HMS SHAPINSAY OR HILDASAY
Protected Area
Diani Chale Marine
Why dive here
With 408+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, giant moray eels, humpback whales and octopuses - HMS SHAPINSAY OR HILDASAY offers some of Diani Beach & South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 26-30°C, warmest March, April, December.
The HMS Shapinsay, or Hildasay as she was renamed, is a fascinating old girl. This 50-metre trawler, built in 1941, met her end grounded on the reef near Kilindini, leaving us with a pretty compelling dive site. We love the way she’s just draped herself over the coral, creating these amazing nooks and crannies for marine life. Dropping down onto her, you immediately feel that sense of history. The bow points out to sea, and you can explore the superstructure, which still holds a lot of its shape. Schools of fusiliers often swirl around the bridge, so thick they almost block the light, and we’ve seen some hefty groupers tucked into her deeper sections. Look closely for moray eels peering out from rusted portholes and the vibrant soft corals that have colonised every available surface. This site is a great pick for wreck enthusiasts who also appreciate a lively reef, offering a blend of history and biology. It’s not a deep dive, making it accessible to most, but the currents can pick up, so check conditions before you go.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to HMS SHAPINSAY OR HILDASAY
Dive shops near HMS SHAPINSAY OR HILDASAY
Calico Jacks Diani
ABDU Scuba Divers
ReefoDivers Diani
Diving Center
Ocean Tribe
Diving The Crab
Reviews for HMS SHAPINSAY OR HILDASAY
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS SHAPINSAY OR HILDASAY
HMS SHAPINSAY OR HILDASAY Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for HMS SHAPINSAY OR HILDASAY, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-4.27, 39.61) (1km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
27°C
81°F · Range: 25.3–28.7°C
Air Temperature
26°C
79°F
Wind Speed
5.22 m/s
10.1 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1013.7 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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