10 Best Things to Do in Diani Beach (2025 Guide)
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Do Nothing
Let’s start with the obvious: the beach. Diani stretches for more than 10 kilometers along Kenya’s south coast, and honestly, you’ll never get bored of it. Soft, white sand that feels like flour under your feet, and the kind of water that makes you rethink your life priorities.
We stayed just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, and most of our mornings started with a barefoot stroll followed by a swim. No shoes. No stress. Just blue skies and that ridiculously perfect sea.
Bear in mind that the tides here are dramatic, when it’s low, the beach seems to stretch forever and the reef becomes visible. High tide? Time to float, swim, and watch kite surfers do their thing. The tides can change within a day.
If you are wodnering what’s the best way to get to Diani Beach, you can find out here!
Try Surfing
If you’re into water sports, Diani is the place. The conditions are perfect for both beginners and intermediate surfers, and there are plenty of surf schools dotted along the beach.
I didn’t try it myself, but my husband gave it a go and let’s just say, he severely underestimated how tough it would be. One hour in the water absolutely crushed him. He says he enjoyed it, but I’ve never seen him that exhausted in my life.
If you’d like to try out kite surfing, you can give it a go here at KiteMotion Kiteschool.
Go Snorkeling at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park
This was a major highlight.
We booked a full-day tour that took us out on a traditional dhow (think Pirates of the Caribbean, but Kenyan), cruising toward Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park. The snorkeling here is world-class, coral gardens, colorful fish, and if you’re lucky, dolphins swimming right next to your boat (and we were!).
It’s about a 2-hour drive from Diani to Shimoni, where the boats leave, but trust me, it’s worth every bump on the road.
Take a Trip to Wasini Island
While you’re out that way, Wasini Island is another must.
It’s a sleepy little island with no cars, no paved roads, and zero stress. After snorkeling, most tours stop here for a seafood lunch (crab and coconut rice, yes please). You can also visit the coral garden and the village. It’s simple, raw, beautiful and gives you a feel for the quiet rhythm of life on Kenya’s coast.
Usually this is combined with a trip to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park.
Most tours include land transfer from your Diani Beach hotel to Shimoni, a small port village about 1–1.5 hours away. At Shimoni, you’ll board a traditional dhow for the rest of the journey.
The tour we booked and that we can recommend you can find below:
Explore Shimba Hills National Park
Source: https://heregoeskenya.com/place/shimba-hills-national-reserve/#google_vignette
Beach one day, safari the next? Absolutely possible.
We didn’t personally do this one, mostly because we’d just come from a Masai Mara trip before heading to Diani – but everyone we met recommended it. If we hadn’t already ticked the safari box, this would’ve been high on our list.
Shimba Hills National Park is only about 45 minutes from Diani, and it’s q great half-day escape when you’re ready for a change of scenery. The air is cooler, the forest is thick and lush, and the views stretch all the way back to the ocean.
There are elephants here (though sightings aren’t guaranteed), as well as antelope, monkeys, and the famous Sheldrick Falls – as I found with these tours, a short hike will get you there, and if it’s not too dry, you can take a dip under the falls.
Visit a Local School in Ukunda
One of the most meaningful things we did was book a cultural tour with a local guide, which included a visit to a school in Ukunda, the town just inland from Diani.
Our guide, Juma, was born in Ukunda and showed us around with so much pride and knowledge. We visited a local market, met kids at the school (who were total pros at posing for photos), and learned a bit more about daily life behind the beach resorts.
If you’re interested, ask around or book with a trusted local operator, it’s a great way to connect with the community in a way that feels respectful and real.
Dinner at Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant
Sunset Drinks at Nomad
If you’re wondering where to grab a drink and watch the sun do its dramatic African goodbye – Nomad Beach Bar is your best bet.
It’s stylish without trying too hard, right on the beach, with comfy seating, swaying palms, and a golden-hour view that makes everything feel like a scene from a movie. Their cocktail list is solid, the pizzas are surprisingly good (especially after a long beach day), and the vibe is just right, relaxed but not boring.
If you’re more of a beer person, like my husband, you’ll probably end up ordering a Tusker. He fell in love with it instantly and is still trying to figure out how to ship a case back home. If you crack the code on that, please report back.
Massage or Spa Time
After your snorkeling/surfing/safari days, treat yourself.
There are a few great spas around Diani, and even the beach massage ladies (yes, the ones who walk around offering massages for 1000 KES) are surprisingly skilled. Just make sure it’s from someone who works with a reputable provider or hotel, or ask your accommodation to book it for you. This is what I did, they had a masseuse come to my room and do it at the hotel.
Day Trip to Tiwi Beach
Just north of Diani, Tiwi Beach is like Diani’s more chilled-out little cousin.
It’s quieter, less developed, and has some of the clearest tidal pools you’ll ever see. Bring your own snacks and drinks, because there are only a couple of beach bars around. Perfect for a slow day when you don’t want to do anything except float, read, and maybe nap in the shade.
One Last Thing: Beach Boys
If you spend a bit of time on Diani Beach (and you should), you’ll probably notice the local “beach boys” – guys walking up and down the sand offering things like coconuts, jewelry, boat tours, massages, or camel rides.
They’re not dangerous, not in the slightest, and most are genuinely friendly. But they can be persistent. Especially if you stop to chat or show interest. It’s part of how they make a living in a tough economy, so no judgment there. That said, if you’re not in the mood for a conversation or being pitched something every few minutes, the best thing to do is politely ignore or keep it brief. Engaging, even with a “maybe later”, often opens the door for them to keep trying. I know it sounds harsh to just ignore them, but trust me if you are not in the mood it’s the best thing to do.
Even if you’re on a sunbed in front of your hotel, some might still try to get your attention. Just something to be aware of so you’re not caught off guard. It’s all part of the Diani experience, and once you find your rhythm, it’s easy to enjoy the beach without feeling overwhelmed.
So, Is Diani Beach Worth Visiting?
Absolutely – and then some.
Everyone seems to rave about Zanzibar, but let me just say it: Diani Beach is just as impressive, and in many ways, even better. The long stretch of white sand, warm turquoise sea, and swaying palms can rival anything you’d find in Thailand or the Caribbean, without the massive crowds.
What makes Diani special is the balance. It has just enough tourist infrastructure to make things easy and comfortable, but it hasn’t lost its soul. You’ll still feel like you’re in Kenya, not some overdeveloped resort town.
The people are kind, the food is fresh (and way better than expected), and there’s so much to do that a week genuinely won’t feel like enough.
We left sun-drunk, salt-sticky, and already talking about when we’d come back. That tells you everything.
FAQ: Visiting Diani Beach in 2025
Is Diani Beach safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Diani Beach is considered one of the safest areas along Kenya’s coast. Locals are warm and welcoming, and solo travelers (especially women) generally feel comfortable. Just use common sense. Avoid walking alone on the beach at night, and book tours through trusted guides or your hotel.
When is the best time to visit Diani Beach?
The best months are January to March and July to October. These are dry seasons with plenty of sun, warm ocean water, and perfect weather for snorkeling or safaris. April and May are the rainy months, so best avoided if you want consistent sunshine.
Do I need any vaccines or medication for Diani?
It’s recommended to be up-to-date on Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Diani is in a low-risk malaria zone, but some travelers still take antimalarials as a precaution. Always consult your travel clinic or doctor before you go.