KOTA MENANG - Diani Beach & South Coast

Alright, let's talk Kota Menang. This isn’t just some old boat; it’s a big chunk of history sitting off Diani, and we absolutely love it. The M.V. Kota Menang, a 153-meter cargo ship, ran aground back in '75 and has been slowly dissolving into the reef ever since. It’s a proper wreck dive, with a good portion of the hull and superstructure still visible, making it a navigation challenge and a fantastic home for fish. Dropping down onto her, you immediately get a sense of scale. The sheer size is impressive, and exploring the holds and corridors feels like you're stepping back in time. We've seen some truly massive groupers lurking in the darker corners, and the schools of snapper and barracuda that swirl around the structure are incredible. Our favourite part? The engine room is still largely intact, offering some great swim-throughs if you're comfortable with overhead environments. Just be mindful of the surge on choppier days; it can really push you around inside. This wreck is perfect for experienced divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a current.

Location: Diani Beach & South Coast, Kenya, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -4.051528, 39.722363
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 0m

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to KOTA MENANG

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 KOTA MENANG

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