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Malindi, a quaint seaside town on the Indian Ocean in Kenya, is an oasis of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re chasing sun-drenched beaches, exploring ancient ruins, or diving into vibrant marine life, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Malindi. Every activity in Malindi is a blend of thrill and realness, from snorkelling at coral reefs to exploring centuries-old Swahili towns and dramatic canyons. The town’s relaxed atmosphere, delicious Swahili food, and friendly people make it suitable for families, couples, and individual travellers.
Top 10 Things To Do In Malindi
Silversands Beach could be a place for you to relax, or if you want to witness the sunset at Hell’s Kitchen, there are so many things to do in Malindi that are going to be unforgettable.
1. Relax On Malindi’s Stunning Beaches
Photo: Ezekiel Kilimo / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Malindi’s beach is known for its powdery white sand, which is a perfect blend of serenity and tropical hospitality from the locals. Silversands Beach, located just south of town, is the most frequented beach in the area by the locals, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply walking on the beach under the shade of the palm trees. Che Shale, located approximately 20 km to the north, provides a more private beach experience and has become known for its rustic-chic beach lodges as well as the opportunity to enjoy kite surfing.
Highlight: Silversands and Che Shale beaches
Best For: Sunbathing, swimming, kite surfing
Average Cost: KES 200 / ₹250
2. Snorkel And Dive At Malindi Marine National Park
Photo: Николай Максимович / Wikimedia Commons
Malindi Marine National Park is the oldest in Africa and a paradise for scuba divers. The park is well within walking distance of the town and has the clearest water, the most vibrant coral reefs, and a great variety of marine life such as parrotfish, sea turtles, and clownfish. The reefs of the sea can be navigated through snorkelling, scuba diving, or even riding a glass-bottom boat. The lagoon is shallow and protected, which means it is very suitable for those who are new to snorkelling as well as for families.
Highlight: Coral reefs and sea turtles
Best For: Families, first-time snorkelers, divers
Average Cost: KES 3,750 / ₹1,875
3. Discover The Ancient Gedi Ruins
Photo: Florence Gray / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Gedi Ruins, located within Arabuko Sokoke Forest, reveal a 13th-century Swahili town with coral stone remains of a palace, mosques, tombs, and houses. Mysteriously abandoned in the 17th century, the site is one of Kenya’s most valuable archaeological treasures. A small museum displays pottery, tools, and trade items from excavations. Visitors can walk shaded paths under towering baobab trees while local guides share stories of the town’s history and daily life. For culture, mystery, and peace, the Gedi Ruins rank among the best things to do in Malindi.
Highlight: Swahili ruins, museum, forest setting
Best For: History lovers, culture buffs
Average Cost: KES 500 / ₹260
4. Experience Sunset At Marafa’s Hell’s Kitchen
Photo: Николай Максимович / Wikimedia Commons
About 40 kilometres from Malindi, Hell’s Kitchen in Marafa is a stunning sandstone canyon shaped by wind and rain over time. Known locally as “Nyari,” meaning naturally broken, it features tall spires, deep gullies, and ridges in striking red, orange, and white hues. The local guides share fascinating legends and stories, enriching the visit. Hell’s Kitchen is perfect for photography, peaceful reflection, and appreciating untouched natural beauty, a unique and memorable experience just outside Malindi.
Highlight: Red sandstone cliffs glowing at dusk
Best For: Photography, geology fans
Average Cost: KES 700 / ₹360
5. Visit The Malindi Museum And Heritage Sites
Photo: dustingth / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Malindi’s coastal history becomes the present again as the Malindi Museum, which, for its main heritage attractions, consists of the House of Columns, the Vasco da Gama Pillar, the Portuguese Chapel, and the Malindi Heritage Complex. Start at the House of Columns, a restored district building that showcases Swahili artefacts, marine exhibits, and local history. Then go to the Vasco da Gama Pillar, erected by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in the late 15th century, and today it is still one of the oldest European monuments in Africa.
