Mombasa county has three main beach areas on its north shore: Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu. They are the easiest beaches to reach from the city and the airport, with no ferry crossing, and they suit short stays, families in all-inclusive resorts and day trips into Old Town.
This guide is part of our Mombasa travel guide; for the rest of your planning, see our guide to things to do in Mombasa.
Beyond Mombasa County: Diani and the South Coast
This page covers the beaches inside Mombasa county only. Diani, Tiwi and Galu sit in Kwale county, across the Likoni Ferry, and have their own resort scene. For hotels there see our Diani Beach hotels guide, and for a side-by-side comparison with the north coast read Diani vs Watamu. For the full coast, north and south, see Mombasa beaches: north vs south coast.
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Nyali Beach
Nyali is the closest beach resort area to Mombasa city, on the North Coast side of Nyali Bridge. The beach runs for approximately 3km and is the most convenient option for travellers arriving by air who do not want to deal with the Likoni Ferry crossing.
Serena Beach Resort and Spa is the top hotel at Nyali and one of the best-maintained resort properties on the Kenyan coast. Rooms range from approximately USD 160-280 per night for a double. The Swahili-influenced architecture is the most distinctive of any Nyali property, and the grounds are well-landscaped. The Tana Restaurant is open to non-residents for dinner.
Voyager Beach Resort is a family-focused all-inclusive property at Nyali with a pirate-ship themed pool and kids club. All-inclusive rates start at approximately USD 130-200 per person per night. The resort is notably child-friendly and has reliable food quality for an all-inclusive property.
Nyali Beach Hotel is a long-established property with rooms from approximately USD 80-140 per night. The hotel sits directly on the beach and has good access to the beach without the premium price of the Serena. Rooms are dated but functional.
The beach at Nyali is accessible and pleasant but generally less scenic than Diani - the sand is darker, the water less clear, and the beach narrower. It is, however, very convenient for day trips to Mombasa Old Town (15 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk).
Bamburi Beach
Bamburi sits 8km north of Mombasa city, between Nyali and Shanzu. The beach is similar in character to Nyali - calm, sheltered, with a mix of resort hotels and smaller guesthouses. The area is more developed for budget and mid-range travellers than Nyali.
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort is the largest property at Bamburi, a full resort with multiple pools, restaurants, and direct beach access. Rooms from approximately USD 120-220 per night.
Bamburi Beach Hotel is a smaller property with rooms from approximately USD 60-100 per night. It is one of the more economical beachfront options on the North Coast.
Haller Park (Bamburi Quarry Nature Trail) is worth combining with a beach day at Bamburi. The nature reserve rehabilitated a former cement quarry into a forest sanctuary and is home to hippos, giraffes, reptiles, and over 200 bird species. Entry costs approximately KES 500 per adult as of 2026. It is 10 minutes on foot from Bamburi Beach hotels.
Shanzu Beach
Shanzu is the quietest of the three, 20km north of the city, with wider open sand and fewer hotels than Bamburi. Serena Beach Resort sits here and the stretch is popular for jet skis and glass-bottom boat reef trips. Allow 30-40 minutes by taxi from the city centre.
Getting Between Beaches
All North Coast beaches (Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu) are accessible by matatu from the Mombasa city centre. Bamburi matatus depart from Mwembe Tayari stage and cost approximately KES 30-50. For South Coast beaches including Diani, take the Likoni Ferry and then a matatu south. Taxis from North Coast hotels to Diani cost approximately KES 3,000-5,000 as the route involves crossing back through the city and taking the ferry.
For places to stay within Mombasa city itself, see our Mombasa hotels guide. For Old Town and the city’s historic core, see our Mombasa Old Town guide.
Reef snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips run from the north shore hotels. For snorkelling day trips, beach excursions, and guided marine park tours, browse Mombasa coast tours on GetYourGuide.