The Surf Window

Diani Beach

Kwale, Kenya

Beach breakBeginner

Kenya's most celebrated beach resort south of Mombasa has gentle Indian Ocean beach break waves, turquoise water over coral sand, and is one of East Africa's most beautiful coastal destinations, increasingly visited by surfers as Kenya's surf scene grows.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Wind

W

Offshore

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

April–June

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Slow, rolling, very gentle

Length

30–60m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner
  • •Why: The fringing reef protects much of the beach, waves are consistently small and gentle

Hazards

  • •Coral reef, water shoes essential for entering and exiting
  • •Boat traffic from water sports operators
  • •Limited surf instruction or board rental

Local Tips

  • •Diani is one of East Africa's top tourist destinations, book accommodation well in advance
  • •The beach monkey population (Sykes monkeys) will steal unattended snacks and wax

Location

Map showing the location of Diani Beach in Kwale, Kenya

-4.2906, 39.5858