Madagascar

Dive Site: Kidu

0–28 mAdvanced Wreck
© EsriSource: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar, GIS Community · Labels © Esri, HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS

Which liveaboards dive Kidu?

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

Small sailboat wreckMacrofauna abundanceGlassfish schoolsScorpionfish sightingsNudibranchs and flatwormsConcretionary sponges

Season calendar

Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good

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

Same character, same waters, six more sites divers love for the exact same reasons.Compare seasons, access and liveaboard routes, then pick the site that fits your trip best.
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

7th Heaven

Maldives

7th Heaven is a vibrant channel reef located in the South Ari Atoll of the Maldives.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
10–30 m
Theme
Reef / Drift
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Abyss

Madagascar

The dive site known as "Abyss" is not specifically mentioned or described in the provided sources.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
18–50 m
Theme
Reef
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Addu Kandu

Maldives

Addu Kandu, also known as Addu Channel, is a significant natural waterway situated within the Addu Atoll, which is the southernmost atoll in the Maldives.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
10–35 m
Theme
Drift
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Aldabra Atoll

Seychelles

Aldabra Atoll, a remote UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Seychelles, offers an unparalleled diving experience that transports you back to a pristine, pre-industrial marine ecosystem.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
5–40 m
Theme
Cave & cavern / Drift
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Aldebaran Wreck

Seychelles

The Aldebaran Wreck, a 28-meter (92-foot) fishing vessel, was intentionally sunk on July 11, 2008, by the Seychelles Tourism Board to create an artificial reef.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
28–40 m
Theme
Wreck
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Alimatha Jetty, situated in the Vaavu Atoll beside the Alimatha Aquatic Resort's working pier, is celebrated as a premier night dive destination in the Maldives.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
2–12 m
Theme
Reef

Dive Kidu from a liveaboard.

Three to four guided dives a day on Kidu and the other signature sites in Madagascar, sleeping right above the reef.