For certified divers
Diani Dive Trips
Half-day diving on Diani’s reefs, wrecks and varied local sites.
Explore Diani Diving →Ocean Tribe Help Centre
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Find clear answers about learning to dive, Ocean Tribe trips, scuba equipment, visiting Kenya and becoming a dive professional.
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Learning to dive
First dives, beginner courses, swimming and certification.
Where is the best place to learn to dive in Kenya?
Diani Beach offers warm tropical water, coral reefs and dive sites suitable for developing beginner skills. Ocean Tribe provides SSI digital learning, confined-water training and open-water dives with professional instructors.
Read the complete guideDo I need to be able to swim to scuba dive?
You do not need to be a competitive swimmer, but full scuba certifications include water-fitness requirements. You should be comfortable in the water and able to complete the required swim and float assessments.
Read the swimming guideCan I try scuba diving without a certification?
Yes. A supervised Try Scuba or Basic Diver experience allows a beginner to experience scuba without already holding a diving certification. It is not the same as becoming an independently certified diver.
Explore beginner experiencesHow long does the Open Water Diver course take?
Ocean Tribe normally offers the SSI Open Water course over three days with four certification dives, or over four days with six dives. Digital learning can be started before you arrive in Diani.
View the Open Water courseHow old do you need to be to learn to scuba dive?
Minimum ages depend on the SSI program. Junior entry-level scuba certifications are available from age 10, while younger children can explore age-appropriate SSI Explorer activities.
Explore diving for childrenDo I need a medical examination before diving?
All course participants complete a diver medical questionnaire. Certain medical conditions, medications or questionnaire answers may require written clearance from a doctor before you can enter the water.
Ask about medical requirementsDive trips and ocean time
Groups, dive duration, dive sites and underwater comfort.
How many divers will be in my group?
Group size depends on experience, certification, activity and conditions. Ocean Tribe organises groups to keep the experience safe and manageable while giving divers appropriate attention underwater.
Read about group sizesHow long does a scuba dive last?
Dive time varies according to depth, gas consumption, conditions, no-decompression limits and the needs of the group. Your guide will explain the dive plan and turn pressure during the briefing.
Read the full answerHow can I use less air while diving?
Relaxed breathing, correct weighting, good trim, efficient movement and improved buoyancy all help reduce gas consumption. Experience and calm, controlled diving make a significant difference.
Learn how to improve air useShould I use a camera during scuba training?
New divers should focus on buoyancy, awareness and core skills before adding a camera. A camera can create extra task loading and distract from the instructor, dive plan and environment.
Read the camera guideWhy should I log my dives?
A dive log records your experience, conditions, equipment and progress. Logged dives may also be required for advanced courses, recognition ratings and professional training.
Learn how to log divesEquipment and preparation
What to wear, what to bring and what Ocean Tribe provides.
What wetsuit thickness do I need in Kenya?
Kenya has warm tropical water, but personal comfort varies. A short or full tropical wetsuit is commonly suitable. Consider your cold tolerance, dive duration and the season.
Read the wetsuit guideWhat should I bring on a dive trip?
Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-conscious sun protection, a hat and a reusable water bottle. Certified divers should also have access to their certification details and recent dive history.
View the packing guideIs scuba equipment included?
Equipment inclusion depends on the course, trip or package. Check the inclusions shown on the relevant booking page or contact Ocean Tribe if you plan to bring some of your own equipment.
Confirm equipment inclusionsDo I need my own dive computer?
Requirements vary by activity and training level. A personal dive computer becomes increasingly important as you progress, particularly for advanced and professional training.
Explore Computer DivingBooking and prices
Availability, pricing, changes and cancellation information.
What is the price of scuba diving in Diani?
Prices depend on whether you are booking a certified-diver trip, beginner experience, full course, specialty or professional program. Use the live booking page for current prices and availability.
View the pricing guideWhat is Ocean Tribe’s cancellation and refund policy?
Cancellation terms can depend on the booking, notice period and reason for cancellation. Review the complete policy before booking, particularly when arranging travel and accommodation.
Read the cancellation policyHow far in advance should I book?
Booking early is recommended during popular travel periods and for courses requiring an instructor, materials or several training days. Contact the team if your dates are fixed.
Check live availabilityTravelling to Kenya
Seasons, visas, arrival planning and local customs.
When is the best time to dive in Kenya?
Diving is possible throughout much of the year, but water conditions, visibility and marine encounters change with the seasons. Check the detailed seasonal guide when planning your dates.
Read the seasonal guideWhat are the visa and entry requirements for Kenya?
Entry rules can change and may depend on your nationality, passport and travel circumstances. Check the latest requirements before travel and use Kenya’s official government application services.
Read the visa guideHow do I apply for permission to travel to Kenya?
Use the current official Kenyan government process and apply well before departure. Avoid unofficial websites and confirm that your passport meets the applicable validity requirements.
Read the application guideHow much should I tip in Kenya?
Tipping is appreciated for good service but should remain voluntary. The appropriate amount depends on the activity, length of service and size of your group.
Read the tipping guideProfessional training
Divemaster, instructor courses and long-term career pathways.
How old do I need to be to become an SSI dive professional?
SSI professional ratings have minimum-age and certification requirements. Divemaster and instructor-level candidates generally need to be at least 18 years old and meet the relevant experience prerequisites.
Read the professional age guideWhat is the first professional diving level?
The Dive Guide pathway develops leadership and guiding skills. Combined with the required professional theory and experience, it forms the route to the SSI Divemaster rating.
Explore the Divemaster courseWhat is the path from beginner to diving instructor?
The pathway normally progresses through entry-level certification, experience dives, advanced and rescue training, Divemaster, Assistant Instructor and the SSI Instructor Training Course.
See the complete pathwayCan I join a Divemaster internship from my current level?
Ocean Tribe offers internship pathways from different starting certifications. The required duration and included courses depend on your current level, experience and number of logged dives.
Explore Divemaster internshipsWhen are Ocean Tribe’s instructor courses?
SSI Instructor Training Courses run on scheduled dates so candidates can complete preparation, the ITC and Instructor Evaluation in the correct sequence.
View the ITC calendar
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