Meet the reef. Know the ocean.
Turn every swim, snorkel and dive into a wildlife discovery. Explore sharks, turtles, rays, coral, fish and the fascinating creatures that make the ocean work.
See more.
Protect more.
The reef gets even better when you know what you’re seeing.
SSI Ecology courses are flexible, interactive programs focused on marine life, ecosystems and ocean conservation. They help you recognise what you see underwater and understand how each species fits into the bigger picture.
You do not need to be an advanced diver. These courses are suitable for certified divers, new divers, snorkellers and curious ocean lovers. Add one to a Diani dive trip or complete the learning as a standalone marine-life course.
Nine ways to see the sea differently
Pick one favourite or build your own collection. Every subject reveals another layer of life beneath the surface.
Fish Identification
Learn to recognise fish families using their shapes, markings, swimming styles and behaviour. Never settle for “I saw a blue fish” again.
Explore Fish IDShark Ecology
Replace myths with facts. Discover shark biology, behaviour, evolution and the crucial role these remarkable predators play in healthy oceans.
Explore Shark EcologySea Turtle Ecology
Follow the incredible lives of sea turtles from nesting beach to feeding ground. Learn about identification, migration, behaviour and conservation.
Explore Turtle Ecology
Nudibranch Ecology
Enter the tiny, colourful world of sea slugs. Discover their extraordinary defences, feeding strategies, camouflage and dazzling variety.
Explore Nudibranchs
Marine Mammal Ecology
Explore the biology, communication and behaviour of whales, dolphins, seals and other air-breathing ocean specialists.
Explore Marine Mammals
Marine Invertebrate Ecology
Meet the ocean’s spineless superstars—including octopus, starfish, crabs, sea urchins and the huge variety hiding across the reef.
Explore InvertebratesMarine Ecology
See the whole underwater picture. Understand food webs, habitats, species relationships and the processes that keep marine ecosystems balanced.
Explore Marine EcologyManta & Ray Ecology
Glide into the world of mantas and rays. Explore their evolution, anatomy, feeding habits, habitats and the challenges facing these graceful animals.
Explore Mantas & Rays
Coral Identification
Discover that coral is far more than colourful reef scenery. Learn to recognise major coral groups and understand how reefs are built.
Explore Coral IDKnowledge changes the way you dive.
Once you understand the reef, every dive becomes richer. You begin noticing feeding behaviour, camouflage, cleaning stations, species relationships and small details that were always there—but easy to swim straight past.
Better observation also helps you become a more thoughtful, environmentally responsible ocean visitor.
Help me choose a courseSpot more wildlife
Train your eyes to notice shapes, clues and behaviours underwater.
Understand the reef
Learn how animals, habitats and food webs connect.
Dive responsibly
Understand why careful interactions and conservation matter.
Build recognition
Add specialties as you work toward SSI diver recognition levels.
From curious to ocean nerd in four steps
Begin online, learn at your pace and bring the subject to life with the Ocean Tribe team in Diani.
Choose your subject
Pick the animal group or ecosystem that interests you most—or ask us to recommend a great first ecology specialty.
Start digital learning
Use SSI’s digital materials to study wherever you are and complete the interactive knowledge sections at your own pace.
Learn with a professional
Review the topic with the Ocean Tribe team, ask questions and connect the course to the marine life found around Diani.
Take it to the reef
Certified divers can add an optional dive and put their new identification and observation skills into action.
You don’t need to be an expert—or even a diver
These courses are designed for anyone who wants a deeper connection with the ocean.
Scuba divers
Recognise more species and add extra meaning to every dive.
Snorkellers
Understand the marine life you see from the surface and on the reef.
Photographers
Better identification and behaviour knowledge can improve your images.
Ocean lovers
Enjoy structured marine learning without needing a diving certification.
Your next dive could feel completely different.
Choose an SSI Ecology course, start learning online and arrive in Diani ready to discover a reef full of stories you may never have noticed before.
After registering, select or affiliate with Ocean Tribe as your SSI Training Centre.
