Learn Any Time. Anywhere. Get the MySSI App
Unforgettable aquatic adventures for kids – Go underwater and discover the wonder of Snorkel, Scuba, Mermaid, and Freediving Explorer programs
The SSI Classified Diving program has been created to enable persons with disabilities who might not be able to earn full certifications the ability to dive and get certified with different safety parameters. Learn to work with disabled divers.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to learn to scuba dive, this is it. May in Diani Beach, Kenya, offers unbeatable value, quieter surroundings, and the chance to take your first breath underwater with one of the best dive teams on the coast. Here’s why you should take the plunge now.
At Ocean Tribe, the SSI Open Water Diver course is just $499—and that already includes everything you need: digital learning materials, equipment rental, and expert instruction. But for the month of May, we’re giving you even more reason to start. Book now and get 10% off your course when you use the promo code LSDIVEC at checkout.
It’s the best price you’ll find to learn to scuba dive in a world-class location.
This time of year, Diani is peaceful and uncrowded. That means you’ll get more personal attention during your course and have the chance to snag excellent rates on accommodation. It’s the perfect setting to focus on your training and enjoy the beach at the same time.
Want to get more from your dive training? We’re offering special bundles this May for students who want to expand their skills. Combine your Open Water course with top specialties like:
These bundles give you added certifications, more dive time, and big savings—perfect if you want to build confidence quickly.
Already have your Open Water? No problem. This deal isn’t just for beginners. The 10% discount applies to all SSI courses booked in May, even if you plan to take them later in the year. Whether you’re thinking of Deep, Wreck, Rescue, or more, now’s the time to lock in your next adventure.
Members of the Ocean Tribe Dive Club enjoy even better deals all year round. Combine your membership perks with the May discount and save big on all training courses, guided dives, and specialty packages.
There’s no better time to learn to scuba dive. May brings you calm beaches, quiet classes, and unbeatable offers on training. Join Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach and start your underwater journey today—at the best possible price.
Planning a trip to Kenya? Amazing! You’ll meet friendly people and receive excellent service. But tipping customs might confuse you. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Let’s walk through exactly how much to tip in Kenya, and when.
No, tipping isn’t mandatory. However, it’s a common part of the culture—especially in tourism.
Most service workers earn low base salaries. That’s why your tip matters. It directly supports the people helping you enjoy your trip. While tipping is optional, it’s often expected and always appreciated.
So, if someone offers great service, go ahead and tip.
Now, let’s break it down by situation.
You’ll meet porters, housekeepers, waiters, and more. Here’s how to tip:
This system ensures everyone benefits—front and back of house.
When you eat out, tipping is easy.
Your guides and drivers work hard. They deserve a good tip.
You can give the tip in cash at the end of your safari.
Diving in Kenya? You’re in for a treat—warm waters, vibrant reefs, and dedicated crew.
But don’t forget your dive team. They do much more than guide you underwater. They keep you safe, carry gear, prep tanks, drive the boat, and manage logistics.
Every person plays a key role. So it’s best to tip fairly across the team.
You’ve got two easy choices:
Want to be sure? Just ask the staff how they prefer it.
Let’s keep it practical:
In Kenya, tipping isn’t just polite—it’s powerful. It shows gratitude, supports local workers, and builds goodwill. Whether you’re checking out of a lodge, finishing a dive, or leaving a restaurant, a small tip makes a big difference.
So go ahead. Tip with confidence—and enjoy your trip!
Thinking about trying scuba diving while visiting Kenya? Great news — You can go scuba diving without certification. Whether you’re relaxing in Diani Beach for a holiday or simply curious about life beneath the waves, there’s an easy, safe, and exciting way to dive in — even with no prior experience. From your very first breath underwater to spotting colourful reef fish, it’s a one-of-a-kind adventure that anyone can enjoy.
You can join a Try Scuba or Basic Diver session with Ocean Tribe. Scuba Schools International (SSI) offers these programs which are designed for total newcomers. No long study sessions. No pressure. Just pure fun and exploration under the guidance of a professional.
You’ll start with a short briefing to learn the basics—how to breathe, move, and stay safe. After that, your instructor will guide you on a shallow reef dive, where you’ll glide through warm, clear water and come face-to-face with colourful fish and vibrant corals.
