Of course, Diani Beach is at the top of our list as the most popular beach in Kenya. Dive immediately into the picture-perfect azure seas and discover the coral reefs and underwater sandbars beneath your feet.

Diani is a large, white, and long beach surrounded by coconut palms. Coral reefs shield the beach from high waves, making it ideal for swimming, floatation, and snorkeling. Snacks and beverages are available at beachside taverns and cafes. After nightfall, the area offers some of Kenya's best beachfront nightlife.

Diani also makes it simple to mix surfing and safari at the nearby Shimba Hills National Reserve and Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, both of which are a little more than an hour away. It's also a hotspot for adventure sports like kitesurfing, skydiving, and deep-sea fishing.

Overnight accommodations range from backpacker hostels and simple B&Bs to beachfront boutique hotels like AfroChic and upscale private villas like Alfajiri.

Location: Diani Beach, Kwale, Kenya

Kenya's only private island resort floats less than the length of a soccer field off the mainland yet feels a million miles away.

Surrounded by coral reefs and dense tropical foliage, the island offers one main beach as well as other small hidden strands where yours are likely to be the only footprints in the sand. Except for amphibian fins, that is, because Chale is a nesting site for numerous endangered sea turtle species.

At all hours of the day, you will be surrounded by crystal clear water with bright coral and a natural mangrove forest. Feel as if you're at one with nature, even if a kind team is waiting on you hand and foot. The Chale Island, which is 200 meters off the mainland, contains 15 acres of historic indigenous woodland as well as a tidal mangrove lagoon.

The Sands at Chale Island hotel wraps itself around the island's principal beach on the island's windward side. The resort can organize snorkeling or scuba diving in Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, kayaking in the surrounding mangroves, catamaran sailing, deep-sea fishing, and trips up the coast to Diani Beach.

Location: Chale Island, Kenya

Kikambala Beach is located to the north of Mombasa, a vacation city. The white sand and lengthy shoreline encourage relaxing just as much as in other places. This beautiful stretch of shoreline between Mombasa and Malindi is unlike the rest of Kenya's beaches. Until recently, the beach was known more for its sisal (agave) crops than for fun in the sun.

However, a slew of new mega-resorts has turned the beach region into something more akin to the Caribbean. The most notable of these is Vipingo Ridge, a vast hilltop estate with amazing Indian Ocean views and Kenya's top-rated golf course. The daily Safarilink flight service linking Kikambala with Nairobi and Diani Beach is also new.

Despite the frenzied construction, there are still pleasantly empty sands and more modest digs to be found along Kikambala's southern section, as well as further north, surrounding Kilifi Creek.

Location: Kikambala, Mombasa, Kenya

Lamu, a traditional Swahili town, is a living museum of the hybrid African-Islamic-Arabic culture that ruled the East African coast for hundreds of years. Explore the beaches of Lamu Island in northern Kenya.

While Lamu has several gorgeous places to spend a day by the water, Shela Bay on the northern side of the island is one of the nicest. Shela Bay is well-known for its peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views of the crystal blue water in front of you. Because there is no barrier reef, this is one of the few sites on the Kenyan coast where you may hang ten on somewhat surfable waves.

Hungry? Food vendors provide traditional, regional cuisine as they meander along the beaches. Try the samosas, which are said to be some of the best in town. Lamu Island is also studded with beach resorts, ensuring a relaxing beach vacation.

Location: Lamu Island, Kenya

Mambrui, short drive north of Malindi on the coast road, is a beach-secret, goer's a haven for those who know the coast well. Mambrui Beach is a beautiful, natural beach with only a few hotel developments. The golden sand and nearby dunes, as well as the fact that you can drive on the beach, are its distinguishing qualities. As a result, if you want to get to the beach fast, it is advisable getting a motorbike taxi.

The constant offshore winds make this another kitesurfing paradise, but Mambrui also lends itself to deep-sea fishing, snorkeling at Malindi Marine Park, lengthy walks on nearly empty beaches, and fast excursions into nearby Tsavo East National Park.

The residents are quite kind and inviting, and it is especially enjoyable to watch the fishermen bring in their catch of the day. With luck, you might also see flamingos, crocodiles, and hippos in the neighboring Galana River.

Location: Mambrui, Malindi, Kenya

Watamu is a collection of beaches nestled around cerulean coves on the sandy peninsula that separates Mida Creek from the Indian Ocean and is one of Kenya's most popular coastal getaways.

The beach area, located about 10 miles south of Malindi, provides stylish resorts like Lonno Lodge, some of the greatest restaurants along the Kenya coast. Watamu is ideal for scuba diving or snorkeling because of its brilliant blue seas and proximity to nearby coral reefs. See what interesting aquatic creatures you can find swimming beneath your feet. The calm sea makes it ideal for swimming and relaxing in the ocean, while the sandy shores are good for sunbathing.

There's also history: the stone ruins of Gedi, a medieval Swahili village nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. The Arabuko Sokoke Forest Preserve, which runs along the western side of the coast road, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, antelope, and the Sokoke wildcat.

Location: Watamu, Malindi, Kenya

Nyali Beach is a residential enclave in Mombasa County that is linked to Mombasa Island via the New Nyali Bridge. Nyali is well-known for its high-end hotels, magnificent residences, and lengthy white sand beaches.

Nyali is renowned for its strong tourism potential due to its tranquil water, excellent accommodations, and white sand beaches and sea that are popular with divers. It has become a relatively westernized residential area, with all of the necessities of life such as supermarkets, cinemas, retail malls, banks, schools, and post offices.

There are also several luxury hotels on virtually all of the beachfront, such as Nyali Beach Resort, Voyager Hotel, Reef Hotel, Mombasa Beach Hotel. The beach also provides numerous areas of entertainment and activities for tourists, such as beach volley, windsurfing, scuba diving, kitesurf, and much more.

Malls and shops, butterfly and crocodile farms, Hindu temples, and even a golf course are available as urban distractions.

Location: Nyali, Mombasa, Kenya