BRAIN CORAL (10–25 metres)

A standout site easily recognised by its prominent rose coral outcrop at the northern tip. Diving south along the reef edge reveals a vibrant reef top rich with healthy coral, where blue-striped snapper often gather in the gentle current.
About five minutes in, a striking drop-off hosts a pair of giant moray eels and an array of both soft and hard corals. Leaf scorpionfish in delicate white, green, and purple tones are commonly seen here.
Divers with good air consumption can continue to the neighbouring Deep Place, which marks the turnaround point. The return is a relaxed swim over the reef top, passing some of the area’s most impressive coral beds. With time and air to spare, explore the shallow upper sections of the rose coral, where colourful nudibranchs and well-camouflaged painted scorpionfish hide among the formations.
A wonderfully varied dive offering rich marine life and beautiful coral scenery.

DEEP PLACE (10–25 metres)

Despite starting at just 10–12 metres at the mooring point, this site sits perfectly between Antheas Reef to the south and Brain Coral to the north.
It’s an excellent choice for divers who prefer an out-and-back route toward either of its neighbouring sites. A nearby drop-off shelters pistol shrimp, moray eels, leaf scorpionfish, and the occasional giant Napoleon wrasse cruising past.

ANTHEAS REEF (10–25 metres)

Named for the jeweled Anthias that thrive here, this reef provides a convenient natural marker for the mooring point. It boasts some of the area’s most striking soft coral, home to coral groupers that blend seamlessly with the purple colonies.
A rugged overhang hosts multiple moray species—Giant, Honeycomb, and at times the elusive Devil Moray. Hunting jacks, glowing electric blue when excited, sweep along the reef and are often trailed by the Longnose Emperor.

NORTH CANYON (10–25 metres)

A short 10-minute swim north of The Canyon leads to this reliable site known for its large shoals of blue-striped snapper.
After exploring the prominent drop-off, head south toward The Canyon and finish with a relaxed cruise along the reef top. It’s a good nudibranch spot, but divers are encouraged to glance upward too—larger fish often cruise just above, easily missed by those focused solely on the reef.

THE CANYON (10–25 metres)

A dramatic site featuring a sandy 20-metre channel bordered by steep drop-offs. A large archway invites exploration, and a south-side swim-through rewards confident divers with frequent ribbon eel sightings.
Bigeyes, jacks, rudderfish, and large mid-water shoals of pelagic species are often seen patrolling off the walls.
Visibility here is typically excellent, making The Canyon especially popular with underwater photographers seeking sweeping, atmospheric seascapes.

BLACK CORAL (30–45 metres)

Reserved for advanced divers, this deep patch reef lies parallel to the main reef, about 300 metres offshore near Antheas and Deep Place.
The site begins at significant depth and features soft black coral bushes, long whip corals, large barrel sponges, and distinctive purple and yellow sea cucumbers unique to this region. Squirrelfish, large groupers, and snapper are frequent inhabitants.
With ideal conditions and efficient air use, divers can make a mid-water return to the main reef, often encountering turtles and rays—and even the occasional sailfish.

SOUTH CANYON (10–25 metres)

A lively location offering a great mix of reef fish and pelagic activity.
The mooring sits near a reef edge that drops to 25 metres, with overhangs sheltering clouds of glassfish and a resident giant moray eel. On the reef top, schools of translucent cornetfish hover while barracuda patrol the area.
Electric-blue jacks regularly sweep the reef edge and sometimes launch energetic feeding frenzies followed by groupers and long-nosed emperors.
Lionfish hide beneath deeper overhangs, and the shallow area at the end of the dive is ideal for spotting nudibranchs—and occasionally a masterfully camouflaged octopus.

DOLPHIN POINT (10–25 metres)

A short 10-minute swim south of South Canyon, this site features a steep, rocky drop-off home to lionfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and a variety of wrasse. Beautiful spotted stingrays are reliably seen here.
With favourable currents, Dolphin Point is a fantastic starting point for a drift dive northwards, ending at North Canyon.

SOUTH DOLPHIN POINT (10–25 metres)

Swimming south from Dolphin Point leads past striking overhangs to a narrow sandy channel and a prominent point with a steep drop-off where the mooring lies.
Five minutes further south is another dramatic drop-off, often visited by large turtles. This area is rich in soft corals and colourful reef fish.

DRUMMERS REEF (8–12 metres)

Located opposite Ocean Sports Resort, Drummers Reef is an ideal beginner site thanks to its sandy patches framed by coral heads—perfect for practice without disturbing the environment.
Despite its simplicity, the area hosts porcupine rays, wrasse, and snapper. A short swim down a narrow channel leads to a deeper drop-off reaching 28 metres on sandy bottom.

DRUMMERS DRIFT (10–25 metres)

Just south of Drummers Reef, this site begins with Watamu’s largest anemone garden.
Rarely dived and therefore in excellent condition, it features beautiful overhangs, sandy channels, and intriguing drop-off terrain. Green and hawksbill turtles are commonly seen.

CRACAS (10–25 metres)

The closest dive site to base, located just south of the Watamu Bay entrance. A steep drop-off lined with impressive overhangs offers sightings of leaf scorpionfish, snapper, and more.
About 30 metres off the drop-off sits a whale-watching spot where humpback whales pass from July to September. While the coral here isn’t as vibrant as northern sites, Cracas is known for regular encounters with larger fish.

NORTH MORAY (10–25 metres)

A gentle 15-minute swim south of Cracas leads to North Moray, clearly marked by a large spreading star coral formation. It’s a natural turnaround point for dives extending from Cracas or Moray Reef.
The site is home to multiple moray eel species and the bearded scorpionfish, while leafy scorpionfish and large red snapper frequent the adjacent cliffs and drop-off edges.

MORAY REEF (10–25 metres)

Defined by an attractive drop-off and a shallow, flat mooring area ideal for beginners, Moray Reef also offers deeper terrain for more experienced divers.
Expect sightings of moray eels, scorpionfish, and patrolling jacks. When currents run north, it’s a great starting point for a drift dive finishing at Cracas.

SHAKWE WRECK (12–14+ metres)

Shakwe—meaning Seagull in Swahili—was a stern trawler that sank in 1986 south of the Mida Creek entrance. This is the most distant dive site and should only be attempted during slack high-neap tides.
The 72-foot steel hull rests on its starboard side at 14 metres on sandy bottom, encrusted with healthy coral and bustling with small fish. Red snapper and large groupers lurk within the hull, and geometric morays are frequently seen.
Divers often encounter bottlenose dolphins near the wreck, and thousands of glassfish hover around old fishing nets draped from the outriggers.
Although the wheelhouse and mast have collapsed, the rear fridge compartments remain penetrable. Razor-mouth clams line the keel, surrounded by abundant whip coral.
The large brass propeller makes a striking photo opportunity and hints at the vessel’s working past. This is an excellent introduction to wreck diving.