Mombasa rose and engulfed a river that was flowing from the mainland. Mombasa is a centre of coastal tourism in Kenya. Mombasa Island itself is not a main attraction, although many people visit the Old Town and Fort Jesus. The Nyali, Bamburi, and Shanzu beaches are located north of the city. The Shelly, Tiwi, and Diani beaches are located south of Mombasa. Several luxury hotels exist on these beaches, while the less expensive hotels are located further away. Mombasa's northern shoreline is renowned for its vibrant 24-hour entertainment offers, including both family entertainment (water parks, cinemas, bowling, etc.), sports (watersports, mountain
Mombasa Island sprawl and industrial areas now occupy the rest of the island. Mombasa is linked to the mainland by the Makupa Causeway to the northwest, by the Nyali Bridge to the east and by the Likoni Ferry to the south. A road and rail bridge also serve the mainland container port near Port Reitz. Port Tudor and Tudor Creek were named by Owen Tudor the Royal Navy captain who first surveyed the area. Mombasa Island is one of the four divisions of Mombasa County. The division has a population of 146,334 (1999 census). It is divided into six subdivisions: Mombasa Island