Milele - Diani Beach & South Coast

Point Cistern is one of those Carriacou spots we visit repeatedly, especially when we’re in the mood for a more relaxed dive. At 16 meters max, it's a calm, shallow exploration, perfect for photographers wanting to slow down and really look. The current description calls it "rocky," but that doesn't quite capture the texture of it, the way the ancient volcanic rocks are sculpted with ledges and crevices. This is where you find the little things. Forget the pelagics; here, we’re scanning for movement in the shadows. We've often found stingrays tucked into the sand patches, almost invisible until they glide away. Octopus are pretty common, too, wedged deep in the rocks, sometimes just an eye peering out. But for us, the real draw is the macro life. Look closely in the cracks and under overhangs for juvenile hamlets, bigtooth cardinalfish, and tiny flamefish. We've spent entire dives just in one small area, finding slugs, various shrimp species, and miniature blennies. Visibility averages a comfortable 18 meters, so you've got good light for those close-up shots. It’s our pick for an unhurried afternoon dive, especially after a more active morning.

Location: Diani Beach & South Coast, Kenya, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -4.330400, 39.582000

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 Milele

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 Milele

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