AGIA MARINA - Diani Beach & South Coast

The Agia Marina wreck sits upright in 18 metres of water, a carrier vessel that went down in the late 70s. She’s a decent size at 71 metres long, built in Germany back in '56, and we love how intact she remains. You can still make out the mast structure, and the holds are easy to penetrate if you're comfortable with that. We often find big groupers hanging around the cargo holds, and the deck plates are carpeted in soft corals, purple and orange, which really come alive in the afternoon light. Schools of snapper and fusiliers swirl around the superstructure, so thick sometimes they almost block the sun. For photographers, the bow section offers some dramatic shots, especially when there’s a bit of current bringing in the nutrients. Visibility here averages 15-20 metres, and it’s a site that suits anyone comfortable with a bit of a boat ride and a slightly deeper dive.

Location
Diani Beach & South Coast, Kenya, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.060722, 39.593000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
18m

Wreck History - AGIA MARINA

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

The Agia Marina began its life in 1956, built at the renowned Werft Nobiskrug shipyard in Germany under the name Pasajes. After years of service and a few name changes, the carrier vessel embarked on its final voyage from Alexandria, carrying a partial cargo of salt. Its journey came to an abrupt end off the vibrant coast of Diani Beach, where it sank for reasons that remain undocumented.

Now resting at a comfortable depth of 18 meters, the Agia Marina has transformed into a fantastic artificial reef, teeming with the colorful marine life Kenya is famous for. Its accessible depth makes it a popular site for divers of all levels. The structure of the mid-century cargo ship is a playground for exploration, with open holds and deteriorating superstructures providing shelter for schools of fish, moray eels, and countless invertebrates. It's a perfect example of how a man-made structure can be reclaimed by nature, creating a beautiful and lively dive site.

Marine Protected Area: Mombasa

Best Time to Dive in Diani Beach & South Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Diani Beach & South Coast occur in January, averaging 28.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.1°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • February: 28.1°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • March: 28.1°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • April: 28.1°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • May: 28.1°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • June: 28.1°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • July: 28.1°C (air: 24.4°C)
  • August: 28.1°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • September: 28.1°C (air: 25.2°C)
  • October: 28.1°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • November: 28.1°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • December: 28.1°C (air: 27.2°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Diani Beach & South Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to AGIA MARINA

Marine Life in Diani Beach & South Coast

Home to 446 recorded species including 284 reef fish, 96 hard corals, 27 seagrass & algae, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 sea cucumbers, 5 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AGIA MARINA

Based on average water temperature of 28.1°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories