Kenya is a well-known travel hotspot, but not many look beyond the classic safari route. If you’re searching for a beach that feels private, untouched, and beautifully serene - Galu Beach is your answer. Just south of the popular Diani Beach, Galu is a quieter stretch of coastline that offers all the beauty without the busy crowds.
It’s the kind of place where time slows down, the sea feels gentler, and nature surrounds you with every step. This is exactly what I was doing on the serene Galu Beach when I had my trip breakthrough. Being by the ocean is a transformative experience in itself. Some travel to experience new things, explore new cultures or enjoy personal growth. While I loved all my Kenya beach experiences, the biggest benefit for me was emotional release. Prior to visiting Kenya, I had been going through emotional upheavals.
Absorbing the beauty and power of the rising sun helped me find peace of mind again and restore my inner balance. I found sunrise to be the best time to meditate, and especially to let go of the unnecessary weight I had accumulated on my shoulders. It made me accept my situation and see things for what they truly are.
Diani Beach, near Galu Beach, known for its pristine sands.
Why Galu Beach is a Hidden Gem
While Diani Beach gets most of the spotlight, Galu remains more secluded, which many travelers see as a bonus. The south side of Diani (Galu) is quieter than central Diani. You’ll find long stretches of clean, soft sand, fewer beach vendors, and a calming energy that makes it perfect for relaxing and recharging. It’s especially loved by locals, expats, and travelers who prefer a peaceful vibe.
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What to Do at Galu Beach
Though it’s quiet, Galu doesn’t mean boring. Along with swimming and relaxing with a book, adventure travelers can also enjoy a number of water sports like kite-surfing and jet skiing. It’s actually one of the best spots for kite surfing, especially between June and September, when the winds are just right. You can also go for a sunrise beach walk, enjoy a beachfront breakfast, or take a boat out for snorkeling in the shallow coral areas. The beach is also known for some beautiful yoga retreats and quiet reading spots under palm trees.
Alternative wind activities such as SUP, kayak and surfing lessons are available at Galu with H2o Extreme. You can also go snorkeling on a traditional wooden sailing boat, and you can go diving with ‘Diving the Crab”. At certain times of the year, you might see whale sharks and humpback whales migrating. There are quite often dolphins and turtles to be seen around the reef.
From Diani and Galu there are a number of ethical excursions immersing you in local nature and culture. For example, you can do a Dolphin Safari with Pilli Pipa. Wake up early to be picked up from your hotel and spend a full day in the Indian Ocean snorkeling or diving. You will first be taken to Shimoni Village. Pilli Pipa’s team practices sustainable tourism which leaves the exquisite marine ecosystem they are so passionate about untouched. Their traditional boat has an inboard engine that does not disturb the environment, including the dolphins. They only accept a certain number of guests each day to make sure they can give attention to each guest, while also respecting the coral reefs when snorkeling and diving.
You don’t need much experience to snorkel, just an open mind and a willingness to discover the underwater world. If you are tempted to dive but haven’t taken a course yet, you can also opt for a fun dive. Again, you will be briefed about what to do or not to do before jumping in the water and you will be accompanied at all times.
While in Galu take the opportunity to learn more about the resident Colobus Monkey. A good place to go after having observed them at Pinewood is Colobus Conservation in Diani, another highlight of my experience. I took a guided eco-tour to learn about the challenges the monkeys face, like habitat loss, overhead power lines that they confuse with tree branches, and the disappearance of indigenous trees. You will learn more about the center’s animal welfare program to save and rehabilitate the monkeys, as well as their community education program. I also recommend experiencing a sacred forest.
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Kaya Kinondo, which means “home” or “village” in the local dialect, is a sacred forest that was once the great home of Kenya’s Digo people. The Digo people now live in villages surrounding the forest, but their original home remains an important place of worship. Travelers can visit the forest accompanied by a local community guide, like the passionate Abusuleiman Bakari, whom I highly recommend. One of my favorite experiences there was tree hugging. I felt so much positive energy running through my body, I wasn’t surprised to learn it’s scientifically proven to be good for you.
Best Time to Visit
Like most of the Kenyan coast, the ideal time to visit Galu Beach is between June-October and December-March. These months offer sunny skies and a calm ocean, making it perfect for beach lovers and water activities.
June is a good time to visit Galu Beach. The weather is usually very warm and slightly windy, with temperatures ranging from 75-82°F (24-28°C). Galu Beach has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. The average temperature in Galu Beach in June for a typical day ranges from a high of 82°F (28°C) to a low of 75°F (24°C). Some would describe the temperature to be very warm. The general area may also feel slightly windy.
Typical weather conditions at Diani Beach, near Galu Beach.
With an average high of 82°F (28°C) and a low of 75°F (24°C), it generally feels very warm and slightly windy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt.
