Beginner Courses / Try Scuba Diving
No experience needed

SSI Basic Diver Experience

Your first breath. A whole new world.

Start in the pool, learn the basics with your instructor, then explore Diani’s coral reefs on two fully supervised ocean dives.

See How It Works
Duration1 day
Minimum age10 years
Maximum depth12 metres
Course price$180

This could be you

Curious about scuba? Start with an experience, not a commitment.

SSI Basic Diver is the perfect way to test the water before a full certification. You will be introduced to real scuba equipment and essential skills, with an Ocean Tribe SSI Instructor beside you throughout.

Your two dives may count toward further SSI training

Your try-diving journey

Small steps. A whole new world.

Everything is introduced progressively so you can build comfort before heading out to the reef.

01
Before you get in

Digital learning

Complete a short introduction to scuba equipment, underwater communication and essential safety concepts.

Scuba basicsSafety conceptsLearn at home
02
Build your confidence

Pool introduction

Take your first breaths underwater in a shallow pool, learn simple skills and become comfortable using the equipment.

Shallow waterStand up if neededInstructor guided
03
Meet the ocean

Two reef dives

Explore Diani’s coral gardens on two supervised ocean dives, progressing only as deep as your comfort and training allow.

2 divesMaximum 12 mApprox. 8:00–12:30

Designed for first-timers

You bring the curiosity. We handle the rest.

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Age 10+

Participants must be at least 10. A parent or guardian signs the forms for anyone under 18.

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No experience

You do not need previous scuba training. Your instructor introduces everything step by step.

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Water comfort

You should be comfortable in water and able to float or tread water for 10 minutes.

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Medical check

You complete a diver medical questionnaire. Medical clearance may be required depending on your answers.

Included with Ocean Tribe

Everything you need for your first underwater adventure

📱SSI Basic Diver digital learning
🤿All scuba and snorkel equipment
🫧Air fills and weights
🐠Two ocean dives with an SSI Instructor
🍉Fruit, water and boat snacks
🚐Transfers within Diani
Your first diving adventure
$180

Includes your SSI digital materials, pool introduction, equipment, two guided ocean dives, refreshments and Diani transfers.

Discover Diani beneath the surface

Who might you meet?

Every dive is different, but slowing down and looking closely can reveal an extraordinary reef community.

Sea turtle underwater
Reef favourite

Sea turtles

Moray eel
Look in the crevices

Moray eels

Lionfish
Reef resident

Lionfish

Colourful nudibranch
Tiny reef treasure

Nudibranchs

Manta ray
Seasonal possibility

Manta rays

Whale shark
Seasonal possibility

Whale sharks

Wildlife sightings depend on the site, season and ocean conditions and cannot be guaranteed. Give marine life space, never touch or chase animals, and keep clear of the coral.

Where can this lead?

Your first dives can be the start of something bigger

Loved your first underwater experience? Continue your adventure with an internationally recognised SSI diving certification.

First-dive questions

Before you take the plunge

Is Basic Diver a full diving certification?

No. It is a supervised introductory experience and recognition programme. It is ideal for trying scuba before continuing to SSI Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You do not need to be a competitive swimmer, but you should be comfortable in the water and able to float or tread water for 10 minutes.

How deep will I go?

The maximum programme depth is 12 metres. Your actual depth depends on your comfort, progress, age, conditions and your instructor’s judgement.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sun protection and a reusable water bottle. Ocean Tribe provides the scuba equipment and wetsuit when needed.

Can the dives count toward certification?

They may be credited toward further SSI training when the applicable standards and time requirements are met. Ask Ocean Tribe about continuing to Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver.

Your reef adventure starts here

Ready to breathe underwater?

Book your SSI Basic Diver experience in Diani and discover what the world looks like beneath the surface.