famous for its ambiance and fine dining experience. The cave is thought to be 180,000 years old.
A table set at the cave restaurant. Photo Credit: Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant
All in all Diani Beach has so much to offer the visitor and a number of things that one can do while visiting.
Best time to visit Diani Beach
The best months to visit Diani are August, September, December and January. The weather during these months is good and it is not rainy so you get a chance to do the water sport activities and visit the beach as the days are mostly sunny. Other good months to visit are February, March, June and October. For kite surfers, the best time to visit is between December to March.
Where is Diani Beach Located?
Diani beach is located in Kwale county in Kenya, 30 kilometers south of Mombasa. Diani beach lies of the Indian ocean coast of Kenya. The beach stretches for about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) from the Kongo River to Galu Beach.
Best Hotels in Diani Beach, Kenya
The best hotels in Diani include The Sands at Nomad, Swahili Beach Resort, Leopard Beach Resort & Spa, Kinondo Kwetu Lodge and Waterlovers Beach Resort. The resorts in Diani include luxury resorts, boutique hotels and villas.
A superior room at Swahili Beach Resort
