Kenya’s eastern boundary is an unbroken line of blue, an azure strip of ocean lying within the protective shelter of reef. The coastline of Kenya is a tropical idyll of soft white sands and gentle sea breeze, where the passing of a day is marked by the slow arc of the sun. The pace of life on the coast is notably slower, languid, more relaxed and at peace with the world.

The turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean brought Kenya’s history to exotic life, washing these shores with influences from all over the world. To explore the coast is to explore history itself, and unwind a fascinating tale written on the winding streets of the 14th Century town of Lamu, or in the bustling dhow docks of Mombasa or the ghostly ruins of Gedi, a deserted city lost deep in the jungle. Dive beneath these waters and discover an undersea paradise. The coral reefs teem with fish, a kaleidoscope of colour and life.

Come ashore to beach resorts and hotels that let you relax and experience this paradise in style and comfort. Lay back and enjoy yourself, or get out and explore. Immerse yourself in a unique coastal culture as rich and rewarding as the local Swahili cuisine. Step back from the beach and discover expanses of rainforest, game rich river deltas, and much more than you ever expected.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

The whale shark, the world’s largest fish, is an elusive, highly migratory oceanic fish that occasionally ventures to a handful of coastlines, swimming with one is truly a memorable experience.

Whale shark satellite tagging expeditions take place on Kenya’s beautiful south coast in the months of February to April each year. The Kenyan coast has in the recent past seen an increase in whale shark population and there is almost guaranteed sightings of these elusive giants.

The whale shark expeditions present an ideal setting for guests to mingle with world renowned scientists and underwater videographers as they go through the rigorous exercise of whale shark tagging. The tagging exercise is aimed at increasing protection afforded to the biggest fish in the ocean which have been a target globally for their valuable fins and liver.

During this period, the East African Whale Shark Trust organizes daily trips and a spotter plane is often available to assist in locating the whale sharks which can be difficult to spot at times. Whale sharks are mostly seen on the surface hence divers and snorkelers can swim with this gentle, curious creature while watching the research teams go through the delicate tagging process.

This is truly a memorable experience and helps to support research and conservation.

Diving in Kenya

Kenya is becoming increasingly popular as a dive destination. Kenya has another great wilderness area hid beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean, a wilderness just as rich, diverse and ripe for exploration as any of our game parks.

Diving in KenyaKenya was for a long time not widely known as a dive destination- but it certainly should be. The calm turquoise waters of our beaches lie in the protective shelter of reef after reef, home to a myriad bounty of sealife. Plunge below the surface and you will discover a new kind of safari- the world’s finest scuba safari.

The diversity and spectacle of Kenya’s wildlife doesn’t end at our shores. Just as our plains are a sanctuary for vast herds of plains game, our reefs are home to huge shoals of many species of fish, stalked by undersea predators as fascinating as our lions and leopards. For those seeking out Kenya’s giant species- our elephant herds are matched by the migratory pods of whales that pass by our outer reefs. 

The coast North of Mombasa has several world class dive sites. Some of the best sites are in the Watamu Marine National Park- a well protected and managed area. The reef here is close to shore, meaning easily accessible shallow coral gardens that are ideal for learners and snorkellers.

The outer reef has some fine drop offs, with sheer walls, and large brain corals attracting consistently abundant sea life. Dives on the central Turtle Reef average at around 10-15 metres, with high spiking coral heads attracting large shoals of colourful parrot and surgeon fish. You will occasionally sight a few white-tip reef sharks that are in residence on the reef.

This area is an important egg laying site for the endangered Green sea Turtle, which lay on the beaches at Watamu several times a year, and they are often seen around this reef. Nearby Moray Reef has a breathtaking overhang dropping 28 metres to a sandy bottom. The coral here is a refuge for octopus and eel, and a massive semi-tame moray. The sharp reef edge has plenty of nudibranch, angel fish, tang, and the occasional grouper or barracuda. 

Kitesurf in Kenya

Kitesurf in KenyaThe Trade Winds of the Kenya coast have brought the world to our shores for centuries. Now they are attracting devotees of the ocean’s latest thrilling action sport- Kitesurfing. Perfect wind conditions, beautiful tropical beaches and ready access to Kenya’s world famous game parks make this the most exciting new destination for ocean borne adventure.

Nyali Beach, North of Mombasa is a 11.5 kms stretch of white powdery sand with a reef 2km offshore that provides a natural lagoon – ideal for starting out or learning to perfect more advanced kite surfing moves. Another prime Kitesurfing destination in Kenya is Che-shale around 25 kms North of Malindi. A small exclusive refuge situated on a deserted golden beach on the fringe of the Indian Ocean, Che Shale is set amongst a coconut palm plantation. 

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