Activities in Diani Beach (2026)
Surrounding the open blue Sea of the Indian Ocean is the Diani beach in Kenya that lies out its Pristine White sand beaches. Also, Diani beach is partly covered with the picturesque riverine forests in the Kwale region in the Southern parts of Mombasa. Among the best activities in Diani Beach are water sport activities like snorkeling, boat trips, kite surfing, and dhow cruises. We shall talk about those things to do near Diani Beach and more in this article.
Best and Worst time to visit Diani beach for Outdoor Activities?
The best time to visit Diani Beach with family, couples, and friends in Kenya is from July to early September. Additionally, it’s because of the dry conditions that contribute to the tranquility of the waters. Hence, it makes it easy for one to carry out activities in Diani Beach, such as snorkeling, boat trips, and scuba diving. Also, marine world animals, such as dolphins, are easily visible during this time.
In the dry season, animals found in the Indian Ocean, including whales, sharks seem to be more active. Note that it’s easy to combine Diani beach holidays with other Kenya things to do like hiking tours at Mount Kenya, in these months.
On the other hand, during the long rainy period from March to May, the weather becomes very cold and uncomfortable. So, makes it the worst time to do activities in Diani Beach. Some of the hotels at this beach are closed due to flooding because of the increase in the Indian Ocean water levels.
Also, the rains from March to May lead to the postponement of things to do near Diani Beach, like boat trips. Additionally, it’s because it would be risky for one to carry out such activities during this rainy period.
How to get to Diani beach in Kenya
By road, one can either decide to use public transport, which is usually the matatu buses. Alternatively, one can rent a car in Kenya, so that they can drive themselves to the beach. However, transportation is covered in our Diani beach holiday packages, so you shouldn’t worry. Also, it takes approximately two hours and over 30 – 54 km depending on the route taken to reach this beach in Kenya from Mombasa.
On the other hand, by air transport, one can book a flight from Wilson International Airport to the Ukunda airstrip. So, the flight time usually takes approximately 60 minutes to reach Ukunda Area, which is 3 km from Diani beach.
What is interesting about Diani Beach?
- Need to experiment and have a taste of different kinds of food in Africa? Diani Beach has a variety of seafood foods to try out like octopus salad, Swahili prawnscoconut curry crabs, and many more.
- This Kenya beach is endowed with a variety of natural diversities like scenic sand views, different habitats of ecosystems. Lastly, with unique wildlife to see in Diani Beach like the Colobus monkeys, dolphins and more.
- Explore the unique Diani Swahili culture that is a blend of different influences. This includes the African Europeans, pigeons, and Asians, hence a reason to visit this place for unique cultural immersions.
- This beach is easily navigable and accessible compared to other Kenya safari destinations. Also, it’s in proximity to other safari points, so, can easily combine the beach holidays with activities like the Masai Mara wildebeest migration.
- Also, Diani beach offers a variety of authentic and exclusive experiences like marine wildlife viewing, kite surfing, and diving. Such experiences are hardly found in other African safari destinations, hence making this beach interesting to be at.
- Lastly, the unique natural tourist attractions to see make this place interesting. For example, the coral reef lagoon that normally offers fun activities like swimming and snorkeling is one of the reasons to visit Diani Beach.
6 Best Activities to do in Diani Beach with Family, Couples and Adults
1. Skydiving at Sky dive Diani - Fun things to do in Diani Beach with adults and Friends
Skydiving is among the fun things to do near Diani Beach is a bit costly. Here, you get an aerial view of the bird’s-eye perspective of Diani beach. This activity involves diving from a small plane and is usually done with guides. This is one of the most thrilling and heart-throbbing activities done at Sky Dive Diani in this destination.
Also, skydiving is unique because one gets an entire view of the astounding scenery of the dramatic landscape. And the coral reefs are accompanied by the dotted towns, all in one experience.
2. Visit the Colobus conservation Centre.
This wildlife reservation area is found on Diani road and is less than a 20-minute drive from Diani beach. Also, it is about 30 kilometers in the Southern parts of Mombasa. This area was established to rehabilitate primates, most especially the Angolan colobus monkeys. So, it’s a wildlife educational and research Centre and is fit for those who want the best places to visit near Diani Beach on a budget with family and friends.
3. Dhow cruising expeditions at Kisite Marine Park - Fun places to visit in Diani
Get to sail on this traditional wooden mode of water transport as you explore the different areas of the Diani beach. You can get here by first driving to Shimoni jetty. Also, it is usually an approximate of 45 minutes from Diani, and then you will use the dhow to sail to the Kisite marine park. At this marine park, you’ll do activities like seeing marine animals, sea birds, and green turtles.
Additionally, taste of the seafood prepared by expert chefs during your Diani beach boat trips. So, this ranks Kisite Marine Park among the best places to visit at Diani beach. You can also get here by air from Wilson International Airport To Moi International Airport, then lastly transfer to Ukunda airstrip.
4. Tour to the Shimba hills national reserve near Diani Beach
This reserve is about 30 kilometers from Mombasa and approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Diani beach by road, 46 kilometers to Shimba Hills. This reserve is famous for its extraordinary scenic vistas, like the Sheldrake’s falls, and a population of elephants that is over 700. So these are the top tourist attractions in Shimba Hills National Reserve near Diani Beach. Lastly, the hills are ideal for activities to do near Diani beach, like nature hiking and flora research, as they have rare plant species like the cycad.
5. Tour to the Kaya Kinondo sacred forest - Awesome things to do in Diani Beach
This spiritual and nature conservation area is found in the southern parts of Mombasa near this beach. Also, Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest is a sacred place of spiritual significance for the indigenous tribe of the Digo Mijikenda community. Hence, explore their unique culture during your tour at Diani Beach.
Also, Kaya Kinondo Sacred forest is about 30 minutes away and approximately 5 kilometers from Diani beach. It is a UNESCO protected area that has a rich biodiversity of endemic species of plants like the Ochna thomasiana, diphessia spp. Additionally, you can spot animals like the skyes monkeys and the yellow baboons near this forest.
6. Scuba diving at the Kisite- Mpunguti marine park
This park is found in the southern region of Diani, as we have seen before. So, it is not only known for harboring marine life but is also good for activities like scuba diving. During this Scuba diving experience near Diani Beach, one is afforded the opportunity of observing marine animals like the dolphins, sea turtles, reef sharks and whale sharks.
Where to stay at Diani Beach.
Diani has resorts and hotels nearby to cater to your stay during your beach holiday in Kenya. NOTE: the prices below are estimated for 2 adults, but they change according to the season.
- Trade wings lodge; 24$
- Diani Camp& Cottages; 27$.
- African Huts villas; 54$
- Beach Shades; 22$
- Tranquil Terrace Cottages Diani; 36$
- Cycad Palm Diani; 32$
- Bahari Dhow Beach villas; 79$
