What are you looking for?

Water Activities in Kenya

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

Kenya is a fantastic destination for a beach vacation in Africa. With picturesque beaches and prime opportunities for watersports like surfing, snorkelling, and windsurfing, a beach holiday in Kenya ticks so many boxes.

Why Should You Go on a Beach and Watersports Holiday in Kenya?

Pristine Beaches

Explore Kenya’s pristine beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline. Think white sand and azure water with stunning coral reefs just below the surface.

Spectacular Marine Life

Snorkelling and scuba diving in Kenya will give you the opportunity to see diverse coral reefs as well as dolphins, turtles, various fish, and whale sharks.

Thrilling Watersports

Kenya boasts ideal conditions for a variety of watersports, including surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and deep-sea fishing.

Swahili Culture

During a beach holiday in Kenya, not only can you relax in tropical coastal paradises, but you’ll be surrounded by Swahili culture and have the chance to enjoy Swahili cuisine, which features Indian, Arab, and Portuguese flavours.

Combine Adventure and Relaxation

A Kenya beach holiday is the perfect combination of seaside relaxation and adventures, ticking boxes for both serene settings and adrenaline-pumping activities.

Best Destinations for a Beach and Watersports Holiday in Kenya

Diani Beach

The powder-fine white sand that stretches over this beach makes Diani a highlight of a trip to Kenya. The clear waters flow over coral reefs, making this an ideal place for scuba diving and snorkelling. Visitors can also enjoy kitesurfing and windsurfing here.

Watamu

The bright blue water flows over vibrant coral reefs, creating a picture-perfect environment for those who venture in. Watamu National Park is home to whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, angelfish, lionfish, and other incredible marine animals, making it a popular destination for snorkellers and scuba divers.

Malindi

Malindi is an ancient Swahili trading port that fell under Portuguese influence in the 16th century, where visitors can explore important historical landmarks and the lively beach restaurant scene. Besides visiting historical sites, a trip to Malindi can also include watersports and beach relaxation. Go on snorkelling and diving trips, surf the waves, and head further out for deep-sea fishing.

Lamu Island

Lamu Island’s Old Town is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa and a must-visit for a glimpse into the fascinating history of this land. Also a tranquil beach destination, travellers can expect stunning beaches, beautiful coral reefs, and a range of activities to take part in, such as canoeing, SUPing, snorkelling, and fishing.

Mombasa (North and South Coast)

Mombasa’s north coast is a must-visit for seaside and water lovers. Enjoy white sand beaches and azure blue waters with stunning, lively coral reefs below the surface. This region is an internationally recognised location for reef and wall diving.

The south coast is a picture-perfect seaside destination with secluded beaches. Travellers can go on deep-sea fishing excursions, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, as well as snorkelling and scuba diving.

5 Tips for a Beach and Watersports Holiday in Kenya

1. Be Selective With Your Dates

December to March is the hottest time of the year (with the occasional short burst of rain) and therefore perfect for beach activities while on a Kenya safari.  July to October features slightly cooler weather, with temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit).

2. Get Quality Gear

For watersports, you can either bring your own gear with you or rent equipment at your destination. Your accommodation can assist with this or point you in the right direction.

3. Be Conservation-Minded

Respect the marine ecosystem and avoid disturbing coral reefs when in the water. Also, respect marine life and avoid touching or coming too close to animals.

4. Hire Experienced Guides

Only use certified instructors for diving and watersports for your safety.

5. Pack Smart

Bring high SPF, a rash guard, and waterproof bags for your belongings.

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

960 Reviews - 5/5 Stars

Craft your journey with the expertise of our dedicated Africa Safari Experts

Start Planning

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Safari Bookings review

"I contacted Chrizaan after my tour operator in the UK went into liquidation 3 weeks before we were suppose to travel. Asking if you could help me to rebook the Camps, Hotels and As Dunas. This Lady went above and beyond what you would consider helping noth..."

John Walker, United Kingdom•13 Oct 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Safari Bookings review

"We had an incredible trip to South Africa. Adelle did an incredible job of setting us up when we only gave her a few weeks notice. We had a different trip booked that got cancelled due to river conditions in Europe so we tried a pivot to South Africa and it..."

Bill Kennedy, United States•14 Sep 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Safari Bookings review

"Chrizaan was friendly, organized and extremely knowledgeable about lodges and safari options that we were interested in. We booked an 11 night tour through Zimbabwe and Botswana starting in Victoria Falls at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge then going to Botswan..."

Linda, United States•12 Aug 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Google review

"We booked our 10-day safari in Tanzania and Kenya through Discover Africa, and it exceeded every expectation. From our first conversation through the end of our journey, everything was exceptionally well organized, allowing us to focus entirely on enjoying ..."

Dwyane George, United States•04 Aug 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"We had an amazing safari experience in Botswana thanks to Chrizaan! She planned everything perfectly and was very professional, honest, and helpful throughout the entire trip. She supported us every step of the way and was always available whenever we ne..."

Mojgan Owliaey, Germany•18 May 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"It was an extensive planning process to put together a 24 day safari and adventure trip covering Victoria Falls, Mana Pools and Hwange Park in Zimbabwe, followed by a wonderful experience in Botswana on the Chobe River and Okvango Delta. There were flight c..."

Tami Jones, United States•19 Nov 2025•

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.