Description
General information about the beach
Coco Beach, also known as Oyster Bay, is Dar es Salaam's most famous public beach. Life buzzes here: street food, music, beach bars, and parasailing, with locals and tourists gathering on weekends.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
recommended
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
2 000 m
Frequently asked questions
Coco Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity moderate, average temperature +27.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Coco Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.4 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Coco Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. It is recommended to bring aqua shoes — parts of the bottom have rocks or corals. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Coco Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 2 000 metres.
Coco Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in June. It ends in October. The best month for a holiday is June. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Coco Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Coco Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sharks, crocodiles, venomous snakes. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Coco Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, kids playground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Coco Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Coco Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Waterfront Restaurants. Cuisines available: Tanzanian. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Coco Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash.
Coco Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Best time to visit is dry season from June to October. Come in the evening to avoid the heat and enjoy the sunset.
Coco Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Keep the beach clean, do not make noise. Swim with caution, watch the tides.
Coco Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Coco Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for locals and tourists wanting to experience the urban beach atmosphere of Dar es Salaam. Suitable for walks, sunsets and observing local life. Not suitable for those seeking solitude and clean sea.
Coco Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Coco Beach is the calling card of Dar es Salaam, where you can see traditional fishing boats, try street food and enjoy the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The beach remains a public asset and the government guarantees its preservation.
Coco Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Long curved beach, Sunset views, Local life atmosphere, Restaurants and cafes, Boat rides, Parasailing, Free admission. Cons: Crowded, Noisy, Theft possible, Water not always clean, Very busy on weekends.
Coco Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Dar es Salaam, Bongoyo Island, Fishing Village. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Coco Beach: how do I get to the city of Dar es Salaam?
The beach is located near the city of Dar es Salaam. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Dar es Salaam.