LEE CHRISTINE - Watamu & Malindi

The *Lee Christine* is a shallow wreck that we just adore. At only five metres, it’s a perfect chill-out dive, especially if you’ve had a few deeper ones and want to extend your bottom time. The old trawler went down in 1970 and has become a genuine haven for critters. We’re talking big schools of snapper and fusiliers that swirl around the remains of the wooden superstructure, sometimes so thick you can barely see the concrete hull beneath. Our favourite part is poking around the bow, where the light plays beautifully through the gaps, illuminating all sorts of nudibranchs and flatworms clinging to the metal. It’s also home to a couple of grumpy moray eels we often spot peeking from under plates, and the resident lionfish are always a striking sight against the rusted metal. It’s an easy, calm dive, ideal for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak in the atmosphere of a wreck that’s truly become part of the reef. We always hit it mid-morning when the sun is high for the best visibility and light penetration.

Location: Watamu & Malindi, Kenya, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -2.583333, 40.616665
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 5m

Marine Protected Area: Tana River Delta Ramsar Site

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to LEE CHRISTINE

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.

Notable Species

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) - Seagrass & Algae
gray mangrove (Avicennia marina) - Seagrass & Algae
Kankra (Bruguiera gymnorhiza) - Seagrass & Algae
Sundari tree (Heritiera littoralis) - Seagrass & Algae
Dhundal tree (Xylocarpus granatum) - Seagrass & Algae
Staghorn coral (Acropora valida) - Hard Corals
Species code: Tc (Thalassodendron ciliatum) - Seagrass & Algae
Species code: Si (Syringodium isoetifolium) - Seagrass & Algae
thalassia (Thalassia hemprichii) - Seagrass & Algae
Long-spined sea urchin (Diadema setosum) - Sea Urchins
Staghorn coral (Acropora secale) - Hard Corals
Rainbowfish (Stethojulis albovittata) - Reef Fish
Rainbowfish (Halichoeres hortulanus) - Reef Fish
Staghorn coral (Acropora aculeus) - Hard Corals
Queen coris (Coris formosa) - Reef Fish
cymodocea (Cymodocea rotundata) - Seagrass & Algae
Goldbar wrasse (Thalassoma hebraicum) - Reef Fish
Staghorn coral (Acropora nasuta) - Hard Corals
Wrasse (Stethojulis interrupta) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for LEE CHRISTINE

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