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Where to Stay
Galu has some stunning beachfront villas, cozy boutique hotels, and eco-friendly cottages that blend perfectly into the natural surroundings. Many of these are family-owned, offering warm hospitality and local charm. Here are some options:
- LalaGalu Diani Beach: Offers free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking.
- Neptune Village Beach Resort & Spa All Inclusive: A beautiful and well-thought-out resort with access to a sister resort.
- Neptune Paradise Beach Resort & Spa: Features spacious rooms, clean facilities, and friendly staff.
- Neptune Palm Beach Boutique Resort & Spa All Inclusive: A luxury hotel with gorgeous bungalows and excellent amenities.
- Coral Beach Resort: Offers a beach locale and a 24-hour front desk.
- Diani Doric Cottages: Provides free WiFi, free parking, and slippers.
Around Kenya, there is a collection of rare experiences, in amazing lodges, offering guests intimate encounters with parts of the world not many get to know - and the chance to slow down and truly discover them. Here is an index of some amazing lodges around Kenya:
- Homa Bay County - Rusinga Island Lodge, Mfangano Island Lodge
- Isiolo County - Joy's Camp Shaba, The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille
- Kilifi County - Vipingo Ridge, Kamili House, Casa Dalton, Watamu Tree House, Hemingways Watamu, Medina Palms, Kudu Camp Galana
- Kitui County - Ithumba Camp, Ithumba Hill Camp, Man-Eaters Camp
- Kwale County - The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel, Swahili Beach Resort, Lantana Galu Beach, Kinondo Kwetu, Sands at Chale Island
Nearby Spots to Explore
While staying in Galu, you’re still very close to Diani Beach, so you get the best of both worlds. You can also plan a visit to Chale Island, just a short drive and boat ride away - perfect for a quiet afternoon surrounded by nature.
How to Get to Galu Beach
The total trip from Mombasa to Diani costs about $40 USD, starting with a taxi ride from Moi International Airport. The beginning of the journey allowed me to take in the inviting yet chaotic coastal city full of life and colors, with an Indian-meets-Arab architectural style. From there, I stayed in the cab and boarded the Likoni Ferry - a scenic 10-minute journey crossing the Kilindini Harbour from Mombasa to the mainland’s South Coast.
There are two main ways people get to Diani:
- From Ukunda: Fly straight into Diani Beach (Ukunda) Airport. Flights leave daily from Nairobi on both Kenya Airways and Safarilink. Once you land in Ukunda Airport, you can either take a taxi, tuktuk, or Uber to your accommodation.
- From Mombasa: Arrive by flying or getting the train into Mombasa and coming from there. You will need to get from Mombasa Airport through town and down to the ferry crossing at Likoni. Then, wait to get onto the ferry. Once you’re across the Likoni channel, it’s about a 20-30 minute drive to Diani Beach depending on traffic.
As we’ve already mentioned, using Uber is an easy and safe way to get around in Diani. However, most locals and tourists get around on motorbike taxi (also known as a “boda boda” or simply “boda”), or tuktuks. There are an unlimited number of these driving up and down Diani Beach Road at all times of the day and night, and you can simply wave them down and they’ll stop.
Food and Drink
Time flies when you’re having fun and, before I knew it, we were en route to the beautiful Wasini Island, located three kilometers off the coast. Swahili meals are full of spices and flavors typically blending African, Indian and Arabic cuisines. Fish is key to a Swahili diet, and I savored mine accompanied by rice cooked in coconut milk, a staple food. Vegetables like okra and eggplant were delectable, dressed in cardamom and clove.
Plenty of street and beachside restaurants and cafes and bars are scattered up the tropical beach road. The cuisine and catering are mainly European Indian and African with a range of price options starting from 50 Kes - 2000 Kes. Fresh seafood is guaranteed at all the restaurants and hotels as there is a very consistent fish supply coming off the beach straight from the fisherman. To buy fresh seafood, you can go to the fishing village and negotiate the day’s catch. There are 3 main Supermarkets, and you can get fresh fruit and vegetables from stalls anywhere along the road.
"Top 10 Things to Do in Diani Beach, Kenya | Ultimate Diani Travel Guide
Travel Tips
- Galu is easy to reach by TukTuk from Diani or Ukunda.
- The beach is less commercial, so carry essentials like water, sunscreen, and snacks.
- Respect the quiet atmosphere - it’s what makes this place magical.
- Don’t miss sunrise - it’s often more beautiful than sunset here!
- Kenya has excellent phone and internet available and is cheap and usually free in hotels, bar and restaurants. Visit a Safaricom or Orange store and get a mini modem or sim card you can use as a mobile hotspot for less than $10. Make sure you buy a data bundle with your airtime before you go online.
- Diani is considered a safe area but like anywhere else in Africa, you still need to take precautions, especially at night. Try not to walk around at night, especially not alone, and if you do want to walk make sure you have someone with you and you do not have your phone out.
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