The beaches at Doralé and Khor-Ambade, which are both about 15km (10 miles) from Djibouti, offer safe swimming. Also just outside the city is the Ambouli palm grove, a pleasant place to stroll during the cooler parts of the day. Another good beach can be found at Ghoubet al Kharab, which is about an hour’s drive from Lake Assal, and where black-lava cliffs border the beach. The Gulf of Tadjoura (especially Obock) contains many species of fish and coral and is ideal for diving, snorkelling and underwater photography; in many places, the coral reefs in the Red Sea are easily accessible from the beaches. The best time for these activities is from September to May when the waters of the Red Sea are clear. Waterskiing and windsurfing can also be arranged.

Geology and wildlife enthusiasts may head to the wilderness around Lake Abbé (accessible by 4-wheel-drive vehicles only), a gathering place for flamingos and pelicans and the location of strange natural steaming chimneys. It is possible to windsurf on wheels in the desert areas.

Hunting is forbidden throughout the country.