Try Diving (Discover Scuba)
Your first breaths underwater with a qualified instructor, in calm, shallow water.
Diving · Watamu Marine Park
Beneath the Surface
Kenya's coast hides coral gardens, turtles and reef fish. We help you meet them, whether it's your first dive or your hundredth.
A protected marine park
One of Kenya's oldest marine reserves
Watamu Marine National Park protects reefs, seagrass and turtle nesting beaches just offshore. Warm, clear water and shallow coral make it a rare spot for first-timers and experienced divers alike.
- Warm water and gentle, shallow reefs close to shore.
- Green and hawksbill turtles, reef fish and seasonal visitors.
- Best conditions typically October–April; we'll advise on your dates.
Ways to get in the water
Add any to My Trip and we'll build them into your coast days.
Certified Reef Diving
Guided dives across Watamu's reefs and drop-offs, from single dives to multi-dive packages.
Snorkelling & Dolphins
A gentler way to meet the reef, ideal for families and non-divers.
Indicative diving prices
What diving costs
Set by Black Marlin Diving Center and confirmed at the time of your quotation. All prices are in euros, per person.
Dive packages
| Package | Without equipment | With own equipment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day / Double Dive | €110 | €100 | Park fee included |
| 2 Days / 4 Dives | €160 | €140 | Park fee not included |
| 3 Days / 6 Dives | €230 | €210 | Park fee not included |
| 4 Days / 8 Dives | €300 | €280 | Park fee not included |
| 5 Days / 10 Dives | €370 | €350 | Park fee not included |
PADI courses
| Course | Duration | Cost | Dives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover Scuba Diving (1 pool lesson + 1 dive) | 1 day | €120 | 1 dive |
| Scuba Diver Course | 2–3 days | €280 | 2 dives |
| Open Water Course | 4–5 days | €360 | 4 dives |
| Advanced Open Water Course | 2–3 days | €280 | 5 dives |
| Adventure Course | 1–2 days | €250 | 3 dives |
| Rescue Course | 3–4 days | €400 | 2 dives |
| EFR – Emergency First Response | 1–2 days | €180 | — |
| Scuba Review (Refresher) | 2 hours | €40 | — |
- Marine park fees are not included except where noted above.
- PADI course materials are charged separately from the course fee.
- Kenyan residents and citizens should bring a valid ID or passport for park entry.
- Courses run in English, French, Italian and Swahili.
Diving is run by certified specialists. We coordinate your diving in partnership with Black Marlin Diving Center, a long-established Watamu dive operation. You get one point of contact for your whole trip; they provide the diving expertise, equipment and qualified guides.
Common questions about diving in Watamu
Do I need experience to dive in Watamu?
No. Our Discover Scuba option is a first taste of diving with a qualified instructor in calm, shallow water, no certification required.
How much does diving in Watamu cost?
Indicative prices set by our partner Black Marlin Diving Center start around €100 per person for a one-day double dive with your own equipment, with PADI courses from around €40 for a refresher up to €400 for a full Rescue course. Marine park fees are extra except where noted.
What's the best time of year to dive in Watamu?
Conditions are typically best from October to April, though we can advise on your specific dates.
Who runs the diving?
We coordinate diving with Black Marlin Diving Center, a long-established, certified dive operator in Watamu. They provide the diving expertise, equipment and qualified guides, while we remain your single point of contact.
What if I don't want to dive but still want to see the reef?
Our Snorkelling & Dolphins option is a gentler way to meet Watamu's reef, and suits all ages, including families and non-divers.
You bring the dream. We handle the rest.
Ready to explore the reef?
Tell us your dates and experience level. We'll match the right diving and fit it around your coast days.