Scuba Diving in Mombasa, Diving and Safari Holidays in Mombassa, Kenya

Kenya Beach coast runs for roughly 480 kmOver 100 species of hard coral have been
from Somalia in the North to Tanzania in theidentified but there are relatively few soft corals
South. A fringing reef system and the establishingdue to a combination of wave action and
of effective Marine park reserves have madeturbulence in the shallow water. Most easily
Kenya an excellent dive location in its own right,recognizable are the Mushroom corals (Porites)
but this combined with a Kenya Safari Holiday iswhich occur up to 4 meters in diameter. These
what makes Kenya so special.are often heavily grazed by Parrotfish which can
be seen by scratches on the coral surface.
Mombasa South Coast Dive Sites - Kisite MarineSurgeonfish, Snappers, Parrotfish, Angelfish, Puffer
Park & Mpunguti Marine Reservefish, Butterfly fish, Triggerfish and many, many
The Kisite-Mpunguti marine national park is aboutothers offer an unbelievable display of variety and
75 miles south of Mombasa in the far south ofcolour. Several types for Ray and occasionally
Kenya. The diving here is not as seasonal as it isyoung (and harmless!) Sharks can also be seen.
further up the coast and local conditions areScuba diving, available at Turtle Bay Beach Club, is
excellent for much of the year. In Kisite Marinevery accessible with the outer reef being only 10
Park and Mpunguti Marine Reserves there haveminutes boat ride
been found around 250 varieties of marine fishes,Best Time to dive - The best time of year to
and over 40 varieties of coral species, includingdive most places is November before the short
large numbers of pelagic fish, butterfly, parrot,rains start up until March before the long rains
rock cod, angel, manta ray. Turtles, dolphins, reefbegin. In some areas around July and August can
sharks are also seen. Corals like brain, stag horn,become undiveable because of the strong winds.
lilac-blue, mushroom, and lavenderFrom November through to March diving near
Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve - TheMalindi is not great as it is affected by the Galana
Park is 10 km2 while the reserve is 200 km2.river and the water literally turns brown and is
Both the park and reserve are the most highlyundiveable on the usual reefs, around July or
utilized among marine protected areas. TheAugust is the best time to dive in Malindi.
coastline is, in Kenyan terms heavily developedDiving operators
with tourist facilities. The Popular resort area of
Bamburi Beach lies within this area. If you areKenya has a number of large Diving operators
looking for access to great scuba diving as well asthat operate all along the coast. Often one
accommodation, then this may be the area youoperator will have bases in numerous beach
are looking for. Bamburi beach is a popularhotels. In Mombasa Buccaneer and Barracuda are
snorkeling and diving location in Kenya.the two main operators. Further South on Diani
beach there is Diani Marine who make two dive
Malindi - Watamu Marine Reservetrips daily and as many as six in the high season.