The Surf Window

Malindi

Kilifi, Kenya

Beach breakBeginner

An ancient Swahili port town on Kenya's north coast with a long beach break that handles occasional Indian Ocean swells, best during the SE monsoon season from April to June when the coast sees its most consistent surf.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

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

Wind

W

Offshore

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

April–July

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Slow, rolling beach break, lacks consistent punch

Length

40–80m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner
  • •Why: The waves are gentle and the beach is long and open, very forgiving conditions

Hazards

  • •Rips near the Galana River mouth north of town
  • •Strong tidal currents
  • •Very limited surf culture

Local Tips

  • •Malindi Marine National Park has world-class snorkelling, bring a mask alongside your board
  • •The old Swahili town has Vasco da Gama's pillar from 1498, extraordinary history

Location

Map showing the location of Malindi in Kilifi, Kenya

-3.2166, 40.1166