Diving in Kenya

Kenya scuba diving features

Hard corals

Nudibranchs

Moray eels

Blue spotted rays

DESTINATION OVERVIEW
It's unlikely that Kenya is the first place many divers would think of for a diving holiday – a safari, yes – but this is not an area that's regarded as a specific diving destination.

The marine realm is interesting enough but limited by natural forces. The coast of Kenya is heavily tidal with fringing reefs that run right along the shoreline. These lie just below the surface and are exposed at low tide, which means that the outer reefs are not easily accessible and scuba diving is mostly limited to mornings.

Once you get into the water there is plenty of life. Hard corals are the basis of the reef structure with lots of small fish, nudibranchs and crustaceans hanging around. There are also schooling pelagic fish if you dive on a day when there is a bit of current.

The reefs north of Mombasa seem to be in better condition than those in the south. Watamu Bay is regarded as the best area for diving as the bay is now a marine park. You often see blue spotted rays and plenty of moray eels. If you're really, really lucky you might even see a whaleshark as it wends it's way up and down the coast. The operators promote this heavily but chances are you're more likely to see a turtle and masses of nudibranchs.

Seasons
Year round but check rainy periods depending on your destination
Visibility:
10 – 40 metres
Water temperature:
25 – 29º C.
Deco chambers:
Mombasa

Flights from Europe, direct charters to Mombasa on the coast or flights to Nairobi with an internal connection.
Dive operators and accommodation options there are masses of hotels along the coast most of which will have an on-site dive centre.

PROS AND CONS
Getting to Kenya is easy from Europe with many chartered and scheduled flights. There are also plenty of hotels in all categories and standards are generally quite high. However, these tend to be busy and focused on the needs of package tourists rather than divers.

SCUBA DIVING
Generally, conditions are straightforward, but experienced divers might find the reefs a bit tame especially when combined with the restriction of no diving at low tide. Once the sea recedes you can't even swim from most beaches as the fringing reef is exposed.

Opinion
We had been to Kenya to see the Big Five prior to becoming divers so it was where we targeted for a combined trip once we were. We have been to Kenya several times, but always with a safari as the main reason for going. After that, the coastal resorts are ideal for some relaxing days and easy diving.