Everything to Know Before You Go to Pirates Beach, Mombasa

Pirate Beach officially known as Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach is a busy place, especially during festive seasons and weekends. Tourists, mostly locals, throng the sandy beach to swim, relax, and enjoy the pristine views and breezy shores of the Indian Ocean. It’s a 24/7 active beach and entry is free.

Many activities take place at the Pirates beach. The first things to see when entering this beach are several kiosks and vendors selling various items including swimwear, souvenirs, artifacts, and snacks. Prices of the commodities are quite affordable and you can also bargain for better deals.

Most vendors also act as custodians for your belongings especially if you are going to swim in the ocean. They also have booths where you can change into your swimming costume. If you intend to use the service, make sure to note the stall where your items are kept.

Note: Some beach vendors can be persistent and nagging, so be polite but firm if you’re not interested in buying anything.

What to expect at the Pirates beach

The beach itself is beautiful, with white sand and clear waters. Most services here are operated by the Beach Boys. They are likely to approach you in case you want to participate in water activities. They are not professionals but skilled vendors who offer various services at a fee.

Beach boys can take photographs, and rent beach chairs, umbrellas, or water sports equipment such as floaters. They are generally not expensive but they can be exorbitant when they sense that you are a newbie. I found them useful, especially for travelers who come with kids.

However, it’s important to stay vigilant when visiting attraction sites in Mombasa. Certainly, you’ll encounter many people offering to help take you around or carry your belongings at a small fee. While some might be genuine, some can scam you.

Fun activities at the beach

Pirates Beach offers plenty of fun activities. You can swim, sunbathe, or simply relax and enjoy the view until late at night. Various water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boating are also available at the beach. There are also paid-for camel rides and group acrobatic shows.

You can’t go hungry at the Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach. There are numerous food shelters famously known as ‘kibanda’ with plenty of Swahili foods such as biryani, fried cassava, pilau, seafood as well as coconut juice popularly known as ‘madafu’.

Fun activities at the beach don’t stop even at night. The only thing that the Government of Kenya banned is night boat rides. Night clubs and several hotels operate until late night or early morning. The famous Pirates Beach Bar & Restaurant gives the beach unforgettable nightlife fun.

Note: There are no public showers at the Pirates beach where you can wash off sea sand after swimming. Some booths might offer the service or you can check into any of the nearby hotels and restaurants. 

Getting there and safety

Pirates Beach is very accessible, just off the Mombasa-Malindi highway. It borders Bamburi Beach to the south and Nyali Beach to the north. Depending on where you are staying, you can arrive at the destination via public transport or hire a taxi. 

Many Tuk-tuks and ‘matatus’ ply the route and they always pick up or drop passengers right at the path to the beach.  You can also walk to the beach if you are staying in the nearby hotels. If you are traveling from Nairobi, you’ll have to get to Mombasa first via road, SGR, or flight to Moi International Airport.

Security is good as frequent patrols are conducted by the security agencies. In case of an emergency, there is a Red Cross Rescuer & Emergency Centre at the beach that offers first aid services. The Centre closes at 6 p.m. and people are cautioned not to swim or ride a boat at night.

Best time to visit Pirates Beach

Pirates Beach is a year-round tourism destination. Mombasa, like other cities in Kenya, has no summer or winter seasons. Rains are the only thing that can interfere with your travel activities in the largest coastal town of Kenya. April and May are the longest wet months.

Certainly, the best time to go to Pirates Beach is from June to October during the longest dry season. November through December is a festive season with many people heading to the coast. Crowds are high during this season, but you also go and have your free share of the vibe.

Final Thought

Pirates Beach is undoubtedly one of the lively places in Mombasa. Bustling with vendors selling everything from snacks to souvenirs, it’s a beach for the people. With its easy access, it’s a great place to swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, soak up in the sand, and grab a bite from a food kiosk.