Here are the best things to do in Diani Beach. Located 30km south of Kenya’s Mombasa, Diani Beach is a stunning coastal destination on Kenya’s south coast. Known for its pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush surroundings, Diani Beach offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Diani Beach was voted Africa’s leading beach destination six times in a row between 2013 and 2018. So, grab your sunscreen, camera, and cigars (Kiroiko), and let’s explore Diani, Kenya, on a budget.
Best Things To Do In Diani Beach
1. Visit the Diani beach
The beaches of Diani are the perfect place to get away from the city, and they’re ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and yoga. The beaches are also where many artists and musicians come to relax and showcase their talent. There are many beaches in Diani, but if you want to relax and get away from the city, then you should visit Diani Beach.
Diani Beach is a beautiful spot in Kenya. The white sand and its scenic view attract both local and international tourists. Local visitors enjoy the beach for fishing, sunbathing, and picnicking. International tourists come to the beach for relaxation, to enjoy the cool water, to be surrounded by nature, and to take in the scenery.
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2. Glass boat tours at Diani Beach
For those who want to stay dry but still want to enjoy the vast ecology, glass boat tours are a fantastic day out. View schools of vibrant fish swimming under you as you sail in a glass-bottom boat. Learn about marine life and regional Indian Ocean myths from the tour guides from Kaaribu.com.
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3. Visit the Colobus Conservation Centre
Located in Diani, the Colobus Conservation Centre is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers. This conservation centre focuses on the protection and preservation of the colobus monkey, an endangered species found in the area. Take a guided tour to learn about the conservation efforts and get up close to these magnificent creatures. The entrance fees are affordable and contribute to the ongoing conservation work.
4. Go Deep-Sea Fishing
The excitement that comes with deep-sea fishing is heavenly. Diani Beach provides tourists with a chance to become better anglers. Or even better, overcome water phobia. Fishing takes place at depths (of over 30 metres, which is the only way to ensure adventurers don’t end up with typical fish seen in shallow waters. The waves on the deep waters are less forgiving, and every fish presents a new baiting challenge. But this is what makes the entire process momentous.
5. Take a Day Trip to Wasini Island
Escape the hustle and bustle of Diani by taking a day trip to Wasini Island. This idyllic island is known for its crystal-clear waters, thriving coral reefs, and dolphin sightings. Join a guided boat tour that includes snorkelling, a visit to the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, and a delicious seafood lunch prepared by the locals. The cost of the day trip starts from 50 USD and offers a memorable island experience.
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6. Enjoy Local Cuisine at Affordable Eateries
Diani offers a diverse range of culinary delights, and you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy them. Explore the local eateries and street food stalls that offer delicious meals at affordable prices. Indulge in traditional Swahili dishes like biryani, samosas, and freshly grilled seafood. You can also find international cuisine options to suit various tastes. By dining at these budget-friendly establishments, you can savour the flavours of Diani without straining your wallet.
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7. Diving at Diani Beach
All along Diani Beach, marine parks have been formed; these regions of protected seas preserve the environment and marine life. They’re fantastic for diving and snorkelling and worth the trip. Kenya is one of the few places where reef shark sightings are common. While diving beneath the surface, one can observe the endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles that live in these waters.
8. Explore the Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest
Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest is located in the Diani Beach area of Mombasa. It is a 30-hectare forest with 187 plant species, including thirty-six endangered ones. The forest provides shelter to animals such as leopards, hyenas, and monkeys. Some of these animals are protected by conservationists and they are seen in the forest from time to time. Furthermore, the local Digo community of Mjikenda uses Kaya Kinondo Forest for spiritual rituals and ceremonies.
The Digo people are known for their environmental conservation efforts and their rituals and ceremonies to maintain a balance between humans and nature. During your time in the forest, your guide will advise you on the dos and don’ts, like wearing a black sarong, no kissing, no desecration of the sacred land, and most importantly, not littering or picking anything on/off the forest.
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9. Discover the Shimba Hills National Reserve
Just a short drive from Diani, the Shimba Hills National Reserve is a hidden gem that offers an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty. Embark on a self-guided walking safari through the reserve and spot elephants, giraffes, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. The entrance fees are reasonable, and the experience is truly unforgettable.
10. Relax and Unwind at Spa and Wellness centres
After a day of exploring, what better way to unwind than by indulging in a spa treatment or wellness activity? Diani has several affordable spas and wellness centres that offer a range of treatments and activities, such as yoga, meditation, and massage. Take the time to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body while staying within your budget. As well, you can also have a sunset class by the beach through Kaaribu.com.
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11. Snorkelling at Kisite Mpunguti Island
If you haven’t been to Wasini and Kisite Mpunguti Islands, have you been to Diani? Negotiating with the middlemen can be a little hectic but there are a couple of options, such as Kaaribu.com that we have used before. The rate usually starts from 60 USD and that’s inclusive of pick up to and drop off, park fees, boat fees and seafood lunch right after your excursion.
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12. Swim with Dolphins
You must have heard about the world’s oceans, the most beautiful and peaceful place on earth. There are several marine spots near Diani where you need to go swimming with dolphins and whale sharks. Wasini Island and Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve. So, what are you waiting for? If you are planning to visit Diani Beach, go through this blog to make the most of your trip.
13. Playing Golf
After all your beach activities, it is time to roll the golf ball in the lush gardens. Diani boasts of a world-class golf course from the best providers. The fairways run are fully irrigated and traverse Cashewnut, Casuarina, and Pine trees, providing an exciting yet challenging ground to play your game.
The course can come with 85 bunkers, and big lakes, and stretch over 6,000 metres. While on the course, you will enjoy the presence of different birds and monkeys. It is the perfect place to spend a holiday with your whole family or as a group of golfers.
14. Camel Ride along the Beach
There’s no better way to enjoy Diani’s soothing atmosphere, chilled vibes, and gorgeous visuals than taking a camel ride. Locals strap their bumpy backs with comfortable clothing materials to ensure maximum comfort, even when riding for long distances. An adult camel can carry about 1,300 pounds on its back, so lovebirds can take a tour together without feeling like they are hurting the animal. Camel rides are also an exciting way to get to different exquisite restaurants along the coastline.
15. Go Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing may seem like an unapproachable sport, especially with its steep learning curve. However, Diani Beach makes it more of a thrilling activity than a challenging one, thanks to the reliable winds. The spot also has several leading water sports centres, the most notable being H20 Extreme, which makes every experience unforgettable. Novices can learn the basics, like balancing and coordination, effortlessly and return to their homes feeling like veterans.
16. Check out art pieces at Diani Beach Art Gallery
It’s fascinating to see how artwork in this staggering spot brings out the qualities of different cultures. The soothing atmosphere and airy space in the gallery create a feeling of tranquilly. One that’s undeniably hard to achieve in bustling cities. The eyes of art lovers are immediately drawn to staggering pieces from well-known and upcoming artists from Kenya and Africa. The super-friendly guides have an impeccable knowledge of every work of art that makes tourists feel like the next Leonardo da Vinci.
17. Fine Dine at Ali Barbour’s Cave
Diani Beach is home to exquisite hotels that are a haven for food lovers. While each restaurant has a one-of-a-kind dining experience, the contentment that Ali Barbour’s Cave brings is beyond explanation. It’s a massive underground chamber that is believed to be over 120,000 years old. Soft candlelights greets tourists as they descend into the cave, and there’s a magical feeling that comes with it. During the night, the large ceiling allows vacationers to gaze at the stars as they enjoy mouth-watering meals.
18. Visit Bora Bora, Wildlife Park
Situated along Diani Beach Road, this wildlife paradise allows adventurers to get up close with some of Kenya’s most renowned animals. Nature lovers can feed the giraffes under the close watch of experienced guides. After hours of animal watching, adventurers can dine at the on-site café as they watch gorgeous butterflies fly around.
19. Explore the Kongo Mosque
Borrowing a name from the surrounding forest, the Kongo Mosque is an ancient structure rich in history now turned into a tourist attraction. Previously known as Diani Persian Mosque, a name coined by the Arab Merchants who occupied the area then, Kongo Mosque is today more than a worship centre.
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20. Visit the Shimoni Slave Caves
Shimoni is a Swahili word that means ‘the place of the cave’. These Shimoni caves have a fascinating history dating back many centuries. The age of the caves is evident with the huge stalactites and stalagmites inside that complete the horror feel. Shimoni’s history revolves a lot around the cave.
21. Jet Skiing
The usual rate is about Ksh 4000 for about an hour or so but if you don’t have money to splurge, you could go for 1 lap and that would set you back Ksh 1000 only. A lap is not as short as you would imagine and you will be on for about 10 to 15 minutes. Remember, you can always negotiate.
22. The Sands at Nomads
Want to enjoy the sunset while sipping mojitos by the sea? The Sands at Nomad restaurant and bar is your go-to place. You could enjoy a delicious seafood pizza while at it. The customer service is very good and the prices won’t hurt your pocket much.
