Getting to Diani

Getting to Diani Beach for your excursion

Two airports serve the south coast: Mombasa's Moi International (MBA) across the Likoni channel, and the small Ukunda airstrip right by Diani Beach for domestic connections. Here is how the trip actually fits together โ€” flights, train, ferry and the paperwork.

Most international visitors land at Mombasa (MBA) and continue south by road. Charter connections to Mombasa have returned in recent seasons โ€” TUI from Amsterdam, Condor from Frankfurt, Enter Air from Wrocล‚aw โ€” alongside the usual connections via Nairobi. If you prefer to skip the road transfer, domestic flights land at the Ukunda airstrip, minutes from the Diani hotels.

Coming from Nairobi overland, the SGR train runs to Mombasa โ€” check the current timetable when you plan. From Mombasa the road south to the coast crosses the Likoni channel by ferry before continuing on the A14; allow generous time for the crossing.

Getting to Diani Beach for your excursion
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The distances that shape an excursion day

  • Diani โ†’ Shimoni (the pier for Wasini and Kisite): about 55 km, 1โ€“2 hours by road
  • Mombasa โ†’ Shimoni: about 90 km, around 2 hours via Likoni and the A14

That is why the sea days start early: the road to the pier is a real leg of the trip, and the operators plan the morning around it.

Before you fly: the Kenya eTA

Nearly all visitors need Kenya's electronic Travel Authorisation before departure. It is applied for online on the official portal, costs USD 30 (non-refundable), can take up to 72 hours to process, and is valid 90 days for a single entry โ€” so apply well before your flight, not at the airport.

  • Official portal only: etakenya.go.ke โ€” USD 30, processing up to 72 hours
  • Valid 90 days, single entry โ€” check the official FAQ for your nationality
Apply on etakenya.go.ke
How the excursion morning actually works

How the excursion morning actually works

  • According to the operators, pickup from Diani hotels is typically around 7:15, with boarding at Shimoni around 9:00 โ€” the exact time is confirmed after booking.
  • Tides, weather and the captain decide the exact flow of the day โ€” no schedule survives the sea unchanged.

Before you book

  • Sort the eTA first: processing can take up to 72 hours, and without it you do not board the plane.
  • Build in flexibility: sea conditions can move or cancel a departure, and sightings are never guaranteed.