Igloo - Diani Beach & South Coast

Mahurangi Island, more commonly known as Goat Island, offers a surprisingly charming dive. Forget the grand wrecks of Truk Lagoon, these aren't the Queen Mary. Instead, you'll find a couple of old tractors sunk years ago, now softened by time and marine growth. We love poking around the cabins, imagining them still hauling across some muddy paddock. The real beauty here is the macro life and the sense of calm. Look closely, and you’ll spot a colony of triplefins darting in and out of every nook, alongside curious spotties and the occasional lemon sole camouflaged on the sand. Visibility hovers around 8 metres, which, for New Zealand, is pretty decent, and the maximum depth of 13 metres makes it an ideal spot for newer divers to gain confidence without feeling overwhelmed. We've often seen eagle rays glide past, a quiet, graceful moment in the blue, and small schools of squid will often hover nearby, their colours shifting with every pulse. It’s an easy, sheltered dive, a reliable favourite when the Hauraki Gulf decides to throw a tantrum.

Location
Diani Beach & South Coast, Kenya, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-4.338700, 39.581300
Type
wreck

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Diani Beach & South Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Igloo

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 Igloo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth at the Igloo dive site in Diani, Kenya?
The maximum depth at the Igloo dive site in Diani, Kenya, is 18 meters. Divers can explore this unique artificial reef, which offers an interesting experience within these depths.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Igloo dive site?
At the Igloo dive site, divers can expect to encounter diverse marine life attracted to the unique artificial reef structure, which resembles an igloo or the Death Star. The site is renowned for its unspoiled coral and a wide range of marine species, offering a variety of coral formations to explore. You can learn more about specific species at our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Igloo dive site, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Igloo dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty. This suggests it's suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications and are comfortable with various underwater conditions.
When is the best time of year or day to dive the Igloo site for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive the Igloo dive site for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on dive seasons in Kenya, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at the Igloo site?
The data provided does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required or recommended for the Igloo dive site. Given its intermediate difficulty, a certification beyond entry-level, such as Advanced Open Water Diver, is generally recommended for similar sites to ensure comfort and safety.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Igloo dive site?
At the Igloo dive site, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 12 meters. The provided information does not detail the typical current conditions at this site.