South Dolphin - Watamu & Malindi

Tupitipiti is our pick for Bora Bora. We know, everyone talks about the manta cleaning stations, but if you want something with a bit more drama, this is it. We’re talking about a proper wall dive, starting shallow and dropping to around 18 metres, carved with a network of little caves and overhangs. It's not a deep dive, but the topography keeps things interesting. As you descend, the reef face explodes with colour – great big plates of staghorn coral, and smaller pockets where you can spot brilliant red hawkfish eyeing you from their perch. Keep an eye out for the latticed butterflyfish darting through the coral, and a scattering of pinktail triggerfish just going about their day. We've seen plenty of nurse sharks here, resting in the shadows, and occasionally reef sharks cruising by in the deeper blue. The visibility is usually excellent, so you get a great sense of scale as you drift along the wall. It’s a site that rewards slow exploration, peering into every crack and crevice, especially for those who appreciate reef structure as much as the big stuff.

Location
Watamu & Malindi, Kenya, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-3.368000, 40.023200
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Watamu

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Watamu & Malindi

Nearest Dive Centres to South Dolphin

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

Recommended Packing List for South Dolphin

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