Try Scuba is a pool only experience. It’s perfect if you want to see what diving feels like, in a short session.
Basic Diver is a bit more in-depth. It includes a short digital learning and two full dives to up to 12 meters deep. Even better—if you love it, this dive can count toward your Open Water Diver certification if you continue within six months.
Our team at Ocean Tribe takes your safety seriously. You’ll be diving in small groups with certified SSI professionals. We use high-quality equipment and choose calm, beginner-friendly dive sites to ensure you feel safe and comfortable from the start. Most importantly—you’ll have someone right by your side the whole time.
Kenya offers the ideal conditions for first-time divers. The Indian Ocean is warm, the reefs are colourful, and the marine life is incredible. You might see butterflyfish, pufferfish, octopus, or even turtles—all on your very first dive.
Plus, Diani Beach is relaxed and beautiful. After your dive, you can chill under a palm tree or enjoy fresh seafood by the shore.
You don’t need a license. You don’t need experience. All you need is curiosity and the desire to explore something new.
Book a Try Scuba or Basic Diver session with Ocean Tribe today and discover what’s waiting just below the surface.
If you enjoy your first dive and feel ready for more, why stop there? You can sign up for the full SSI Open Water Diver course and become a certified scuba diver in just a few days. This course teaches you everything you need to dive confidently anywhere in the world. You’ll complete theory sessions, pool training, and four open water dives right here on Kenya’s beautiful reefs.
Many of our guests start with a Try Scuba or Basic Diver session and end up falling in love with diving. So if the ocean captures your heart, we’re here to help you dive deeper.
Switching your professional affiliation to Scuba Schools International (SSI) is a smart move for many dive professionals. If you already hold an instructor rating with another recognised training agency, the SSI Instructor Crossover course provides a fast, effective way to join the SSI system without redoing everything you have already mastered.
Ocean Tribe offers a streamlined Dive Professional Crossover program that respects your experience. The training introduces you to the SSI philosophy, systems, and standards while acknowledging your prior instructor knowledge. The main focus is helping you become confident and familiar with SSI’s teaching structure, not retraining you from scratch.
At Ocean Tribe, your crossover typically runs over two to four days, depending on your current status. After the academic and skills sessions, you will intern alongside experienced Ocean Tribe Instructors, assisting with real Open Water Diver students.
If you are a certified instructor from WRSTC agencies like PADI, NAUI, CMAS, SDI, TDI/SDI, IANTD, or BSAC, you are eligible. Active and inactive instructors can join, provided their inactive period has not exceeded five years. If more than five years have passed, returning to active teaching status under SSI standards is necessary before crossing over. Alternatively you can take the full SSI Instructor Training Course.
Importantly, you must not be involved in any ongoing quality assurance proceedings with another agency. Candidates who have been expelled from other agencies cannot join the crossover. If you are under investigation or involved in a compliance issue, full disclosure to SSI is required before enrollment.
Before you begin, you must upload copies of your current instructor certifications and professional documents into the MySSI system. Registration for the appropriate SSI professional certifications is required, along with purchasing the relevant crossover materials.
To enroll, you must be at least 18 years old. A renewed or unrented instructor certification, current First Aid, CPR, and oxygen provider certification are essential. Additional equipment may be necessary, so it is best to contact Ocean Tribe directly to check requirements.
Throughout the Dive Professional Crossover, you will cover SSI’s educational philosophy, teaching standards, and operational procedures. Ocean Tribe’s trainers will guide you in safely conducting SSI programs, matching your previous qualifications. The program emphasizes knowledge development and familiarisation with the SSI system, building on your already proven dive professional skills.
Since SSI typically requires a stronger academic background and a broader set of in-water skills compared to many other agencies, the crossover will ensure you meet those standards. However, this is done in an enjoyable, supportive way, recognising and valuing your past training.
Once you complete the crossover and pass the final exam, you will be eligible to attend a two-day Instructor Evaluation (IE). Successfully passing the IE finalizes your official status as an SSI Open Water Instructor.
Candidates coming from non-SSI agencies with instructor-level certifications or higher will be welcomed, but may need additional sessions depending on their previous experience and current knowledge levels.
The SSI Instructor Crossover course costs total $999 which includes
The SSI Instructor Crossover course at Ocean Tribe gives you a direct path to grow your dive career with one of the most globally connected and innovative training agencies. Your journey to becoming an SSI Instructor builds on the solid foundation you already have while opening doors to new teaching experiences around the world.
Are you passionate about being a content creator? Do you dream of adventure, sun, and ocean waves? Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya, has launched a unique opportunity just for you.
Ocean Tribe is on the hunt for three talented content creators from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, or Rwanda. Instead of a traditional interview, we’re offering something far more exciting. You’ll document your journey into the world of scuba diving, capturing your real experiences as a content creator learning underwater.
This isn’t just about taking a few pictures. It’s about showing the world your story, your excitement, and your challenges. If you can tell that story well, you could land your dream job as a content creator at Ocean Tribe.
Candidates will start by signing up for SSI’s digital learning platform. From there, you’ll progress through the Open Water Diver and Advanced Adventurer courses. Your mission? Document every step like a true content creator. Show your expectations, your training in the pool, and your first open water dives.
The more creative and engaging your content, the better. Ocean Tribe’s judging panel will award points for creativity, engagement, public votes, and even direct bookings inspired by your work.
Winning the challenge means more than just bragging rights. It opens the door to a full-time position as a professional content creator with Ocean Tribe.
Selected participants will receive their first two scuba diving courses completely free, a package worth $750.
If you win, you’ll secure a minimum one-season contract with Ocean Tribe. You’ll continue your scuba diving journey up to Divemaster level, a training package valued at over $3000.
Along the way, you’ll get a competitive salary, unlimited diving, and the chance to build an incredible portfolio as a content creator while living and working on one of Africa’s most beautiful beaches.
Applying is simple. Go to the application form with your CV, links to your social media or previous content, a copy of your ID or passport, and a short introduction video explaining why you want to become a content creator with Ocean Tribe.
Candidates must be nationals of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, or Rwanda. You must also be able to swim to participate.
Once applications are in, Ocean Tribe will select the top three to embark on this unforgettable journey.
Tell Your Story, Dive Into Your Future
This is your chance to turn your creativity into a career. Capture the journey from your first breath underwater to your transformation into a dive professional. Share your passion with the world, grow as a content creator, and join the Ocean Tribe family.
Embarking on your scuba diving journey is an exciting endeavour. A pivotal question arises: Which scuba training agency should you learn to dive with? With numerous agencies available, making an informed choice ensures a safe and enjoyable diving experience.
When selecting a scuba diving training agency, international recognition is paramount. The World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC) sets global minimum training standards. Agencies such as PADI, SSI, NAUI, and SDI are members of WRSTC, ensuring their certifications are widely accepted.
CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) operates differently. It collaborates with national federations in each country, such as the Fédération Française d’Études et de Sports Sous-Marins (FFESSM) in France and the Sub-Aqua Association (SAA) in the UK. These federations issue CMAS certifications, which are recognized internationally. This structure ensures that divers trained under CMAS-affiliated national federations receive certifications that are globally acknowledged.
Dive insurance is essential for covering potential risks associated with scuba diving. Organizations like Divers Alert Network (DAN) offer dive accident insurance plans that cover medical expenses, hyperbaric treatments, and emergency evacuations.
Insurance providers typically recognize certifications from agencies adhering to international standards, such as those under WRSTC or CMAS. Ensuring your certification is from a recognized agency can facilitate insurance coverage and claims processing.
Always confirm with your chosen insurance provider that your certification is accepted to avoid complications in the event of a diving emergency.
Yes, transitioning between agencies for advanced courses is generally possible. Most agencies recognize equivalent certifications from others, allowing divers to continue their education seamlessly.
For instance, if you completed your Open Water Diver course with PADI, you can pursue the Advanced Open Water Diver course with SSI, provided you meet the prerequisites. However, it’s advisable to check with the prospective agency or instructor regarding any additional requirements or crossover procedures.
Maintaining a log of your dives and certifications can aid in this transition, ensuring that your diving history is well-documented and recognized.
While selecting a reputable training agency is important, the quality of your scuba diving education heavily depends on the instructor. A skilled instructor can provide comprehensive training, instil confidence, and ensure safety, regardless of the agency.
Observe how the instructor conducts briefings, addresses questions, and manages the training sessions. Their approachability, experience, and teaching style play significant roles in your learning experience.
