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Kitespot guide – Kenia

27th September, 2025 Written by: felix

Kenya is a hidden gem for kiters: endless white sandy beaches, constant wind, and a coastline still largely untouched. From the tropical Diani Beach to the remote lagoons and islands in the north, you’ll find spots for every style and level. Whether you want to freeride over turquoise waters, make progress in perfect conditions, or dream of a multi-day downwinder tour, Kenya has it all. This guide takes you through the country’s most beautiful kitesurfing spots, with insider tips to plan your ultimate kite adventure.

Flat water lagoons and clean waves
From December till March around 15-20 knots every day
Always good weather. Kitesurf in your bikini / boardshorts
For beginners and advanced riders

Diani Beach

📍 Location on Google Maps

Diani Beach

Summary: Tropical spot on the Indian Ocean, famous for its white beaches, turquoise lagoon, and excellent mix of flat water and waves outside the reef. Perfect for freeride, freestyle, and wave, with a relaxed and welcoming community.

Wind directions:
Kaskazi (NE, Dec–Mar): side-shore to side-onshore, stable and usually 15–25 knots.
Kuzi (SE, Jun–Sep): stronger, often 20–30 knots, with waves outside the reef.
Weak W/NW: rare, usually not rideable.

Level: All levels. Inside the lagoon ideal for beginners and freestylers; outside the reef challenging for wave riders and advanced kiters.

Key considerations: Strong currents at high tide and near reef passages. Watch out for coral and sea urchins at very low tide. Plenty of space, but share the beach with walkers and fishing boats. Rescue boats are available at most kite schools, but self-sufficiency remains important.

Launching & landing: Wide white sand beach with lots of space. At high tide the beach strip can temporarily become narrower.

Tide: Tide differences strongly affect conditions.
Low tide: flat water in the lagoon, ideal for beginners and freestyle.
High tide: more chop and stronger current; reef waves work better and more consistently.

Kite zone: No official designated zones, but most schools have organized launch/land areas. Respect the reefs and marine life.

Crowds / community: Popular spot, but thanks to the long stretch of beach it never feels overcrowded. Large international kite community, many schools and events.

Winging & Foiling: Excellent conditions. In the lagoon perfect for beginners on foil at low tide, and outside the reef challenging for experienced wing/wave foilers.

Watumu

📍 Location on Google Maps

Watamu Beach

Summary: Tropical kitesurf spot with long white sandy beaches, a sheltered lagoon, and flat water close to shore. Ideal for beginners and freestylers in the lagoon, with waves further outside the reef for advanced riders. Quieter than Diani, but with multiple launch spots and a laid-back vibe.

Wind directions:
Kaskazi (NE, Dec–Mar): stable side-shore, usually 15–20 knots.
Kuzi (SE, Jun–Sep): stronger, often 20–25 knots, good for wave riding outside the reef.
NW: rarely kiteable and gusty.

Level: All levels. Inside the lagoon excellent for beginners and freestyle; outside the reef challenging due to waves and currents for advanced riders.

Key considerations: Tides have a big influence — at low tide much of the lagoon dries up and coral may be exposed. At high tide there is current along the reef. Watch out for fishing boats and snorkel tourism in the bay. No formal rescue, though schools often have their own boats.

Launching & landing: Wide sandy beach with plenty of space, although in the village center it can get busy with beach walkers and fishermen.

Tide:
Low tide: large sandbars and flat water, ideal for freestyle and lessons.
High tide: more chop and current; the reef delivers consistent waves for wave riders.

Kite zone: No official zones, but popular spots include Garoda Beach, Turtle Bay, and the sandbars of Mida Creek. Share the water with snorkelers and fishermen, so keep alert.

Crowds / community: Smaller, more relaxed kite community than Diani. Several schools are present, but beaches and lagoons are often quiet.

Winging & Foiling: Excellent at low tide in the lagoon. Outside the reef it’s challenging, only suitable for experienced foilers due to current and surf.

Archipelago – Lamu

📍 Location on Google Maps

Lamu Archipelago

Summary: An idyllic group of islands in northern Kenya with long sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and a tranquil setting. Perfect for combining flat water in sheltered bays with waves outside the reefs. Authentic atmosphere, far from mass tourism.

Wind directions:
Kaskazi (NE, Dec–Apr): stable and present almost daily, 15–25 knots, often side-shore.
Kuzi (SE, Jun–Sep): less predictable and often stronger, 20–30 knots, with more waves.
Other directions: rare and usually not kiteable.

Level: Suitable for all levels. Flat lagoons for beginners and freestyle; reef waves for advanced wave riders and foilers.

Key considerations: Tides affect access to lagoons and sandbars. Currents can be strong around channels and reef passes. Very limited rescue — self-sufficiency is essential. Watch out for fishing boats and traditional dhow sailboats.

Launching & landing: Wide sandy beaches with plenty of space, depending on the island. Sometimes shared with local fishermen and residents, so always show respect.

Tide:
Low tide: sandbars and flat water, perfect for freestyle and beginners.
High tide: more chop, stronger currents, and consistent waves on the reef edge.

Kite zone: No official zones. Popular spots include Shela Beach (Lamu Island) and Manda Island with its long sandbars. Share the water with fishermen and local dhow sailors.

Crowds / community: Much quieter compared to Diani or Watamu. Small but growing kite community, often travelers staying longer or joining catamaran kite safaris.

Winging & Foiling: Excellent in lagoons and on sandbars with steady wind. Outside reef passes it’s challenging with surf and currents, only for experienced riders.