The Ultimate Guide to the Top Beaches in Nyali, Kenya
Nyali, located across the creek from the bustling city of Mombasa, is a true coastal paradise. This Sub-County seamlessly blends the best of both worlds, offering a luxurious and metropolitan beach experience. Known for its high tourist potential, Nyali is fringed by calm waters and beautiful white sandy beaches that continually attract a plethora of domestic and international travellers. The area is home to many high-class hotels and resorts, upscale residential areas, several embassies, shopping malls, cinemas, restaurants, and nightclubs. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover the most popular beaches in the Nyali region, uncovering the hidden gems that make this destination a must-visit.
Pirates Beach
Pirates Beach, also known as Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach, is a popular destination among locals and families looking for a fun and relaxing day at the beach. The beach is located in the Nyali region of Mombasa, Kenya, and borders Bamburi Beach to the south and Nyali Beach to the north. The beach is known for its long stretches of sugar-soft white sand and its protection by the offshore coral reef, it’s also surrounded by coconut palms.
Amenities available at Pirates beach include water sports such as scuba diving, snorkelling, glass-bottomed boat trips to the coral reef, and sailing. It’s a great place to sunbathe and take a walk along the shoreline.
Hotel facilities near Pirates beach Nyali include The New Big Tree Restaurant, Sairock, Lido Beach Resort, Milele Beach Hotel, and Sheratton villagio.
Getting to Pirates Beach from Nyali centre is relatively easy, it should take less than 20 minutes by car depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take public transport for a cost of 30 ksh or a tuk-tuk for 50 ksh. It’s also important to note that traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so it’s best to plan your trip accordingly.
Mombasa Beach
Nestled between the bustling Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach and the popular Nyali Beach, lies a lesser-known paradise – Mombasa Beach. This idyllic stretch of sand boasts soft white grains and warm blue-turquoise waters that will transport you to a world of relaxation and adventure.
Unlike its more crowded counterparts, Mombasa Beach offers a chance to escape the crowds and experience the true beauty of the Kenyan coast. The warm waters are perfect for scuba diving, windsurfing, swimming, snorkelling, or simply sunbathing. For those looking for a more laid-back experience, the beach also offers the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun.
While the beach itself has limited facilities, there are a number of small businesses along the beach that sell both soft and alcoholic drinks, essential items such as swimsuits, floaters, and other beach-related items. You can also rent a beach chair from these vendors, making it easy to fully relax and enjoy your time on the beach.
For those looking for a little more luxury, the beach is backed up by several hotels on the edges, including the Reef Hotel, Voyager Hotel, and the Mombasa Beach Hotel. These hotels offer comfortable accommodations and a variety of amenities, making them the perfect place to rest after a day on the beach.
The Moonshine and Masai Beach Restaurant and Bar are popular choices for those looking for a good meal or a lively atmosphere.
The Mombasa Beach Nyali is easily accessible by car or foot from Nyali Centre, which is about a 15-minute ride depending on the traffic. The cost of transportation is relatively low, with a tuk-tuk ride costing around 50 shillings, or 30 shillings on a public minibus.
Nyali Beach
Nyali Beach is a beautiful and serene stretch of white sandy shoreline located on the Kenyan coast. Bordered by Tudor Creek to the south and Bamburi Beach to the north, it sits behind the affluent suburbs of Nyali. Unlike other beaches in Nyali, there are only a handful of buildings along Nyali Beach, making it a less crowded and more peaceful option for visitors. The beach is easily accessible via hotels or public pathways.
One of the unique features of Nyali Beach is its slope and the varying water depths depending on the tide. Even at low tide, there is always water present, making it a great spot for swimming and other water activities. The coral reef that extends along the Kenyan coast also provides a spacious shallow sea area that is popular among kite surfers, surfers, and wind-surfers.
The upper side of Nyali Beach is known as Mombasa Beach. The two beaches are only separated by a medium-sized coral rock and During high tide crossing to either side can be difficult and risky even for strong swimmers.
Nyali Beach in Mombasa, Kenya offers a variety of accommodation options for those looking to experience the beauty of the beach. Nyali Sun Africa Beach Hotel & Spa, Cocoa Boutique Hotel, Bahari Beach Hotel, Nyali Beach Holiday Resort, and Makwetu Villas are all located on or near Nyali Beach.
Bamburi Beach
Bamburi Beach is partially public, and the edges of the beach are home to some of the most luxurious beach resorts in the region. This beautiful beach is ideal for families, and is part of the Mombasa Marine Park, protected and managed by the Kenya Wildlife Society.
Bamburi Beach is located between Pirates Beach to the north and Serena Beach to the south. Though there are no public facilities on this beach, all the hotels along this beach have daytime tickets for people who need to use their facilities. Visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options along Bamburi Beach, including Sarova White Sands beach resort, Bamburi Beach Hotel, Cowrie shell Beach Apartments, Severin Hotel, Neptune Plaza, Kenya Bay Hotel, Ziwa Beach Resort, Indian Beach Hotel, and more. These hotels and resorts offer restaurants, although prices can be a bit steep. Independent hotels and restaurants along this beach include Charchoma Restaurant, Yuls Aqua dorm, Sea heaven, and Xanas Restaurant and Lounge.
Bamburi Beach offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including snorkelling, windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, diving, sunbathing, and walking. However, since this beach is part of the Mombasa Marine Park, collection of any sea organisms, including shells, is prohibited, and alcohol is also not allowed on this beach. There are very few vendors on this beach, who mostly sell wood carvings, paintings, and beachwear.
The beach is secure and is regularly patrolled by the police or the KWS team.
To get to Bamburi Beach from Nyali Centre, take a public mini-bus heading towards Mtwapa across Nyali Centre and alight at Bamburi Beach or Yuls, where there are public entry points. Alternatively, you can walk from Pirates Beach. A ride on a public bus should cost 50 Kenyan shillings, and a tuk-tuk ride should cost between 50 and 100 shillings.
Safety Tips for a Fun and Safe Beach Experience in Nyali
- Unleash your beach experience with your furry friend as dogs are welcome on Nyali’s beaches, just remember to bring a leash.
- Keep the beaches in Nyali beautiful by utilizing the trash collection points provided and doing your part in preserving the environment.
- Dive into a world of adventure, but be aware of the tide schedule and avoid swimming after 6 pm for your own safety.
- Respect the sea life by not picking shells and remember that crabs call them home.
- Last but not least, make unforgettable memories and have a blast!
