Diving in Watamu & Malindi

Explore 9 dive sites in Watamu & Malindi, Kenya. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Watamu & Malindi

The warmest water temperatures in Watamu & Malindi occur in January, averaging 28.2°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.2°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • February: 28.2°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • March: 28.2°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • April: 28.2°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • May: 28.2°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • June: 28.2°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • July: 28.2°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • August: 28.2°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • September: 28.2°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • October: 28.2°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • November: 28.2°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • December: 28.2°C (air: 27.5°C)

Marine Life in Watamu & Malindi

Home to 254 recorded species including 148 reef fish, 57 hard corals, 17 seagrass & algae, 10 sea cucumbers, 6 sharks & rays, 3 crabs & lobsters.

Dive Site Difficulty in Watamu & Malindi

Watamu & Malindi has 2 beginner, 1 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Watamu & Malindi

Based on average water temperature of 28.2°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

Marine Protected Areas in Watamu & Malindi

  • Kisite - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Malindi - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Diani Chale Marine - Marine National Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Mombasa - Marine National Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Mombasa - Marine National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Mpunguti - Marine National Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Tana River Delta Ramsar Site - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category VI)
  • Watamu - Marine National Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Malindi - Marine National Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Kiunga - Marine National Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Malindi-Watamu - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Kiunga - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Wasini - Locally Managed Marine Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Mkokoni - Locally Managed Marine Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Watamu & Malindi - Nearest Airports

  • Malindi International Airport (MYD), Malindi - 3 km away, approx 18 min travel time
  • Moi International Airport (MBA), Mombasa - 105 km away, approx 129 min travel time
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Arusha - 338 km away, approx 384 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres