This is our tribe.
Instructors, divemasters, captains, logistics legends and one extremely enthusiastic dive dog. Meet the crew who make every Ocean Tribe adventure safe, relaxed and unforgettable.
Serious experience.
Zero unnecessary seriousness.
Great diving depends on the people around you. Our international and Kenyan crew combines professional training, local reef knowledge and a genuine love of introducing people to the underwater world.
Meet the instructors
The people helping new divers take their first breath underwater and experienced divers reach their next level.
Founder & Instructor TrainerMark “Slinky”
SSI Instructor Trainer • PADI Course Director • 4,600+ dives
Training instructors, exploring reefs and always
planning the next underwater adventure. Mark brings
more than two decades of professional diving experience
to the tribe.
Mark “Slinky”
SSI Instructor Trainer • PADI Course Director • 4,600+ dives
Training instructors, exploring reefs and always planning the next underwater adventure. Mark brings more than two decades of professional diving experience to the tribe.
Mark took his first plunge in Australia in 2001. With more than 20 years as a professional diver and over 125 diving qualifications, he has become an extremely experienced dive educator.
His favourite Diani dive site is Mwanyaza, where he first encountered whale sharks and dolphins underwater. His ultimate dive experience remains the Great Barrier Reef, although there are always more places to discover.
Away from diving, Mark enjoys photography, cooking, travelling and following sport. What he values most about Ocean Tribe is its fantastic crew, incredible dive sites and close-knit family atmosphere.
Read more about Mark
Dive Centre ManagerLisa
Assistant Instructor Trainer • Freediving, Swim & Mermaid Instructor • 6,000+ dives
Staff Instructor, freediver and lifelong water person.
For Lisa, life without water is like a teabag without
water—it simply does not make sense.
Lisa
Assistant Instructor Trainer • Freediving, Swim & Mermaid Instructor • 6,000+ dives
Staff Instructor, freediver and lifelong water person. For Lisa, life without water is like a teabag without water—it simply does not make sense.
Lisa took her first dive in Fuerteventura in 2005. With a background in synchronised swimming and freediving, scuba was the natural next step—and she has been hooked ever since.
Her favourite sites include Ras Mohammed in Egypt and Alpha Funguo in Diani. When she is not diving, you may find her freediving, spearfishing, gardening, making music or catching up on sleep.
She loves the diversity of Ocean Tribe, the team’s passion for conservation and, of course, Henry.
Instructor & MermaidJacinta “Nimo”
SSI Divemaster Instructor • Freediving & Mermaid Instructor • 200+ dives
Instructor, mermaid and freediver who found peace,
freedom and an entirely new career beneath Diani’s waves.
Jacinta “Nimo”
SSI Divemaster Instructor • Freediving & Mermaid Instructor • 200+ dives
Instructor, mermaid and freediver who found peace, freedom and an entirely new career beneath Diani’s waves.
Nimo took her first dive in Diani in 2023, and it changed her life. What began as a way to understand her work soon became both a hobby and a career. Diving helped her conquer fears while giving her a sense of peace and freedom.
Galu has a special place in her heart because it was her first dive site—and where she first swam with turtles. Away from the water, she loves dancing, photography and modelling.
She thrives on meeting visitors from around the world and sharing the underwater world with every new diver.
Dive InstructorSteph
SSI Divemaster Instructor • PADI OWSI • 1,000+ dives
A curious explorer with a passion for marine
ecosystems, outdoor adventures and building confident divers.
Steph
SSI Divemaster Instructor • PADI OWSI • 1,000+ dives
A curious explorer with a passion for marine ecosystems, outdoor adventures and building confident divers.
Steph first dived in Kilifi in 2019. Her curiosity about marine ecosystems inspired her to explore and understand underwater life firsthand.
Her favourite site is Takaungu Wall, where dramatic underwater landscapes and vibrant marine life make every dive memorable. When she is not underwater, she enjoys hiking, exploring and spending time in nature.
Steph loves Ocean Tribe’s range of courses and hands-on opportunities to help divers develop their skills and confidence.
Specialty InstructorChris
SSI Specialty Instructor • PADI OWSI • GUE Fundamental Diver • 800+ dives
Equal parts diver and adventurer, Chris is happiest
exploring somewhere wild—whether below the surface
or behind the wheel of his Land Rover.
Chris
SSI Specialty Instructor • PADI OWSI • GUE Fundamental Diver • 800+ dives
Equal parts diver and adventurer, Chris is happiest exploring somewhere wild—whether below the surface or behind the wheel of his Land Rover.
Chris discovered scuba diving while serving in the Navy, although his connection with the ocean began much earlier through his marine-biologist father.
His favourite dive destinations include Raja Ampat and Diani’s Alpha Funguo. When he is not diving, he is often planning an off-road safari or his next adrenaline-filled adventure.
His enthusiasm for both land and sea makes him a natural addition to the Ocean Tribe crew.
“Come for the diving. Stay for the reefs, the stories and the Ocean Tribe family.”
Diani Beach • Kenya
Meet our divemaster
Local experience, sharp eyes and a growing knowledge of the reefs along Kenya’s beautiful coast.
Divemaster & Boat CrewRama
Divemaster • Boat Crew • Reef enthusiast
A keen diver and boat-team member who is always ready
to explore more of the underwater world.
Rama
Divemaster • Boat Crew • Reef enthusiast
A keen diver and boat-team member who is always ready to explore more of the underwater world.
Rama Katana began his diving journey at Jadini in February 2024. Since then, he has continued exploring beneath the surface and developing his professional diving skills.
Galu is his favourite site thanks to its rich marine life and beautiful underwater scenery. When he is not diving, Rama enjoys watching and playing football.
He loves being part of Ocean Tribe, meeting fellow ocean enthusiasts and continuing to grow as a dive professional.
Meet the dry team
The essential people who keep tanks, equipment and logistics moving smoothly before and after every adventure.
Tanks & LogisticsPhelix
Logistics legend • Adventurer • Friendly face
The friendly, adaptable team player helping make
sure every diving day runs as smoothly as possible.
Phelix
Logistics legend • Adventurer • Friendly face
The friendly, adaptable team player helping make sure every diving day runs as smoothly as possible.
Phelix Malongo is a keen adventurer who enjoys swimming and discovering new places. His social nature and ability to work with everyone make him an important part of the crew.
He loves Ocean Tribe’s relaxed atmosphere, meeting new people and being close to the ocean. You can expect a warm welcome from Phelix on your next diving adventure.
Meet the boat crew
Keeping journeys safe, comfortable and enjoyable from the beach to the dive site and back again.
Boat CaptainNasibu
Trusted captain • Future diver • Morning runner
One of Ocean Tribe’s trusted captains, keeping divers
safe and comfortable on every trip to the reef.
Nasibu
Trusted captain • Future diver • Morning runner
One of Ocean Tribe’s trusted captains, keeping divers safe and comfortable on every trip to the reef.
Nasibu helps make each journey to the reef smooth and enjoyable. While not yet a diver, he is working towards his first certifications and is excited to join the tribe underwater.
Away from the boat, you will probably find him listening to music or heading out for a morning run. His energy and enthusiasm are an important part of every dive day.
Henry
Henry is Ocean Tribe’s ever-present dive dog, greeting divers when they return from the ocean and volunteering for any available beach adventure.
He will happily frolic with you in the surf and provide all the attention a diver could need after a morning underwater.
⚠ Warning: expert scrounger of food and affectionCome and meet us underwater.
Whether it is your first breath below the surface, your next certification or a relaxed day exploring Diani’s reefs, our crew is ready to make it memorable.
