Diani Beach: Out and about by land, sea and air

These days many travelers want to do more than just relax on the beach and have an occasional dip in the ocean, they want to discover all there is to see and do in the area. Diani Beach has often been ranked among the top beach destinations on the planet with good reason. Its sandy white beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean draw people from all over the world. Diani is the perfect place to enjoy the Swahili Coast, especially combined with a safari. 

From Diani, there are many exciting day excursion possibilities to explore the surrounding region from diving and snorkeling to dhow cruises, island exploration and cultural encounters. 

Sea - Diani Beach by Boat

Dhow Cruises
One of the best ways to enjoy the Swahili coast is in a traditional boat called a dhow. Cruises can take place in the morning or afternoon/evening. The most popular cruise is the romantic sunset cruise. This magical experience is where the sunset paints the sky from oranges to the palest mauve and indigo turning into a star-strewn sky. Dhow cruises combine history and culture with a sense of adventure. Sailing towards the magical sunset enjoy the silence and beauty of the Ocean. Occasionally you will see the dolphins along the route or even on rare occasions the whale sharks during the season. The experience includes a sumptuous dinner.

Wasini Day Tour - one of the greatest marine parks in the world
Departing Diani at 08:00 you will travel past sugar plantations to Shimoni (45 min) where you will embark on a dhow (traditional boat) for the Kitsite Marine Park which is second only to the Great Barrier Reef for its diversity of marine life. It is most renowned for its population of Green and Hawksbill turtles. The reef is also a sanctuary for around 200 spinner and bottleneck dolphins which you may see from the boat on the cruise. The ride to the park takes around 1 hour. When you arrive you will have the opportunity to snorkel among the coral reef marveling at the diversity of life below the waves. The excursion is led by certified local guides who know the best spots on the reef.

With the tide, a sand bank emerges from the waves, creating the perfect beach to relax and soak up some sun. All that snorkeling works up an appetite!  You will then board again and head for the mainland where you will be served a stunning freshly prepared lunch. After lunch, you will visit the Shimoni Slave caves and gain some insight into the slave trade in the region. Travel back to your hotel or penthouse between 15:30 and 16:00.

Funzi Island - explore off-the-beaten-track

Funzi Island comprises four islands in the delta of the Ramizi River and is one of the most diverse islands on the south coast with mangroves, wetlands, forests, and beaches. En route to the island, you will stop off on a sand bank out at sea that offers a stunning spot for swimming.

The main attraction is a boat ride up the Ramizi River which allows visitors to see mangrove wildlife, especially birdlife, and the star attraction - the crocodiles. Lunch is enjoyed in a traditional Swahili restaurant in the village where you can enjoy seafood specialties such as local crab and fish with coconut rice. Vegetarian and other options are available too. The tour starts at 07:30 and lasts about 6 hours.

Rare Whale Sharks & Humpback Whales - seasonal visitors
Humpback whales and whale sharks are some of the rarest creatures that man encounters in our oceans. They are beautiful speckled giants who migrate up the coast. Every year around mid-July migrating humpback whales start to appear off Diani Beach, peaking between mid-August and mid-October. In October the whale sharks also start arriving and we have had both humpback whales and whale sharks during the same trip. Annual humpback whale-watching tours begin in mid-August. The trip lasts 4 hours and takes place every day from 10.00 - 14.00.

SUP
Another option is to enjoy a stand-up paddle excursion along the river through the mangroves. This is a wonderful way to explore the mangrove forests, which are extremely vital coastal habitats protecting shorelines and acting as breeding grounds for fish and birdlife. Guests can also pre-book a late afternoon paddle board experience followed by a beach barbeque. The trips can be guided or unguided experiences.

Land - Diani by Bike
One of the best ways to explore the local region is by bike. Many locals get around by bike and it's a great way to soak up local Kenyan culture. A bonus is that it is a sustainable way to discover the area! Many of these excursions directly aid the local villagers and provide income.

Beach Rides
A local guide will take visitors out for a ride along the beach. This is best at low tide so you can ride on the wet sand and head out along the exposed reef to see what sea creatures can be found. The guides can also help you hire a boat from local fishermen to explore further out on the reef and enjoy some snorkeling.

Kinondo Sacred Forest

Take a ride to the Kinondo Sacred Forest, the only forest of the nine coastal tribes open to visitors and a place of spiritual significance to the local Digo people. The ride takes about 45 min through the local community and once you enter the forest the guide will explain why the local people regard the forest as sacred as they believe the spirits of the ancestors dwell there. The tour in the forest lasts about 1 hour 30 min. Proceeds from this trip help the community in schools and the village hospital. This is a good trip to learn about the coastal communities.

Ukunda Village Tour

Experience life with the locals and visit a children's home, dispensary, and school, a project run by sponsors from Belgium. Then tour the Botanical gardens and gain insight into the flora of the region. You will learn about their medicinal values and the beliefs associated with different plants in accordance with the Digo culture. Then head to the Snake Park to learn about the reptiles of Kenya. You will then visit the secret caves. This is a full-day tour that lasts around 6 hours so make sure you pack water and sunscreen.

Air - Introduction to kite surfing at Diani

Ever wondered what it would be like to go kite surfing? This 3-hour introductory course teaches the basics of kite surfing and will allow visitors to reach a point where they can head out to test the waves and wind semi-independently. The training starts with a briefing on all the equipment and how to set up the kite correctly. Once hooked in, the instructors teach the basics of judging the wind and controlling the kite with the bar. How to steer, hover, and control the kite comes next under expert guidance from the trainer. The most challenging aspect is relaunching when the kite crashes. By the end of the session, you will have enjoyed some time on the waves and can book a full course if you have the time and want to expand your skill as practice makes perfect.