Here is a detailed overview of the 10 Best Islands in Kenya to Visit during summer. Its time for you to have fun and splash some waters!
Kenya is home to 15 Popular lslands, All of these Islands have white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and are the perfect destinations to enjoy your honeymoon, holiday or weekend getaway.
Some of the activities you can do in these Islands include;
- Scuba Diving
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Boat Tours
- Fishing
- Playing Beach Volleyball
- Sunbathing
- Island Tours
Without further ado, here is a list of Islands in Kenya to explore.
Lamu Island
Lamu kicks off our list of the 10 Best Islands in Kenya to Visit in Kenya.
Lamu Island is a beautiful Island in Kenya located on the South-Eastern part of Kenya and is approximately 314 kilometers from Mombasa. Its strategic location away from the crowd is what makes this place memorable.
Lamu is known for its floating restaurants, crystal clear waters and palm-fringed shorelines, which attract tourists all seasons of the year.
Activities in Lamu Island include snorkeling, dhow sailing, scuba diving and taking historical tours. If you are new to the area you could get an Island tour guide to make your trip efficient.
Also, have you ever swam with dolphins? If you haven’t, this is your perfect opportunity to experience it.
Chale Island
Let us talk about the only private island that is also an idyllic island in Kenya. Chale Island is a luxury boutique resort located in Diani, Kenya and is conveniently located in a secluded location.
Chale Island offers top notch service and a comfortable and serene environment to enjoy your privacy. This Kenyan Island offers all-inclusive island deals and is worth every penny.
The crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and lush green landscape is inviting and you can also see spectacular coral reefs and tidal flows washing over in the beach.
If you are looking for thrilling Kenya Beach Holidays, look no further than Chale Island.
Takawiri Island
Unlike most Kenyan islands that are located in the South Eastern part of Kenya, Takawiri Island is located on the South Western part of the country. It is a fast-growing island and can be accessed by boarding a ferry from Mbita town or by boat.
Takawiri island showcases the tropical island vibe with palm trees and white sandy beaches, which is a scenic landscape and ideal for an island getaway.
Apart from its scenic views, Takawiri island also offers affordability and privacy so you get to enjoy your affordable island vacation without worry.
If Takawiri Island is on your bucketlist, it is advisable you get a plan that has an all-inclusive island deals for efficiency and comfort.
Wasini Island
Wasini island is a popular destination for tourists and locals and is one of my favorite islands in Kenya. Wasini Island is located in the south eastern part of Kenya just near Mombasa and 3km from the Indian Ocean.
Wasini island is famous for its Marine National Park, Kisite-Mpunguti National Park. Tourists and locals visit this island to experience the dhow tours, snorkeling sports, coral structures and see sea animals like dolphins, star fish, sea turtles and colorful coral reef without forgetting whales and sharks, who visit during certain times of the year.
I highly recommend spending a night or two in this island and experience its marine bio-diversity and the island water sports. Do not forget to try their island cuisine.
Wasini Island is the real definition of what Kenya Coast Holidays means.
Funzi Island
Funzi is a Kenyan Island, a settlement area in Kwale County, South of Kenya, is one of four islands covered with mangrove and is mostly popular for fishing.
This archipelago is famously known for its warm island breeze and untouched nature and is also considered suitable for nesting by various sea turtles like the hawksbill, leatherback and green turtle because of low human disturbance.
Aside from the white sandy beaches, you will also come across members of the Shirazi tribe, who own have occupied the village. If you are friendly enough you might even get to learn more about their culture and sample their island cuisine.
I recommend heartily that you try the crocodile safari and the cultural tour.
Kiwayu Island
On the eastern part of the Lamu Archipelago, is Kiwayu Island. This Kenyan Island is located in the Kiunga Marine National Park in Lamu, Kenya.
The most interesting thing about this particular island in Kenya is their way of life because they have no electricity or cars and solely depend on solar for power.
Despite their predicament, if you want to visit this island you can use a dhow or a speed boat. Private flights to Kiwayu Island are also available.
Despite their lifestyle, tourists are attracted to this island because of its snorkeling spots and kayaking tours as this is known as a surfing destination.
Remember to buy at least one hand-made curio object while you are there.
Mombasa Island
Mombasa is among the most Popular Islands in Kenya to visit. It is located on the South Eastern side of the country and the most common destination for tourists and locals.
Unlike other islands which are only accessible by boats and air, Mombasa has a bridge connecting the mainland to this Kenyan island called the Nyali Bridge.
Mombasa Island is commonly known for its history because it is connected to the British, Portuguese and Arabs hence several historical sites like Fort Jesus.
Do not forget to visit the Old Town to get a better view of the ocean and also take a photo at the elephant tasks in the town.
Manda Island
Manda Island is a tranquil island located on the Northern part of Lamu and is a Lamu archipelago. This island brings a luxurious vibe that invited tourists to visit time and again.
This island in Kenya boasts of boutique resorts and several luxury homes and hotels. Moreover, they have untouched nature and white sandy beaches.
Manda Island, which is convenient for tourists flying in because it has an airstrip, is also liked because of its island water sports like sailing adventures and snorkeling hence making it an ideal island getaway.
Rusinga Island
Rusinga Island, a tranquil Kenyan Island located on the shores of Lake Victoria is one of the popular islands in Homabay County and is a common destination for tourists.
Rusinga Island is home to several rich fossil sites and remains of early life of man and primates hence an avenue for learning.
Since all work without play makes Jack a dull boy, this island is also an ideal place to unwind and spend your affordable island vacation and enjoy the vibrant island culture and their island cuisine.
If you are a bird watcher, you will definitely spot birds like kingfishers, herons, African fish eagles, and weavers among other species. Keep an eye out for flamingoes too.
Mfangano Island
Mfangano Island closes our list of the Best Islands in Kenya to Visit.
Laying in the mouth of Winam Gulf, Mfangano Island is strategically located West of Rusinga Island, in the Western part of Kenya and borders Lake Victoria to the East.
Mfangano Island is ideal if you are curious to learn the language and culture of the Suba people and enjoy their island accommodation.
This Island in Kenya has unique accommodation, most of them overlooking the lake and some of them even offer dinner by the lake especially for romantic dinners and close groups.
If you are not able to catch the sunset cruise and happen to spend the night, make sure you wake up early to catch the amazing sunrise.
Ready to Travel?
Reach out to us through our Contacts Page or send us an Email via Info@ZungukaSafaris.com and we will get you the best and most affordable beach/island packages.
Thika Road, Exit 7, Peacefield Building behind Akai Plaza or Mountain Mall
+(254) 741 79 22 92 
Info@ZungukaSafaris.com