Conduct thorough research, read reviews, and, if possible, meet with the instructor beforehand. Your due diligence in selecting the right instructor will contribute to a rewarding and enjoyable scuba diving journey.
In conclusion, when pondering which scuba training agency to choose, prioritize international recognition, insurance compatibility, and the flexibility to advance your training across agencies. However, the most critical factor is the quality of instruction. A competent and dedicated instructor can make all the difference in your diving experience.
Choosing specialty diver courses? You’ve earned your Open Water Diver certification. Now what? The underwater world has much more to offer, and specialty courses can help you explore it safely and confidently. But with so many options, how do you decide which specialties are worth it?
Let’s break it down.
Some specialty diver courses open doors—literally and figuratively. Dive centers often require certifications like Enriched Air Nitrox before they allow you to use nitrox and join longer dives or specific liveaboards. Deep Diving is essential if you want to go beyond 18 meters. Wreck, Cavern, or even Advanced Wreck Diving certifications are usually mandatory for overhead environments.
Planning to dive with sidemount gear, use a full-face mask, or venture into cold water in a dry suit? You’ll need those specific certifications to get started. These aren’t just nice to have—they’re required for safety and liability.
A number of specialty diver courses act as stepping stones for advanced training. Extended Range programs often require Deep and Nitrox certifications. Likewise, Cavern Diving is the gateway to Cave Diving. If you’re considering going pro, you’ll also need first aid skills, which makes React Right a smart move. You might even require Search and Recovery for Divemaster training with some dive centers.
Not every skill needs a formal course. You can often learn buoyancy skills, night diving, navigation, and boat diving informally through experience and mentorship. Your instructor might include some of these skills in an Advanced Adventurer or guided dive session. That said, if you want a formal record, or if you’re aiming for recognition levels like Specialty Diver or Master Diver, these courses still count.
You simply can’t learn certain specialties casually. Sidemount, Ice, Advanced Wreck, Dry Suit, and Cavern diving involve gear or environments that demand strict procedures. Diving solo or with a full-face mask also requires proper instruction. These aren’t skills to “figure out as you go.”
If you’re aiming for Master Diver or planning to become an instructor, collecting specialties is part of the journey. Some instructors-in-training must complete certain student-level specialties before they’re allowed to teach them. Even if it’s not mandatory, it’s wise to be trained in what you’ll one day teach.
Every diver has a different goal. Maybe you’re drawn to photography, or perhaps you dream of exploring historic wrecks. You don’t have to follow a set path. Sit down with your instructor and share your diving goals. Together, you can create a custom training plan that suits your experience, your ambitions, and your budget.
At Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, we help divers shape their own adventure. Whether you’re diving for fun, for recognition, or for a future career, we’ll guide you every step of the way. All courses are taught to the maximum of their potential no matter where they fall in our judgement chart below.
| Essentials | Nice to Have | Experience would Suffice |
| Enriched Air Nitrox | Night | Boat diving |
| Deep Diving | Search and Recovery | Photo and Video diving |
| Wreck/Advanced Wreck Diving | Navigation | Computer diving |
| Cavern Diving | DPV/ Scooter Diving | Drift diving |
| Ice Diving | Fish ID | |
| Sidemount Diving | Coral ID | |
| Dry Suit Diving | Ecology programs | |
| Full Face Mask Diving | ||
| Independent/Solo/Self Reliant Diving | ||
| React Right First Aid/CPR/AED/ O2 Provider |
Scuba diving opens up an extraordinary underwater world. But one of the most common questions is: how deep can you dive with scuba gear? The answer varies depending on your certification, training, and equipment.
Most recreational divers are certified to dive up to 40 meters (130 feet). This limit is recommended by leading agencies like SSI and PADI. It balances the excitement of deeper exploration with safety guidelines around nitrogen absorption and decompression risk.
If you’re newly certified as an Open Water Diver, your maximum depth is 18 meters (60 feet). After that, you can progress to an Advanced Open Water certification, which allows you to dive as deep as 30 meters (100 feet). To go beyond, you’ll need to complete a Deep Diver specialty course. Each step comes with new skills and responsibilities.
For those who crave deeper dives, technical diving opens new frontiers. With advanced training and equipment like twin tanks, stage bottles, and trimix gases, tech divers often reach depths of 50 to 100 meters—or more. However, these dives involve decompression stops and increased risks. It’s a path for experienced divers only, and one that demands serious commitment.
