The Indian Ocean coastline of East Africa is one of the most beautiful in the world. Silver sands, year-round clear-blue waters and tropical palms.
Known as the Swahili Coast, thanks to the unique mix of African, Arabic and Portuguese people who typify it, it also offers; a wide range of ancient cultural sites; mosques and ancient Swahili towns; a vibrantly colourful cuisine; a wide range of marine parks backed by coastal parks and the last remains of the African equatorial rain-forests; endless water-sports, child-friendly pursuits and nightly entertainments for all tastes; and one of the world's most famous barrier reefs.
As for the accommodation, thanks to its long-established tourism infrastructure, the choices range from 5-star resorts and world-class spas, to simple palm-thatched chalets on the beach.
Water sports
Typically, the following water sports are offered;
Water sports
Generally includes any or all of the following: wind-surfing, kite-surfing, snorkelling, fun-boats, glass-bottom boats, catamarans and dinghies, boogie boards, jet-skis surfing, pedallos and water-skiing
The Indian Ocean coastline makes the ideal water-sporting venue and the majority of resorts offer a wide range of options, which generally include any or all of the following: wind-surfing, kite-surfing, snorkelling, fun-boats, glass-bottom boats, catamarans and dinghies, boogie boards, jet-skis surfing, pedallos and water-skiing
Sometimes these are included in the cost of the resort - sometimes they are at additional cost. Usually lessons can also be taken (windsurfing, sailing, water-skiing in particular).
Scuba diving
International PADI dive school offering equipment, training courses and guiding to local reefs and (in some cases) wrecks.
The Indian Ocean coast features some magnificent dive sites and a wide selection of dive centres, which cater for complete beginners and experienced divers alike. It is also possible to do a ‘fun dive' where no experience is required and a guide takes you down to 6 metres. Due to the Indo-Pacific current, the Indian Ocean boasts the same fish species as Australia: manta rays; reef, hammerhead and whale sharks; turtles and multi-coloured reef fish in coral gardens. Wall and pinnacle dives with dramatic drop-offs together with wreck, drift and night drives are also offered. Divers must carry internationally recognized accreditation both PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club) are acceptable.
Deep-sea fishing
Big game fishing for marlin, tuna, king fish, wahu etc using fully-equipped and crewed boats.
East Africa is a Mecca for deep-sea fishermen, many world and all-Africa records being held in Kenya. There are six types of billfish in Kenyan waters, striped, blue and black marlin being the main species together with sailfish, swordfish, sharks, wahoo, yellowfin, tuna and dorado. Kenya operates a ‘tag and release' system. Boats typically depart in the early morning, trawl for bait and then head out to the deep water to wait for the big catch. The fishing season is August to March (billfish season from November to March).
Snorkelling
The Kenyan barrier reef is one of the most extensive and accessible in the world. Most Kenyan beaches offer glass-bottom boats, which carry snorkellers out the short distance to the reef. Most supply snorkeling equipment and guides - however you may prefer to bring you own. If swimming a marine park, you will have to buy a ticket - which are usually available from the hotel or the boat captain. Snorkelling can be done at all times of the year, but conditions are considered best from December to March. The best visibility for snorkeling is at low tide just before the tide turns.
Sailing
Options for sailing vary greatly ranging from hired catamarans and dinghies to trips on traditional fishing boats (known as ngalawa) or dhows. Sailing is good all year round, though October is particularly good.
Kite surfing
A number of beaches in Kenya offer kite surfing. Most also offer equipment hire and surfing schools. Che-Shale is one of the best places in the world for kite surfing with an empty beach and wind blowing from 8-25 knots; Nyali Beach, Diani Beach and Watamu are also popular.
Water skiing
The Indian Ocean coastline makes the ideal water-sporting venue and the majority of resorts offer a wide range of options, which generally include any or all of the following: wind-surfing, kite-surfing, snorkelling, fun-boats, glass-bottom boats, catamarans and dinghies, boogie boards, jet-skis surfing, pedallos and water-skiing
Sometimes these are included in the cost of the resort - sometimes they are at additional cost. Usually lessons can also be taken (windsurfing, sailing, water-skiing in particular).
Windsurfing
The Indian Ocean coastline makes the ideal water-sporting venue and the majority of resorts offer a wide range of options, which generally include any or all of the following: wind-surfing, kite-surfing, snorkelling, fun-boats, glass-bottom boats, catamarans and dinghies, boogie boards, jet-skis surfing, pedallos and water-skiing
Sometimes these are included in the cost of the resort - sometimes they are at additional cost. Usually lessons can also be taken (windsurfing, sailing, water-skiing in particular). |