Learning to scuba dive is one of the most exciting steps you can take. The SSI Open Water Diver course gives you the freedom to explore the underwater world anywhere in the globe. If you are looking for the perfect place to start your diving journey, choosing an Open Water course in Diani is a decision you won’t regret. Warm waters, thriving coral reefs, and a vibrant dive community make it ideal. And when it comes to training, Ocean Tribe stands out as the best option for your Open Water course in Diani, Kenya.
Location right by the dive sites
Ocean Tribe is based in the heart of Diani Beach. This means quick access to the best dive sites, many of them just a short boat ride away. From shallow coral gardens to deeper drop-offs, you get to practice in varied conditions while enjoying beautiful marine life. The calm, clear water is perfect for beginners, making your first dives fun and stress-free.
Highly qualified and multilingual instructors
You want to learn from people who know their craft. At Ocean Tribe, you will be taught by some of the most experienced instructors in East Africa. The team is led by the only resident Instructor Trainer in the region, along with a crew of passionate professionals who have taught diving all over the world. Many of our instructors are multilingual, so you can feel comfortable learning in English, Kiswahili, German, French and other languages depending on the staff available.
Training materials in your language
Not only are our instructors multilingual, but SSI also offers training materials in more than 30 languages. This makes it easy to study and complete your theory in your own language. You can access your digital learning materials before you even arrive in Kenya, which means you can start your Open Water course in Diani feeling prepared and confident.
Special focus on buoyancy
One of the most important skills in scuba diving is buoyancy. Mastering buoyancy control keeps you safe, protects the reef, and makes diving effortless. At Ocean Tribe, we dedicate extra time during your Open Water course to fine-tune your buoyancy skills. We use modern teaching techniques and clear practice sessions so you leave the course feeling balanced and in control underwater. Many of our students say this focus is what gives them confidence to dive anywhere after certification.
Small groups and personal attention
We believe learning to dive should never feel rushed. That’s why our Open Water courses are taught in small groups, giving each student plenty of personal attention. Your instructor has time to answer your questions, help you master the skills, and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.
Confined water training in a deep swimming pool
Before heading into the ocean, you’ll practice your scuba skills in a controlled environment. Ocean Tribe uses a deep swimming pool for confined water training, giving you the chance to learn comfortably while still experiencing the feeling of depth. This pool practice builds confidence and muscle memory, so by the time you move to open water, you already feel at ease with your equipment and skills.
Modern equipment and facilities
Ocean Tribe invests in quality diving equipment and keeps it well-maintained. You’ll be using modern gear that fits properly and is easy to handle. Combined with the pool sessions, this ensures your training feels smooth, safe, and enjoyable from the very beginning.
Open Water course packages
Ocean Tribe offers flexible packages so you can build on your Open Water certification right away and save money.
- Open Water Diver – $499 The full SSI Open Water Diver course including all equipment, pool training, digital materials, and four ocean dives. 3 days / 4 dives
- Open Water + Advanced Adventurer – $750 Start with your Open Water certification, then add the SSI Advanced Adventurer course to explore deeper diving and new skills. 6 days / 10 dives
- Open Water + Advanced Alternative Package – $750 A custom bundle of Open Water with deep diver, enriched air diver and navigation diving. 6 days / 10 dives
- Open Water + Enriched Air Nitrox – $540 Combine your Open Water training with Nitrox certification, giving you longer bottom times and safer dives. 3 days / 4 dives
- Open Water + Perfect Buoyancy – $550 Take your first steps into diving with extra focus on buoyancy mastery, helping you feel confident and in control underwater. 4 days / 6 dives
These packages are designed to give you more diving, better skills, and great value from the very start of your journey.
Our environmental policies
At Ocean Tribe, we believe divers are ocean guardians. Protecting the marine environment is at the heart of everything we do. We follow responsible diving practices, avoid single-use plastics where possible, and teach every student how to protect reefs while enjoying them. Our team is actively involved in reef clean-ups, marine ecology education, and citizen science projects. During your course, you’ll learn not only how to dive but also how to dive sustainably, ensuring the beauty of Diani’s reefs remains for generations to come.
A full tribe experience
Joining Ocean Tribe is more than just doing a course. You become part of a community. Many of our divers go on to join the Dive Club, enjoy discounted dive trips, or continue their training through specialties and advanced courses. For those dreaming of a dive career, we even offer internships from beginner level all the way to instructor.
Explore beyond the course
When you’re not diving, Diani Beach offers endless things to do. Relax on white sandy beaches, enjoy great restaurants, or add a safari to your trip. Ocean Tribe can help arrange unforgettable land adventures to go along with your diving experience.
Ready to learn to dive?
Start your underwater journey with Ocean Tribe in Diani. With expert multilingual instructors, SSI materials in your language, pool training for comfort, a strong focus on buoyancy, eco-friendly diving policies, and unbeatable packages, there’s no better place to take your Open Water course in Diani.
Book your Open Water Course online today and save $10 compared to in-person bookings.
FAQs about the Open Water Course in Diani
How long does the Open Water course take?
The SSI Open Water Diver course usually takes 3 to 4 days. This includes classroom theory, confined water sessions in the pool, and four open water dives in the ocean.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes, you need to be comfortable in the water. The course requires you to swim 200 metres (any style) and float for 10 minutes. You don’t need to be an athlete—just relaxed in the water.
How deep will I dive?
As an Open Water Diver, you will be certified to dive to 18 metres. This is plenty for exploring coral reefs and marine life in Diani.
What equipment is included?
All scuba equipment for the course is provided. You just need to bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you prefer, you can buy your own mask and snorkel at our dive shop.
Can I study before I arrive?
Yes. With SSI’s digital learning system, you can start your theory online in your own language before travelling to Kenya. This saves time and lets you spend more days enjoying the ocean.
How much does the Open Water course cost?
The standalone Open Water Diver course costs $499. You can also choose from packages:
- Open Water + Advanced Adventurer: $750
- Open Water + Advanced Alternative Package: $750
- Open Water + Enriched Air Nitrox: $540
- Open Water + Perfect Buoyancy: $550