Several factors affect your diving depth. Your certification sets the legal and training limits. Your physical condition and diving experience also matter. Environmental conditions—like currents, visibility, and temperature—can change what’s considered safe on any given dive.
Scuba diving is not about going as deep as possible. It’s about exploring safely and enjoying the experience. If you want to go deeper, get the right training. At Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya, we offer SSI-certified courses that help you grow confidently as a diver—at any depth.
“Can we scuba dive in the rain?” It’s a surprisingly common question, and we hear it often The short answer is yes, absolutely. Rain doesn’t stop us from diving, and in many cases, it hardly makes a difference at all.
Let’s start with the obvious. When you go scuba diving, you’re getting wet anyway. Once you’re underwater, rain has no real effect on the dive itself. The ocean doesn’t feel the raindrops the same way the surface does, so the experience below remains the same—calm, weightless, and filled with marine life.
While heavy rain can affect surface visibility, underwater visibility mostly depends on ocean currents, tides, and recent weather patterns. In fact, some of our clearest dives in Diani Beach happen just after light rain. Unless the rain is accompanied by strong winds or rough seas, diving conditions stay perfectly safe and enjoyable.
Many assume rain means bad weather overall. But in tropical regions like Kenya, rain often comes in short bursts and clears quickly. It might be raining during your gear setup, but sunny by the time you enter the water. Our team monitors conditions daily and will always advise if a delay or change of plan is necessary.
Rainy days often mean fewer boats, quieter reefs, and cooler air temperatures—making it more comfortable in your wetsuit. You’ll have more space to explore and may even spot marine life behaving differently under a dimmer sky.
Yes! If you’re already certified or trying diving for the first time, don’t let a bit of rain stop you. Come prepared, trust your dive guides, and enjoy a different kind of beauty beneath the surface. After all, once you’re underwater, it doesn’t matter what’s falling from the sky.
The ocean is still buzzing, even when the crowds disappear. From April 22 to July 14, 2025, Ocean Tribe is offering unbeatable Dive and Stay packages for divers of all levels. With calm seas, warm water, and great visibility, this is the perfect time to experience Diani Beach without the high-season rush.
Ocean Tribe has teamed up with the stunning Leopard Beach Resort & Spa to bring you all-inclusive dive holidays at amazing prices. Choose from 2 to 5 days of diving, each paired with full half-board accommodation in a Superior Balcony Garden View Room.
For just $399 per person, enjoy 3 nights at Leopard Beach and 2 days of diving. Need more time underwater? Go all in with 5 days of diving and 6 nights at the resort for $899 per person. Each package includes double dives each morning, expert guides, and unforgettable marine life.
New to diving? Now’s the time to learn. Our Open Water Diver course comes with 4 dives and 4 nights’ half-board stay for just $730 per person. You’ll train with our professional SSI instructors in warm tropical waters and relax at one of Kenya’s top beachfront resorts in between sessions.
Ready to take your diving further? You’ve got two great options. Both include 10 dives and 7 nights half-board at Leopard Beach for only $1240 per person. One path takes you through Open Water, Deep, Nitrox, and Navigation courses. The other combines Open Water and Advanced Adventurer courses in one seamless training week. Either way, you’ll leave with multiple certifications and tons of confidence.
Challenge yourself and help others with our Rescue Diver Dive and Stay package. You’ll complete the full Diver Stress & Rescue and React Right courses while enjoying 5 nights’ half-board accommodation—all for just $899. This is the perfect next step in your dive education and opens doors to becoming a Divemaster.
If you’re already part of the Ocean Tribe family, things just got even better. Dive Club members can enjoy unlimited diving during this low season window, plus special accommodation rates direct from Leopard Beach Resort & Spa. Stay as long as you want. Dive as much as you like.
Not ready to travel just yet? No worries. Book any dive course online for any future date before May 31st, and we’ll give you 10% off. Just use the code LSDIVEC at checkout and lock in the savings.
Low season means quieter reefs, fewer divers and more personal attention from our team. It’s the ideal time to dive into something new or take your skills to the next level. Spots are limited, so book your Ocean Tribe Dive & Stay experience now!
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
I will be back soon
