Mombasa-Kenya: A Water Sporting, Scuba Diving and Game Fishing Haven in Kenyan Coast

The Mombasa coastline is a tropical idyll of soft whitearea is home to large Manta Rays which are
sands and gentle sea breeze, where the passing of aoccasionally encountered on dive expeditions.
day is marked by the slow arc of the sun. The paceIn February-March each year, there are almost
of life in Mombasa is notably slower, languid, moreguaranteed sightings of Whale Sharks on outer reef
relaxed and at peace with the world.dives along the Kenyan Coast.
Over the years, tour operators have organized beachScuba Diving Sites in Mombasa
safaris along the Mombasa coast including scubaOne of the best dive sites is Nyulli Reef. A good
diving, big game fishing, jet skiing, wind surfing,deep dive site with strong tidal currents. Spectacular
parasailing, beach parachuting, swimming with dolphins,coral and plunging drop offs are home to excellent
coral garden snorkeling among others. A Divesea life, including snapper, barracuda, rare zebra
beneath these waters and you discover an underseasharks and massive Napoleon wrasse.
paradise. The coral reefs teem with fish, aAn easier dive is Kisiite Point. There are plenty of
kaleidoscope of colours and life.large, tame shoals to be found here, with average
Come ashore to Mombasa beach resorts and hotelsdive depth at around 12 metres. Scuba Divers at the
that let you relax and experience this paradise inpoint often encounter hawksbill turtles and bottlenose
style and comfort. Lay back and enjoy yourself, ordolphins.
get out and explore. Immerse yourself in a uniqueWreck Diving is possible at the Northern end of this
coastal culture as rich and rewarding as the localstrip of coast, on the MV Unfunguo, a former
Swahili cuisine.trawler, which has now become a thriving artificial
Mombasa Water Sportsreef. Since the wreck split open some years ago, the
Mombasa's south coast is serviced by World Classinner hull has become a massive haven for sea life,
resorts, centered on Diani Beach, letting the visitorand makes for a truly spectacular dive.
relax in style and comfort. The beaches here arePADI Scuba Diving Courses
broad expanses of pure white sand, while the oceanThere are many dive operators in this area, both
is warm and inviting, with protective reefs creatingprivate and those attached to resorts. Equipment,
perfect calm havens for swimming.boats, refills and dive guides are all provided.
Water sports enthusiasts are spoilt for choice on theInternational PADI, NAUI and SSI standards of safety
South Coast. Most of the resorts and hotels arrangedand quality are all maintained. Full courses with
along the beaches offer a wide range of waterqualified instructors and international SCUBA
sports. Water-skiing, Sailing, Jet skiing, parasailing andcertification are available.
much more are arranged easily at most of the hotels.Many operators offer Night Dives and specialist Nitrox
Boating in MombasaDiving. The best option is a day trip on a dive boat,
A range of boats are hired to explore the Mombasacatamaran or dhow with one of the many dive
coast, including Hobie cats and sailing skiffs. Seacompanies operating in this area.
Kayaks are also widely used for exploring remoteA day dhow trip to Wasini Island, within the reserve,
coves and sheltered bays.is arranged from Diani or Shimoni. This usually includes
Shimoni is a good place for those looking to chartersnorkeling and/or diving, and a seafood lunch on the
yachts. Both yachts and crews are available forisland. This is an ideal way to spend the day. Dolphins
private charter. Mombasa of Kenya is a great placeoften accompany the dhows through the reserve,
to explore by yacht, or the perfect base from whichand the island itself is well worth exploring.
to set sail for Zanzibar to the South or the Red SeaBig Game fishing Spots in Mombasa
to the North.Shimoni has a long standing reputation for big game
Scuba Diving and Snorkelingfishing. The main game fish include Sailfish and Marlin,
Diving is generally good all year round, althoughKingfish, Wahoo, Horse Mackerel and others. The
visibility lessens during July and August due to silting.best source of local information for fisherman is the
There are dive sites ranged along the coast fromPemba Channel Fishing Club in Shimoni. A tag and
Tiwi south to Shimoni. Some of the best sites arerelease program ensures eco-friendly fishing. Big game
centered on Kisiite Mpunguti Marine Reserve. Thisfishing can be arranged in season (December-March).