The Surf Window

Mombasa Beach

Mombasa, Kenya

Beach breakBeginner

Kenya's second city faces the Indian Ocean with gentle, warm beach break waves, the famous white sand beaches of the North Coast offer some of East Africa's most accessible surf, though consistency is limited by the fringing reef.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

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

Wind

W

Offshore

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

April–July

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Gentle, slow, protected by the offshore reef

Length

30–60m

Skill Level

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

Hazards

  • •Boat traffic near the Old Harbour
  • •Water quality near the city centre
  • •Crowded tourist beaches in high season

Local Tips

  • •The North Coast beaches (Bamburi, Shanzu, Kikambala) have better surf exposure than the city beaches
  • •Mombasa's old town with its Fort Jesus is one of Africa's great historical sites

Location

Map showing the location of Mombasa Beach in Mombasa, Kenya

-4.0500, 39.6667