Kenya's Diani: Diving Wrecks, Reefs, And More

If you're dreaming of white sand and palm trees, spectacular sunsets, and amazing dive sites, look no further than Diani, a wonderful resort area located just 30 kilometers from Mombasa on Kenya's Indian Ocean coast. With 25 kilometers of beach, splendid coral reefs, and intriguing marine life as well as playful Colubus Monkeys and other topside wildlife, this is a fantastic destination you will never forget.  Here are seven of Diani's best dive sites to help you begin planning what might just be the best vacation you've ever had.

Waa Wreck 

Nicknamed the Waa Wreck, the wreck of the HMS Hildasay lies upside down at a depth of 22 meters.  Built in 1940 and launched in 1941, the Hildasay was lost on June 21st of 1945 after running aground while attempting to help her sister ship, the HMS Shapinsay, tow a third ship out of danger.  While the wreck itself is not immensely interesting due to its inverted position, is has become a splendid artificial reef where you'll find plenty of fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates to keep you company. 

Kikadini Reef 

Home to huge Moorish idols, brilliantly colored butterfly and angelfish, and lots of blue lined and yellow snappers, to name only a few of the species you'll find here, Kikadini Reef is filled with life, particularly at the deeper end, where a depression in the reef's surface acts as a natural aquarium.  The reef wall drops away to a depth of 23 meters, and along the outside, large coral blocks create additional sheltered areas where marine life thrives.  

Maweni

A bit further from shore than some other popular Diani destinations, Maweni is a mecca for manta rays and other pelagic species.  While you're waiting for the big fish to arrive, take the opportunity to get some macro shots of the many nudibranchs and other small creatures that thrive along the reef.  All the best features are at a depth of just about 15 meters.

Twiga 

A  fairly shallow dive site with nice natural light conditions, Twiga's outstanding feature is a huge field of sea anemones that can only be described as something akin to a magic carpet.  In addition, there are magnificent coral formations here, and the marine life is dazzling.

Tiwi

Another very nice shallow dive site with maximum depth at just 10 meters, Tiwi is located near a river outlet and is only diveable during the dry season, between November and April.  With a lovely wall punctuated with caves where moray eels and crustaceans hide,  the site is teeming with colorful reef fish and is a favorite with photographers.  

MFV Fungo Wreck

A spectacular artificial reef sunk by Diving the Crab and Dream Diving on February 21st of 2002, the MFV Fungo wreck was salvaged after having run aground on the reef outside Kilindini Harbor.  Resting at a depth of 22 meters, the site is a haven for marine life of all kinds and is quickly acquiring a lovely mantle of coral and sponge growth. 

Maftaha 

A small outcropping that lies just off Diani's main fringing reef, Maftaha is surrounded by open ocean on three sides, yet it features maximum depth at just 15 meters, making it ideal for all divers to enjoy.  Here, you'll find not only a wealth of tropical fish and other creatures, but you stand a good chance of encountering whale sharks and manta rays.

No trip to Diani would be complete without a visit to the nearby Shimba Hills National Reserve, which is home to an estimated population of about 700 elephants.  With outstanding diving as well as some amazing topside wildlife encounters available, this is easily one of the world's most amazing destinations.