Highlight: Vasco da Gama Pillar, Portuguese Chapel
Best For: Culture seekers, history enthusiasts
Average Cost: KES 300 – 500 / ₹150 – ₹260
6. Explore The Sand Dunes Of Mambrui
Photo: Paolo Chiabrando / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located just 30 minutes north of Malindi, Mambrui is the place where you will find the only coastal dunes in Kenya. Wandering along those dunes is like travelling through a mini-desert that has met the ocean, which is fascinating. The beach, along with the dunes, creates a perfect combination of a desert-meets-ocean experience. People can get on the dunes and see all around the ocean from the top, shoot the most clear pictures, or even have some quiet time while walking at sunset when the sands have a beautiful warm colour. This is one of the more off-the-beaten-track but extremely worthwhile things to do in Malindi.
Highlight: Seaside golden dunes
Best For: Nature lovers, offbeat explorers
Average Cost: KES 200 – 300 / ₹100 – ₹150
7. Take A Traditional Boat Safari To Sardegna 2 Or Sudi Island
Photo: Eshak Angell / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There is a traditional dhow boat or a glass-bottom boat available for hire to reach the nearby islets of Sardegna 2 and Sudi Island. These two islands are the most famous places for their crystal-clear water, which is full of vibrant marine life. Such excursions often also envisage snorkelling as the main activity alongside dolphin watching and having a freshly cooked seafood meal on the beach. During low tide, a sandbank becomes visible at Sardegna 2, thus forming a gorgeous natural swimming pool that is perfect for lounging or taking pictures.
Highlight: Snorkelling, dolphin spotting, beach lunch
Best For: Couples, nature lovers
Average Cost: KES 6,000 – 10,000 / ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
8. Go Deep-Sea Fishing In The Indian Ocean
Photo: HieuNghiaMini / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Malindi is definitely the top big game fishing spot in East Africa due to its rich offshore waters that are almost bursting with big game fish. Malindi’s beach hotels or fishing clubs are the best places to get charters, with experienced crews leading both beginners and seasoned anglers through the fishing. During October to March, the main target species are marlin, sailfish, tuna, and barracuda. The thrill of the open sea with the opportunity to catch a beautiful fish, is one of the most exciting outdoor adventures you can do along the Kenyan coast.
Highlight: Marlin, sailfish, tuna
Best For: Anglers, thrill-seekers
Average Cost: KES 8,000 – 15,000 / ₹4,000 – ₹7,500
9. Walk Through Arabuko Sokoke Forest And Butterfly Farms
Photo: Muthengi Mbuvi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Arabuko Sokoke, about 20 km from Malindi, is East Africa’s largest intact coastal forest and a haven for nature lovers. Home to rare species like the Sokoke scops owl and golden-rumped elephant shrew, it’s best explored on a guided morning walk. Nearby, the Kipepeo Butterfly Project breeds and exports butterflies, promoting conservation. The forest’s rich biodiversity, community involvement, and peaceful trails create a serene escape. For those seeking quiet and nature-focused things to see in Malindi, Arabuko Sokoke is a must-visit destination.
Highlight: Rare wildlife, butterfly centre
Best For: Eco-tourists, bird watchers
Average Cost: KES 1,000 / ₹500
10. Taste Swahili And Seafood Cuisine By The Coast
Photo: Daniela Elena Tentis / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sampling local food is undoubtedly the best and most fun thing to do in Malindi, particularly if you are a fan of seafood and the local coastal flavours. Start your gastronomic tour at places like Sea Front Restaurant or Baby Marrow, where you can indulge in grilled prawns, coconut fish curry, or octopus biryani. If you want to go for something very simple, no need to overthink it, just go to beachside stalls near the jetty; they have the freshest samosas, viazi karai (fried potatoes) or even fruit juices made from tropical fruits.
Highlight: Coconut fish curry, octopus biryani
Best For: Foodies, cultural explorers
Average Cost: KES 500 – 1,500 / ₹250 – ₹750
Malindi is more than a beach destination; it’s a vibrant town where history, nature, and culture blend beautifully. Explore ancient ruins, dive into coral-rich waters, or watch stunning sunsets that create unforgettable memories. With a wide variety of things to do in Malindi, every traveler finds something special, whether seeking adventure or tranquility. Plan your perfect trip today with TripXL for an unforgettable experience in this unique coastal town.
Cover Photo: Isaac Mugwe / Unsplash
