odellsteve8
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going there in feb...anybody been?
what is known about the diving in Mombasi Kenya Africa?
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odellsteve8
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i'm going in Feb...Anybody been?
I havent been diving there nor have I been in Mombasa despite living in Kenya for a while. However I hear some of the diving is great and around the time you will be heading over there it should be during the Whale Shark season. If you get a chance to dive in Zanzibar(Unguja/Pemba) take advantage of it. Pemba is not far from Mombasa.
Last year I was in Zanzibar in June and the diving was great.
Here are some links to some Dive Operators:
http://www.buccaneerdiving.com/
http://www.divingthecrab.com/
http://www.dianimarine.com/
http://www.divinginkenya.com/
Hope that is helpful, there also should be some old posts that could have more info.
Last year I was in Zanzibar in June and the diving was great.
Here are some links to some Dive Operators:
http://www.buccaneerdiving.com/
http://www.divingthecrab.com/
http://www.dianimarine.com/
http://www.divinginkenya.com/
Hope that is helpful, there also should be some old posts that could have more info.
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odellsteve8
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oh my god...whale shark!..I could barely handle carib. shark dives....more info please...
I haven't dived in Mombassa but can recommend Bruce Philips's dive business, http://www.buccaneerdiving.com
He was my course director when I did my instructor course in Zanzibar, and he was super. I guess the diving would be quite similar to that in Zanzibar, which was awesome.
He was my course director when I did my instructor course in Zanzibar, and he was super. I guess the diving would be quite similar to that in Zanzibar, which was awesome.
Yes I did my OW there in 1996. A mad German instructor who didn't inspire confidence.
I dived off Diani Beach and since it was my first time I had nothing to compare it with.
Looking back I would say the water was very choppy after the breakers and the vis was poor to average. I was there in December so I don't know if it changes with the time of year. I doubt it since it is smack bang on the equator.
Fish life was good though.
Hope that helps.
I dived off Diani Beach and since it was my first time I had nothing to compare it with.
Looking back I would say the water was very choppy after the breakers and the vis was poor to average. I was there in December so I don't know if it changes with the time of year. I doubt it since it is smack bang on the equator.
Fish life was good though.
Hope that helps.
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odellsteve8
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thank you...If its not so good...I focus more on safari...If nothing else atleast another experience...Was hopeful to see the whale shark...I'll remain optimistic*
I have been to both Diani Beach which is south from Mombasa and to Watamu which is north from Mombasa near Milindi. The area around Milindi is part of the national park system that was set aside by Jomo Kenyata when he formed animal parks throughout the country.
I especially enjoyed Lenz and Maja Riedl http://www.scuba-diving-kenya.com
Lenz is a laid back fellow who went to Kenya as an air-conditioning repairman and stayed. Along with his lovely wife Maja they run a class act.
I didn't care for Diani Beach and felt that it was a crowded tourist area and the attitude of the folks there reflected that.
The tidal changes are monumental - probably three or four meters between high and low tides. The reef is healthy and alive with marvelous varieties of life. On one of my dives I made a note that I saw six large lionfish in one spot. There are many references to large stuff.
I also enjoyed the land safaris but if you are a diver and you go to Mombasa and don't dive you have missed out on a whole lot.
Although you have your normal rabble rousers the people of Kenya are warm and friendly. You just haven't lived until you have ridden a Matatu wagon into town. Pick the one with the fattest driver so the front wheels have a better chance to stay on the ground when making curves.
Good luck and good diving...
I especially enjoyed Lenz and Maja Riedl http://www.scuba-diving-kenya.com
Lenz is a laid back fellow who went to Kenya as an air-conditioning repairman and stayed. Along with his lovely wife Maja they run a class act.
I didn't care for Diani Beach and felt that it was a crowded tourist area and the attitude of the folks there reflected that.
The tidal changes are monumental - probably three or four meters between high and low tides. The reef is healthy and alive with marvelous varieties of life. On one of my dives I made a note that I saw six large lionfish in one spot. There are many references to large stuff.
I also enjoyed the land safaris but if you are a diver and you go to Mombasa and don't dive you have missed out on a whole lot.
Although you have your normal rabble rousers the people of Kenya are warm and friendly. You just haven't lived until you have ridden a Matatu wagon into town. Pick the one with the fattest driver so the front wheels have a better chance to stay on the ground when making curves.
Good luck and good diving...
From the most sothern part, Shimoni, you can go to Pemba Island which belongs to Tanzania. I was there a few weeks ago and contrary to reports we had very good viz. The people who worked there didn't seem to think it was unusual, so I guess it was quite normal.
/christian
/christian
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