Diving The Crab - Kenya's Best Scuba Diving Centre — Local services in Ukunda ward

I recently had the unfortunate experience of diving with Diving the Crab, and I feel compelled to share my overwhelmingly negative experience. As an experienced diver with a rare genetic eye condition that affects my peripheral vision, I rely on the assistance of instructors to ensure my safety and enjoyment underwater. However, my dive with Diving the Crab left me deeply dissatisfied and frustrated, and I cannot in good conscience recommend this dive center to anyone.

After today's dive with Diving the Crab, I found myself on the brink of tears. As someone who is genuinely passionate about diving and has had incredible dive experiences all over the world, even inside technical shipwrecks like the SS Thistlegorm in Egypt, I had high hopes for my dive in Diani Beach. My visual impairment has never been an issue with any other dive center. In fact, I have always received the help required from instructors to spot marine life and assist me if I lose track of them or the group. I was promised the same level of assistance from my instructor at Diving the Crab, but unfortunately, those promises were not fulfilled.

To begin with, Diving the Crab promised exceptional reef diving and the opportunity to explore a shipwreck. I was excited to dive, but my enthusiasm quickly turned into disappointment and regret.

Upon arrival, I was informed that we would not be diving the promised shipwreck but another reef instead. This change in the dive plan was unexpected and disappointing, especially considering my initial excitement. Furthermore, the promise of a low instructor-to-diver ratio (2-3 divers per instructor) was not met, as we were grouped with five divers to one instructor. This overcrowding greatly impacted the quality of the dive.

During the dive itself, I encountered multiple issues. The visibility was extremely poor, making it challenging to spot marine life. This was compounded by the fact that my instructor did not provide the assistance I had requested due to my visual impairment. I had explicitly explained my condition to the instructor and asked for their help in identifying and pointing out marine creatures. Regrettably, they failed to fulfill this request.

I got lost underwater not once but twice during the dives. On the first occasion, I surfaced after searching for a minute, as per my usual protocol. Shockingly, no one came to meet me, and I was instead instructed by the boat to return to the depths alone. This disregard for my safety and well-being was deeply concerning. I eventually encountered another diver who found me, but this should not have been necessary.

In contrast to my experience, the rest of the group enjoyed the sight of several turtles and a multitude of captivating marine life. I, on the other hand, saw only two angel fish and some coral over the course of two dives. This stark contrast can only be attributed to the instructor's negligence and unprofessionalism.

What added insult to injury was the instructor's inappropriate behavior of touching and disturbing the coral, a clear violation of responsible diving practices. This further tainted my impression of Diving the Crab.

After the dives, there was no debrief or acknowledgment of the issues I had encountered. When I confronted the instructor about my dissatisfaction, they shockingly blamed me for not seeing anything, despite my repeated requests for assistance due to my vision condition.

In conclusion, my experience with Diving the Crab was a complete and utter waste of money, given the high cost of the dive. The unprofessionalism, overcrowding, negligence, and disregard for my special needs as a diver were inexcusable. I strongly advise against choosing Diving the Crab for your diving adventures, as there are undoubtedly better and more reputable dive schools in Diani Beach. My hope is that my review serves as a warning to potential divers, and that Diving the Crab takes the necessary steps to improve their services and prioritize the safety and satisfaction of all their clients.

Equipment, briefing,...

Had a pool dive instruction session with Evans, who was fantastic, funny and professional. He was really patient with me and I appreciate it. The equipment had no problems and the pool dive is a great way to start mentally, so you know what's coming next. I could not do the actual dive because I had congestion in my nose and that was the overwhelming advice. If I may give one small feedback is that the people in the front desk were a bit high and mighty in both situations when I first went to ask for the lesson and also I went back to pay for the pool class. I think, especially for beginning divers, it is important to put them at ease and be nice and answer questions that may seem silly but for first timers, it is important. They were dismissive and unapproachable.

Other than that fantastic instruction by Evans and...

One if the oldest and better known diving operators on the South Coast. All the staff are extremely helpful and the instructors really make a beginner feel comfortable, at no point did I feel unsafe considering it was my first time. Beautiful dive locations and water visibility was very good when I visited in February. Tea, coffee and fresh fruit served whole on the water in between dives. An all around fantastic experience and looking forward to going back and completing the entire course. I do wish they would facilitate a photo underwater especially for first timers to have a keepsake of their first dive, that's the extra touch that really...