HMS SHAPINSAY OR HILDASAY - Diani Beach & South Coast

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.

Location: Diani Beach & South Coast, Kenya, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -4.200000, 39.600000
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 0m

Marine Protected Area: Diani Chale Marine

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to HMS SHAPINSAY OR HILDASAY

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

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Marbled Parrotfish (Leptoscarus vaigiensis) - Reef Fish
Cigar wrasse (Cheilio inermis) - Reef Fish
Hooded oyster (Saccostrea cuccullata) - Clams & Mussels
Spangled emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus) - Reef Fish
Silver-streaked rainbowfish (Stethojulis strigiventer) - Reef Fish
Crested Sabretooth Blenny (Petroscirtes mitratus) - Reef Fish
Alligator pipefish (Syngnathoides biaculeatus) - Reef Fish
thalassia (Thalassia hemprichii) - Seagrass & Algae
mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) - Seagrass & Algae
cymodocea (Cymodocea rotundata) - Seagrass & Algae
seagrass (Halophila ovalis) - Seagrass & Algae
Shoalgrass (Halodule wrightii) - Seagrass & Algae
Short-head Sabretooth Blenny (Petroscirtes breviceps) - Reef Fish
Bullethead Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) - Reef Fish
gray mangrove (Avicennia marina) - Seagrass & Algae
Flowery Flounder (Bothus mancus) - Reef Fish
Species code: Tc (Thalassodendron ciliatum) - Seagrass & Algae
Species code: Hs (Halophila stipulacea) - Seagrass & Algae
Rainbow wrasse (Halichoeres iridis) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for HMS SHAPINSAY OR HILDASAY

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