General Advice

Please take care with the sun it is much stronger than you think even on a cloudy day! At all times sunscreen should be used. It is recommended that a minimum sunscreen Factor 15 be applied at sea level. Spending a long time in the sun leads to dehydration and sunstroke, take special care when you are on boats as the sea reflection intensifies the sunburn factor. Please be sure to drink plenty of liquid during the day (beer doesn’t help!).

WHAT TO WEAR

The Divers Village is very casual and does not expect clients to dress up. Shorts, «kikois» and T-shirts are perfectly acceptable. Outside the Village, please respect the local custom, which is mainly Muslim. Some of the smarter restaurants have a dress code.

SECURITY

Diani Beach is a safe place. However common sense should be applied at all times. Remember you are in a third world country and «poverty exists», as such be aware of petty thieves. DO NOT stroll on the beach or on the road at night (especially with your Rolex Watch and camera). 

TRANSPORT

Various kinds of transport are available. Should you wish to hire a car, motorbike, vespa or bicycle, please ask at reception, they will organize this for you. Most people travel by taxi or matatu (local buses). Book through reception for a Taxi. Matatu (local busses)–please ask any of our Kenyan staff for a detailed explanation! Divers Lorry–you are welcome to travel on scheduled trips for shopping.

BEACHBOYS

There are many Beach Boys who operate on the Diani Beach and some clients do experience harassment. The best way to deal with them–if you have the patience–is to ignore them. However, some of them can be very persistent, please ask them politely to leave you alone and if you have any major problems, please report to the Office Manager who will report them to the police. Beach hawking and harassment of tourists is illegal in Kenya and Diani Marine does not condone their activities on the beach. Please do not book any tours or excursions with beach boys, as we do not wish to support them. Diani Marine will not accept any responsibility for deals gone wrong with beach boys/local dealers.

MALARIA

All along the Kenyan Coast you are at risk from malaria. Please check with your doctor or travel clinic which prophylactics are best. The best form of prevention is to make sure mosquitoes do not bite you! Always use insect spray after dusk, keep yourself covered up as much as possible and sleep underneath a mosquito net.

DOCTORS

A good local doctor is available if you require one. Please contact the office for details and make sure that you keep all receipts for your insurance claim upon your return home. Check African insurances and health issues with ► AMREF/Flying Doctors