TRY SCUBA DIVING AT A GLANCE
- Duration
- 1 day
- Minimum age
- 10 years
- Maximum dive depth
- 12 m
- Able to swim
- Dive medical required
Price
$180
Includes all digital materials
OVERVIEW
For those of you who would just like to try scuba diving out, perhaps as a test before getting your certification, then the SSI Try Diving (Basic Diver) Experience is for you. After a short briefing and pool session when you are introduced to the basic diving skills, you embark on 2 ocean dives up to 12m deep under the direct supervision of an Ocean Tribe SSI Instructor. The dives from your SSI Try Diving (Basic Diver) Experience can also then be credited towards the SSI Scuba Diver or SSI Open Water Diver courses, meaning you have already got a head start on your certification.
Who can try scuba diving?
Curious about scuba diving? Ocean Tribe’s SSI Basic Diver programme lets you experience Diani’s underwater world with an instructor by your side. You’ll learn the basics before enjoying supervised ocean dives to a maximum depth of 12 metres.
Age 10+
You must be at least 10 years old. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the required forms.
Medical fitness
Before diving, you’ll complete a diver medical questionnaire and training paperwork. Depending on your answers, you may need medical clearance from a doctor. Our team will explain what’s required and help you prepare.
No experience needed
Your Ocean Tribe instructor will introduce the equipment and guide you through the basic skills in the pool before heading into the ocean.
Water comfort
You don’t need to be a strong or competitive swimmer, but you should feel comfortable in the water. We ask that you can float or tread water for 10 minutes as a simple safety check. If you’re unsure about your water confidence, speak to our team before booking.
What’s Included in Our SSI Basic Diver Course
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SSI Digital Learning
SSI Basic Diver Digital Learning.
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All Equipment Provided
All dive and snorkel equipment, including air fills and weights.
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Boat Refreshments
Fruit, water and snacks on the boat.
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2 Ocean Dives
2 ocean dives with an SSI Instructor.
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Transfers Within Diani
Transfers within Diani are included.
YOUR TRY DIVING ITINERARY
SMALL STEPS. A WHOLE NEW WORLD.
From your first scuba lesson to colourful coral gardens, here’s how your adventure unfolds.
BEFORE YOU GET IN
DIGITAL LEARNING
Get to know the basics of scuba diving with a short eLearning introduction.
What to expect
Before you go in the water, complete a short eLearning section covering the knowledge briefing and an introduction to scuba diving and safety concepts. Your Instructor will build on this during your try diving experience.
BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE
POOL INTRODUCTION
Take your first breaths underwater and get comfortable with your scuba equipment.
What to expect
Before heading into the ocean, you’ll learn basic scuba skills in a pool where you can stand up if needed, without surge or currents to distract you.
Your Ocean Tribe diving Instructor demonstrates each skill, then helps you practise until you’re comfortable. Once you feel comfortable using the scuba equipment, it’s time for a real dive.
MEET THE OCEAN
OCEAN DIVES
Explore vibrant coral gardens on your first two open water dives.
What to expect
Your first two open water dives take you to a maximum depth of 12 metres. You’ll head out at 8:00am and return by around 12:30pm, exploring vibrant coral gardens and practising key skills in a real ocean setting.
Learn the basics. Find your confidence. Discover the reef.
Photos & Videos
Capture your dive experience by purchasing photos and videos, taken daily by our in-house photo team.*
Buy Photos* Subject to availability
What You Might See
From turtles cruising the reef to tiny treasures hiding among the corals, every dive brings something different. Here are a few marine-life encounters to look out for around Diani.
Sea turtles
A highlight of Diani’s reefs. Watch for turtles gliding past or resting beneath coral ledges, especially at Galu.
Moray eels
Take a closer look at the reef’s nooks and crannies. You might spot a moray peeking out from its sheltered hiding place.
Lionfish
Striking stripes and fan-like fins make these reef fish a memorable sight. Enjoy watching them with plenty of space.
Nudibranchs
Slow down and look closely. These tiny sea slugs bring a splash of colour to the reef and reward a patient eye.
Manta rays
Keep an eye on the blue for a graceful passing manta. A seasonal possibility rather than an everyday reef encounter.
Whale sharks
An unforgettable encounter if you’re lucky. These ocean giants may visit Diani’s waters during the seasonal window.
Wildlife, not a promise. Sightings vary with the dive site, season and ocean conditions and cannot be guaranteed. Give marine life space, never touch or chase animals, and keep clear of the coral.
SSI Try Scuba Diving
FAQs
What is the SSI Try Scuba Diving experience?
Try Scuba Diving is your first taste of the underwater world. It’s a short, guided session that lets you breathe underwater for the first time using real scuba gear. You’ll learn a few basic skills and enjoy 2 dives on a beautiful coral reef in Diani Beach.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No, but being comfortable in the water helps. Our instructors are with you at all times, and the dive is in shallow, calm conditions. You’ll also wear a buoyancy jacket that helps you float easily on the surface. See more here.
How long does the Try Scuba session last?
The whole experience takes around 4 to 5 hours. That includes a short briefing, getting into gear, a few skills in the pool, and 2 guided dives to a maximum of 5 to 12 meters—depending on your comfort. Most people prefer to do the pool the day before so they don’t have to get up early.
Is it safe?
Yes, very safe. Ocean Tribe follows international SSI safety standards. You’ll be guided by certified instructors who are trained to support first-time divers. We also offer the SSI Classified Diving option for guests with physical or cognitive challenges.
What age do you need to be?
You need to be at least 10 years old for Try Scuba. For younger adventurers aged 8 and up, we offer the SSI Scuba Explorers program—a fun pool-based intro to diving.
What do I need to bring?
Just bring swimwear, a towel, and a sense of adventure. We provide all the scuba gear and a wetsuit if needed. Sunblock and water are also recommended.
Will I see fish?
Yes! Diani Beach has vibrant coral reefs filled with colourful reef fish, sea turtles, and sometimes even rays or dolphins. Every dive is different, but our reefs never disappoint.
Can I do it more than once?
Absolutely! Many people come back for a second session or upgrade to the SSI Scuba Diver or the most popular Open Water Diver course. Your Try Scuba session even counts as credit towards full certification if you continue your training within six months.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, you’ll receive an SSI digital recognition card and a paper certificate showing that you’ve completed the Try Scuba Diving experience. It’s not a full certification, but it’s a great first step.
How do I book?
You can book online by clicking here and get a discounted price, by WhatsApp, or by visiting us directly on Diani Beach. If you’re staying nearby, we can even pick you up.
