The Kenyan coast is lined with pristine white sand beaches fringing the warm inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. Here the wilderness meets the sea, and the ocean itself holds a world of spectacular coral reefs teeming with life and colour.
Diving is generally good all year round, although visibility lessens during July and August due to silting and high seas. Best sites are at Mtwapa and Barracuda Reef. These are some particularly good outer reef dives, with long drop offs and plenty of life on the walls. On the outer edge of Barracuda reef there are large shoals of angel and butterfly fish, and the occasional green turtle or massive whale shark are seen here.
In February-March each year, there are almost guaranteed sightings of Whale Sharks on outer reef dives along the Kenyan Coast.
Africa's best wreck dive is found off Nyali Beach, just a short distance from Mombasa. The 80 metre MV Dania was scuttled by Buccaneer Diving offshore here in 2002. Lying in around 40 metres of water, the 3 storey former cattle carrier is an ideal place for anyone wanting to try wreck diving for the first time, with the upper deck housing a purpose built obstacle course that serves as a training area for wreck diving students.
Experienced wreck divers can penetrate all 3 levels of the ship, before making an exit through the main funnel. The Dania has become a thriving artifical reef, home to an incredible diversity of marine life.
For a unique dive, the Vuma Caves should not be missed. This series of caves are found near Kilifi Creek, about 20 metres beneath the surface on the face of some seaside cliffs. The open sea here is a good place to spot dolphins, while the interior of the caves is a refuge for very large grouper and barracuda. After exploring the caves, divers exit through a 10 metre chimney to emerge into the reef above.