Mombasa-Kenya: Water Sporting, Scuba Diving and Game Fishing Haven

The Mombasa coastline is a tropical idyll of soft white sands and gentle sea breeze, where the passing of a day is marked by the slow arc of the sun. The pace of life in Mombasa is notably slower, languid, more relaxed and at peace with the world.

Over the years, tour operators have organized beach safaris along the Mombasa coast including scuba diving, big game fishing, jet skiing, wind surfing, parasailing, beach parachuting, swimming with dolphins, coral garden snorkeling among others. A Dive beneath these waters and you discover an undersea paradise. The coral reefs teem with fish, a kaleidoscope of colours and life.

Come ashore to Mombasa beach resorts and hotels that let you relax and experience this paradise in style and comfort. Lay back and enjoy yourself, or get out and explore. Immerse yourself in a unique coastal culture as rich and rewarding as the local Swahili cuisine.

Mombasa Water Sports

Mombasa’s south coast is serviced by World Class resorts, centered on Diani Beach, letting the visitor relax in style and comfort. The beaches here are broad expanses of pure white sand, while the ocean is warm and inviting, with protective reefs creating perfect calm havens for swimming.

Water sports enthusiasts are spoilt for choice on the South Coast. Most of the resorts and hotels arranged along the beaches offer a wide range of water sports. Water-skiing, Sailing, Jet skiing, parasailing and much more are arranged easily at most of the hotels.

Boating in Mombasa

A range of boats are hired to explore the Mombasa coast, including Hobie cats and sailing skiffs. Sea Kayaks are also widely used for exploring remote coves and sheltered bays.

Shimoni is a good place for those looking to charter yachts. Both yachts and crews are available for private charter. Mombasa of Kenya is a great place to explore by yacht, or the perfect base from which to set sail for Zanzibar to the South or the Red Sea to the North.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Diving is generally good all year round, although visibility lessens during July and August due to silting. There are dive sites ranged along the coast from Tiwi south to Shimoni. Some of the best sites are centered on Kisiite Mpunguti Marine Reserve. This area is home to large Manta Rays which are occasionally encountered on dive expeditions.

In February-March each year, there are almost guaranteed sightings of Whale Sharks on outer reef dives along the Kenyan Coast.

Scuba Diving Sites in Mombasa

One of the best dive sites is Nyulli Reef. A good deep dive site with strong tidal currents. Spectacular coral and plunging drop offs are home to excellent sea life, including snapper, barracuda, rare zebra sharks and massive Napoleon wrasse.

An easier dive is Kisiite Point. There is plenty of large, tame shoals to be found here, with average dive depth at around 12 metres. Scuba Divers at the point often encounter hawksbill turtles and bottlenose dolphins.

Wreck Diving is possible at the Northern end of this strip of coast, on the MV Unfunguo, a former trawler, which has now become a thriving artificial reef. Since the wreck split open some years ago, the inner hull has become a massive haven for sea life, and makes for a truly spectacular dive.

PADI Scuba Diving Courses

There are many dive operators in this area, both private and those attached to resorts. Equipment, boats, refills and dive guides are all provided. International PADI, NAUI and SSI standards of safety and quality are all maintained. Full courses with qualified instructors and international SCUBA certification are available.

Many operators offer Night Dives and specialist Nitrox Diving. The best option is a day trip on a dive boat, catamaran or dhow with one of the many dive companies operating in this area.

A day dhow trip to Wasini Island, within the reserve, is arranged from Diani or Shimoni. This usually includes snorkeling and/or diving, and a seafood lunch on the island. This is an ideal way to spend the day. Dolphins often accompany the dhows through the reserve, and the island itself is well worth exploring.

Big Game fishing Spots in Mombasa

Shimoni has a long standing reputation for big game fishing. The main game fish include Sailfish and Marlin, Kingfish, Wahoo, Horse Mackerel and others. The best source of local information for fisherman is the Pemba Channel Fishing Club in Shimoni. A tag and release program ensures eco-friendly fishing. Big game fishing can be arranged in season (December-March).

Robert is a tour consultant and co-owner of Landmark Safaris Ltd in Kenya. He is degreed in Tourism management and conservation. More information: http://www.landmarksafaris.com/planner/. Your free safari photos: http://www.eastafricasafari.blogspot.com