Coco Beach is a coastal stretch located in the Oyster Bay region of Dar es Salaam – Tanzania. It is one of the city’s most popular beaches frequented by locals, and even hosts many holiday parties and beach festivals. As a result, there are many establishments on the beach, such as restaurants, food stalls, and stores that rent beach equipment such as floats.
There are also several municipal structures such as toilets and showers (for a fee) and a secure parking space. The downside to its fame is that it’s not the cleanest or safest beach, and as of late (early 2017) there are no lifeguards, police, or dustbins. Although some efforts were made to clean it regularly, there was still some rubbish strewn here and there.
Coco Beach is also a favorite spot for runners, many of whom come from nearby areas and can be seen in greater numbers in the evenings. There is only one large and well established restaurant at the north end, the rest are smaller under the tarp type but with good food.
You can also find boats that provide transportation to the nearby islands of Bongoyo or Mbudia, most of which leave in the morning and return later in the day. The municipality charges a small amount for each car parked there, but one ticket will give you a full day’s parking at this beaches or nearby beaches and cliff village parking.
Best time to visit
Coco Beach is usually packed during public holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, Christmas and New Year’s Day (1st January), which makes this one of the worst times to visit unless of course you are looking for that kind of thing. Other than that, it can be visited at any time and any day of the week. It is usually quieter on weekday mornings and less frequently during weekend evenings.
What are you doing there?
Eat at the restaurants, swim, run, sit or walk on the beach, or take a boat trip to Bongoyo Island and back. On special concert days you can party here just take care of your security in everything you do.
Coco beach location
Coco beach is located along the Toure drive and in the quiet neighborhood of Oyster Bay – Dar es Salaam. It is rather a large stretch of coast, stretching for more than 4 kilometers from end to end, with a rocky escarpment bordering each end. Just like most beaches in the area, there is a dead barrier reef that separates the beach from the rest of the ocean. For more information about its location, please see the map below (click to get started).
How to get there?
There is public transportation (Dala Dala) that passes near the beach but not next to it. These are red and purple striped masaki, and from there you should be able to walk a few minutes to get to the beach