The islands that jut out into the Indian Ocean are among the best in Africa, but Kenya’s mainland coastline is equally impressive. These offshore gems, which range from Chale and the Penguti Islands in the south to Lamu and Kiwayu in the north, are like more subdued versions of the beaches and resort towns on the mainland.

While some of Kenya’s islands are deserted, others are ideal for a quick getaway. Additionally, keep in mind that Kenya contains several islands in its interior lakes, particularly Lake Victoria and Lake Naivasha. Additionally, a large portion of Mombasa’s Old Town is located on the island known as Mombasa Island. Here, however, we’ve concentrated on the Indian Ocean islands of Kenya, where you should plan your beach or activity getaway. We introduce the best of these in what follows.

1. Watamu Marine National Park

Whether you arrive early in the morning or stay late in the afternoon when all the other boats have returned to shore, the rocky islands of Watamu Marine National Park, surrounded by a beautiful coral reef, have a wonderfully lost world character. It’s usually better to explore underwater; keep an eye out for the sea turtles that live on these islands.

How to get there: Watamu is 40 minutes south of Malindi and two hours north of Mombasa by vehicle.
Activities include fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and swimming.
There are plenty of lodging options in Watamu to fit any budget, but there aren’t any on the islands themselves.

2. Island of Wasini

Wasini Island in Kenya’s far southeast is often rated as one of the most popular Kenyan islands by tourists. Despite being only 5 kilometers (3 miles) long, Wasini manages to blend beautiful beaches, Swahili architectural touches, and a relaxed tropical vibe. The best part is the genuine sense of being off the grid, complete with no automobiles, sporadic electricity, and peaceful streets and beachfronts that are only illuminated by the moon or lamplight. For as long as you can, or for a day, vanish here.

How to get there: Boats transport tourists from Shimoni on the mainland to Wasini if they are not on a scheduled trip.
Activities: Fishing, diving, swimming, and snorkeling
Places to stay: A few options that are affordable to moderate

3. The Island of Lamu

Lamu is a unique and soulful place. Lamu Town, the island’s major settlement, is fascinating because of its beautiful architecture inspired by Swahili and Omani, as well as its aromatic spice warehouses. Nothing compares to gazing out over the roofs at dusk, as the call to prayer echoes through the narrow space of alleys below.

However, Lamu is also home to Shela Beach, one of Kenya’s most beautiful beaches, the villages of Matondoni, where people construct the traditional wooden sailboats called dhows, and Kipungani, where you may witness life as it has been for centuries.

How to get there: There are daily flights to and from Nairobi, Mombasa, and Malindi from Lamu’s Manda Airport (LAU), which is located on nearby Manda Island. From other coastal towns in Kenya, you can alternatively take the road.

Activities: kayaking, windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, and swimming
Where to stay: Lamu Town and Shela offer good options for all price ranges, while Kipungani has a few upscale locations.

4. The Island of Kiwayu

Of all the islands in Kenya, the charming Kiwayu is maybe the most romantic and stunning. It is far from the outside world and its cacophony. The white sand beaches and sandbars, the cliffs, and the coconut palms are what give the place its attractiveness.

The baobab trees can also be the cause. See the vibrant underwater reefs teeming with marine life; keep an eye out for fish of all hues, turtles, and dolphins. Most likely, it’s all of these. The sunset views from the hilltops are breathtaking, yet there aren’t many people living here. However, despite all, Kiwayu’s most seductive quality is its blissful seclusion.

How to get there: From the island of Paté, take a private taxi boat, a speedboat, or a leisurely three-day dhow.
Activities: Deep-sea fishing, swimming, kitesurfing, water-skiing, sea kayaking, and snorkeling
Where to stay: Friendly low-cost homestays or upscale luxury accommodations, with nothing in between

5. The Island of Chale

Chale, located north of Wasini on Kenya’s far south coast, is technically a headland rather than an island, but it feels like an approachable paradise. Even swim-walking is possible at low tide, when Chale and the mainland are still separated by shallow waters. You can anticipate a stunning beach, a profusion of palm trees, and crystal-clear waters once you arrive on Chale. It doesn’t really matter if it’s an island or not because everything is so gorgeous and feels like a tropical island paradise.

How to get there: From Chale Harbour on the mainland, boats transport you.
Activities include diving, snorkeling, and swimming.
Accommodations: A resort on Chale, with more choices on the mainland

6. The Island of Manda

Compared to other Kenyan islands, Manda Island, which is visible from Lamu Town and directly across the river, moves to a completely different rhythm. You may explore its sand dunes, mangroves, the Takwa Ruins from the 15th century, and nearby fishing communities.

You can even become involved in a turtle conservation initiative. Across the lake sits one of Kenya’s best beaches, Shela. Snorkeling on Mini Manda Toto Island is among the greatest in northern Kenya.

How to get there: Manda Airport (LAU), which serves flights to Nairobi, Mombasa, and Malindi, is located on the island’s west coast. Manda is connected to Shela and Lamu Town by boat.
Activities include visiting villages, swimming, diving, and snorkeling.
Accommodations: Limited selection of mid-range and upscale options.

7. The Island of Paté

Paté, one of the less well-known island getaways in the area and a part of the Lamu Archipelago in far northern Kenya, perfectly embodies the slow-paced tropical appeal that the north of the country is known for. Here, the predominant hues are those of the elements—deep green coconut palms, a deeper blue ocean, white beaches, and red sand beneathfoot elsewhere.

The villagers, whose culture has not yet been overtaken by tourists, are hospitable. When you combine the ancient settlements of Paté and Siyu with some ruins, you might not want to leave.

How to get there: From Lamu Town, Paté is two hours away by boat.
Activities include boat cruises, cultural tours, swimming, and snorkeling.
Where to stay: The most popular lodging options on the island are inexpensive homestays, which are a terrific way to get to know the people.

8. The island of Funzi

You would suppose that swimming and snorkeling are the main activities on every island in Kenya. Funzi, located on Kenya’s southern coast around 35km/22mi south of Diani Beach, provides a slightly different experience.

The island, which is covered in mangroves, is well-known for its fantastic bird watching and cruises that allow visitors to see dolphins or crocs. Of course, if you swim or snorkel while you’re here, nobody will mind.

How to get there: Most people take a scheduled tour to see Funzi. If not, you’ll have to take a boat from the mainland’s Bodo.
Activities: Swimming, water sports, wildlife observation, and birdwatching
Where to stay: The island has one upscale lodge.

9. Islands of Penguti

The stunning Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, which is located off the southern coast of Wasini, includes the little Penguti Islands. These two islets possess the unspoiled beauty that characterizes Kenyan islands along the coast, albeit in small. The islands are more beautiful since they are uninhabited. Some of Kenya’s most breathtaking coral reefs encircle the islands; keep an eye out for turtles and dolphins.

How to get there: You can take a private boat from Wasini or a dhow cruise that starts at Diani Beach to see the islands.
Activities: Observing nature, swimming, diving, and snorkeling
Where to stay: Since there are no lodging options on the islands, you can only visit them for a day trip unless you plan to sleep on the boat.

10. The Island of Kirepwe

The choice between Sudi and Kirepwe is up for debate in the Mida Creek area. Since Kirepwe offers a genuine taste of island life, we have chosen it. Go birdwatching, tour the ruins, and then take a dip after getting to know the residents in a Giriama village. Kirepwe serves as a reminder that not all Kenyan islands are about lavish vacations and sipping cocktails while taking in the sunset.

How to get there: Take a day trip from Mida Creek to Kirepwe.
Activities: Birdwatching, swimming, and cultural trips
Where to stay: The island has no places to stay.