Kenya is known abroad for savannah rather than reef, which is why its diving stays quiet.
The coast runs roughly 500 kilometres along the Indian Ocean with warm water year round, fringing reefs close to shore, marine parks with decades of protection behind them, and the MV Alpha Funguo wreck off Diani, sitting between 17 and 31 metres.
We have dived the South Coast from Diani since 2018. This page covers what Kenya offers a visiting diver, where the diving is, when to come and what it costs, and says plainly which parts of the coast we know first-hand.
Temperature and reef notes are our operating observations from diving the South Coast year round, not climatological statistics for the whole coast.
Where the diving is
Kenya's diving is concentrated on the coast, and the coast divides into three broad regions. We are honest about which we know first-hand.
South Coast
We dive here
Diani, Galu, Tiwi, Ukunda and south to Kisite-Mpunguti. Fringing reef a short boat ride from the beach, the MV Alpha Funguo wreck at 17–31 m, the Diani-Chale Marine Reserve and Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park near the Tanzanian border.
Mombasa Marine National Park, Nyali and Bamburi reefs, and the resorts north of the city. Convenient for visitors staying in Mombasa itself, and reachable from Diani for a day if the traffic behaves.
Watamu, Malindi and the far north
Watamu Marine National Park and Malindi Marine National Park, both protected since the late 1960s. It is a different trip from a different base. We do not run diving there, so ask a local centre for current conditions.
Everything else on this site describes the South Coast, because that is the water our team dives every week.
What Kenyan diving is actually like
Warm water, short boat rides and fringing reef. Kenya has no large liveaboard fleet, so most diving is done in small boats from shore-based centres, and the site for each morning is picked on the day from the tide and wind.
The marine life is East African reef: turtles, moray eels, octopus, rays, barracuda and reef fish, with dolphins and seasonal whale sharks as possibilities rather than promises.
Kenya also lets you combine diving with a safari in the same trip. Many of our guests do, and we plan the dive days around the safari dates and flights.
Marine life, coral fish around a reef
Commonly seen on the South Coast
Green turtlesMoray eelsHawksbill turtlesOctopusBlue-spotted stingraysBarracudaEagle raysGiant trevalliesGuitar raysLionfishDolphinsNudibranchs
Whale sharks are possible roughly November to February. Sightings are never guaranteed.
When to come
Diving is possible through much of the year on this coast. These are our own operating observations, not a promise about your dates.
January to March
Warm water and often our clearest conditions. The tail of the window when seasonal whale shark sightings become possible.
April to June
Quieter months with rain in the mix. Good sites often remain available with adjusted plans, and mornings are usually calmer.
July to October
Popular for comfortable conditions, healthy reefs and active marine life. Also the northern-hemisphere summer, so book earlier.
November to December
Conditions settling again and the start of the possible whale shark window. December is busy with holiday visitors.
Getting to the diving
Flying in
Most visitors reach the South Coast through Mombasa's Moi International Airport, or through Nairobi with a domestic connection. Ukunda has a small airstrip serving the Diani resorts.
Reaching Diani
From Mombasa the road route crosses to the south side and continues down the coast. Journey time varies considerably with traffic and the ferry, so we advise a departure time rather than a duration.
Once you are here
Hotel pickup is included across Diani, Galu, Tiwi, Ukunda and selected nearby accommodation, so you do not need a car to dive.
What it costs
Two guided boat dives cost $110, four cost $210. SSI courses run from $160 for Try Scuba to $949 for Divemaster. Marine park fees are payable per visitor at Kisite-Mpunguti and confirmed when you book. Prices and inclusions →
Flying home after diving
Leave at least 12 hours after a single dive and 18 hours after several dives or several days of diving before you fly. Tell us your flight time and we will plan your last dive around it.
Visa requirements, airport procedures and travel advice change. Check the current official guidance for your nationality rather than relying on a dive centre page.
Who you will dive with
Seven people run the centre, four of them born and raised in Diani Beach. Between the four instructors sit more than 13,000 logged dives on this stretch of the Indian Ocean. Two qualified dive guides, Sampuli and Captain Michael, guide dives alongside them.
Ali
Founder · Divemaster Instructor
25+ years diving in Kenya and abroad. Born and raised in Diani Beach.
Kassim
Scuba Instructor
17+ years and 8,000+ logged dives, from Diani to Kisite Mpunguti. SSI and PADI certified.
Salim Swaleh
Scuba Instructor
4,000+ logged dives on Diani sites. Teaches SSI beginner to specialty courses.
Omari
Scuba Instructor
SSI and PADI Open Water Instructor, 1,000+ logged dives. Shoots underwater photo and video.
Sampuli
Dive Guide
Born and raised in Diani Beach. 100+ logged dives. Guides guest divers and runs equipment checks.
Michael
Dive Guide · Captain
20+ years scuba diving and captaining boats. Handles the boat and guides dives.
Yes — warm water, sheltered shallow training sites and short boat rides make it straightforward. The certification is internationally recognised wherever you dive next.
Do I need a certification from a specific agency?
No. We are an SSI Dive Center and welcome divers certified with any recognised agency. Bring your card and logbook details.
Can I combine diving with a safari?
Many guests do. If the safari starts with a flight, leave 12 hours after a single dive and 18 hours after several days of diving. Tell us your safari dates and we will schedule the diving around them.
How much does diving in Kenya cost?
Two guided boat dives cost $110 and four cost $210. SSI courses start at $160 for Try Scuba and $490 for Open Water Diver. Marine park fees at Kisite-Mpunguti are extra and confirmed when you book. Prices and inclusions →
Coming to Kenya and want the diving to be worth the trip?
Send your dates, your certification level and whether a safari is in the plan. We will build the week around it.
