About Kidu
Kidu is the designation given to a small sailboat wreck located near Nosy-Bé in Madagascar, in the Mitsio Archipelago area. It rests on the seabed in close proximity to the larger Zaida cargo barge wreck, making both accessible for exploration in a single dive. These wrecks, now artificial reefs, serve as important habitats within the diverse underwater landscape of Madagascar, known for its extensive coastlines and varied marine environments. The Kidu, along with the nearby Zaida, lies at a depth of 28 meters. Its modest size as a small sailboat allows divers to explore its structure, which has become covered with marine growth. The site is characterized by an abundance of macrofauna, offering a detailed perspective on the smaller, often overlooked inhabitants of the reef. Marine life at Kidu is rich, with glassfish congregating amidst concretionary sponges. Divers can observe scorpionfish, flying gurnards, nudibranchs, and flatworms, all contributing to a colorful and diverse ecosystem. The presence of such a variety of macro life makes the site particularly rewarding for close-up observation. This dive is typically combined with the Zaida wreck, offering a dual wreck experience. Due to its depth and the need for careful navigation around the wreck structures, the Kidu dive is best suited for certified advanced divers. It provides an opportunity to appreciate both historical elements and vibrant marine biodiversity in a single outing.
Highlights
Season calendar
Apr – Nov (Dry Season)
Best visibility and calm seas. Whale sharks from September, humpback whales July–September.
Dec – Mar (Wet Season)
Warmer water but reduced visibility due to rain and plankton. Still diveable with exciting pelagic activity.
Dive site facts: Kidu
- Depth
- 0–28 m
- Current
- Moderate
- Entry
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Level
- Advanced
- Dive type
- Wreck, Reef
- Region / port
- Madagascar
- Coordinates
- 13.2450° S, 48.0400° E
Conditions & Currents
Currents at most dive sites in the Nosy-Bé region, including Kidu, are generally mild or absent, providing comfortable diving conditions. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 40 meters, though it can be on the lower side during the whale shark season between October and December due to increased plankton. Water temperatures are warm, ranging from 24°C to 30°C. Due to the wreck's depth of 28 meters and the proximity to another wreck, this site requires an advanced certification for safe exploration and proper gas planning is advisable.
Why dive Kidu from a liveaboard?
Kidu is one of Madagascar's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include Kidu on their Madagascar itineraries.
Dive sites similar to Kidu
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- Access
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The dive site known as "Abyss" is not specifically mentioned or described in the provided sources.
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