Follow the ocean’s ancient navigators.
Recognise sea turtle species, explore their remarkable life journeys and earn your SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty certification.
Every turtle carries an ocean story.
Sea turtles have crossed the world’s oceans for more than 100 million years. This SSI specialty gives you the skills and concepts needed to recognise common species, understand their fascinating history and discover the role they play in marine ecosystems.
Learn how turtles feed, migrate and reproduce—and explore the threats that make thoughtful observation and conservation more important than ever.
Three steps into the turtle’s world.
Start at home, bring your questions to the classroom, then choose whether to take that knowledge beneath the surface.
Explore the digital learning
Use the MySSI app to meet common sea turtle species and explore their evolution, anatomy and extraordinary life cycles.
Before the courseLearn to identify turtles
Work with your SSI Instructor to recognise distinguishing features and connect behaviour to habitat, feeding and migration.
About 3 hoursTake it into the blue
Certified divers can add an optional dive and practise respectful observation and identification on Diani’s reefs.
Optional adventurePress play. Go deeper.
Start with the bigger conservation picture, then get a feel for the reefs where turtle encounters bring the learning to life.
Blue Oceans: Dealing with the Underwater World
See why better choices above and below the surface matter for turtles and every part of the marine ecosystem.
Dive Diani with Ocean Tribe
A quick look at the warm-water reefs and the team that brings your ecology learning to life.
Learn it. Then live it.
If you are already certified, add an ocean dive and turn theory into real-world awareness with the Ocean Tribe team.
- Open Water Diver certification required for the dive
- May be combined with an Open Water Diver course
- Planned around reef conditions and local sightings
Everything you need to arrive ready.
Who can join?
The classroom specialty is open to anyone with an interest in sea turtles. Minimum age is 10.
What is included?
- SSI digital learning
- All training materials
- Transfers within Diani
- SSI specialty certification on completion
What to bring
- Water bottle and sun protection
- Swimsuit and towel if adding a dive
- Your curiosity and turtle questions
Sea turtle course FAQs
Do I need to be a certified diver?
No. Anyone with an interest can join the classroom specialty. You only need an Open Water Diver certification if you would like to add the optional dive.
Will I definitely see a sea turtle?
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. The optional dive is about using your new identification and ecological knowledge in a real ocean environment.
What will I learn about sea turtles?
You will learn to recognise common species and understand turtle evolution, life cycles, ecosystem roles, behaviour and conservation threats.
How do I check availability?
The specialty is offered daily. Check the online calendar or contact Ocean Tribe by WhatsApp or phone for live availability.
Ready to follow the journey?
Start the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty in Diani Beach and discover the remarkable lives behind every turtle encounter.
