The beaches of Kenya are some of the world's most alluring playgrounds. Besides the beauty and tranquility, they offer plenty of opportunities for water sports and other beach vacation activities. Or simply sun-bathing. One is not surprised then, that more than 50% of Kenya's international standard hotels are based along the coast.

Some of the fun things to do while on your beach vacation on the Kenya coast are:

Dolphin-Watching

Since dolphins are frequent visitors off the Kenyan coastline, dolphin-spotting dhow trips are organized to the Kisite Marine Park. This is a full day trip with traditional lunch served either onboard or on Wasini Island. Snorkeling equipment is provided so that you can build up an appetite while exploring the coral gardens.

Dhow Trips

A dhow is a traditional sailing ship with over 1000 years history of plying the waters of the East Africa Coast. Built entirely from wood, they were traditionally used to transport spices, carpets, and other goods between Africa and India. Sightseeing, lunch or dinner is available with on-board entertainment in form of fire-eaters, limbo dancers, acrobats and more.

Dhows usually have wooden eyes carved into the front sides. It was believed that these eyes would protect the dhow from being marooned on reefs, and from the evil eye that could be placed by the enemies. Today, the tradition lives on, even though the superstitions have died out.

Visit to the Marine Parks

The beach towns of Mombasa, Malindi and Watamu all have marine parks and reserves are simply amazing in terms of diversity and beauty of the marine life they host. They pars and reserves are also very accessible. The Kiunga Marine National reserve provides a refuge for rare sea turtles and dugongs - mermaids. Trips from the hotels can be arranged to the animals and appreciate the conservation efforts being undertaken to save them from extinction.

Deep-sea fishing

Some of the best fishing off the African continent is found off the Kenyan coast, where many all-Africa records have been set. Kenyan waters are home to millions of billfish and contain the top sporting game-fish. Malindi is probably the best place in Africa for sailfish, while the Pemba channel is known for striped marlin, large yellow-fin tuna and sharks. All along the coast from Lamu in the north to Shimoni in the south, boats and equipment are available for hire.

Scuba Safari.

The Kenyan coral reef is home to some of the world's most diverse marine life. Swim along the coral gardens and visit the marine life underwater. For wreck divers, MV Diana lies in around 35 meters of water just off Bamburi Beach in the north coast beach of Mombasa.

Various activities are also available along the entire coast, including windsurfing, water skiing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Surfing can be found off Lamu at Sheila beach, but beware of sharks, as there is no coral reef.

Most hotels will have an information desk where you can access information on how to book and get your waters ports and activities organized.