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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.
What does the SSI ITC Instructor Training Course cost? This is the question that is often at the front of concerns about the ITC and dive instructor training courses. So, we would like to explain how it all works.
We have tried to make it as simple as possible for your budgeting purposes so we have included all extra fees such as the required materials and the instructor evaluation in the course price.
You also have the option to include as part of the training price. Some specialty instructor courses. These can be specialties you would like to teach and also ones that are required for Divemaster Instructor rating such as Deep, Night and Navigation Diving.
We do also have packages from the various diver levels to try and reduce the costs for divers wanting to purchase multiple courses, combining them into an internship package, which includes the courses and dives and even full sets of dive equipment. A breakdown of the ITC costs is below.
COST- $1999
Meeting the prerequisites for the SSI ITC is very important to avoid problems when it comes to getting certified. Making sure you have everything ready eases your mind and you can concentrate on learning to become a great diving instructor. The PADI IDC prerequisites are listed below. If you have any questions about the prerequisites for the SSI ITS please contact us via email or using the WhatsApp button on the page.
If you are crossing over from another training organisation to do your SSI ITC then you will need to make sure that your qualifications meet the minimums below. From major training organisations such as PADI, NAUI, SDI, CMAS and RAID this should not be an issue but you might need to undergo and orientation or crossover program.
When you haven’t dived in a while, it can be easy for your dive skills to get rusty. The SSI Scuba Skills update, gets you back in the water and refreshes your dive skills with ease. It is a full refresher program that goes over the skills that you learned on the SSI Open Water Diver course. All under the guidance of an SSI pro diver. We fully recommend taking this course if you haven’t dived in over a year. That way you will spend less time worrying about your dive skills and have more time to concentrate on the awesome diving of Diani.
If you are a non-certified Open Water Diver student, a Scuba Skills Update is ideal for practicing your dive skills before your open water training dives. With no fixed course duration, you can take your time and focus on the skills you need help with.
The Scuba Skills update course lasts 2 to 3 hours and has a short Digital Learning section
The SSI Scuba Skills Update is available to any certified diver and even those who took a break during the Open Water Diver course and would like to resume their training.
The SSI Scuba Skills Update is offered daily at Ocean Tribe. Live availability can be found via contacting us via WhatsApp / Phone or by checking the online booking calendar to book online.
Before you go in the water there is Digital Training for you to complete. This covers the knowledge briefing and gives you an introduction to scuba diving and safety concepts. This will be elaborated on by your SSI Instructor during the SSI Scuba Skills Update.
Completing the knowledge development section starts before you begin the course and requires you to complete most of the Digital Learning for the SSI Scuba Skills Update.
SSI’s cutting-edge digital learning leads the world in diver education and enables you to complete the knowledge development in the comfort of your own home. You can take notes in the app to discuss with your SSI Instructor any concepts that you don’t understand. Assessment of learning is done via quick reviews at the end of every section in the online learning, which you must get correct to proceed so it is clear you understand
Your SSI Instructor will work with you through all of the skills you learned in the Open Water Diver course. These will be in a natural progression from basic to complex. Following on from this you can practice in the pool making sure your skills are fine-tuned before going on open water dives again.
A question that we are constantly asked at Ocean Tribe is “Do I need to be able to swim to scuba dive?”. This is a more complicated answer than a simple yes or no, as it really depends on the experience you are looking to have.
If you are after getting your Open Water Diver licence or any other scuba diving certification then the straight answer in yes. On the entry level Open Water Diver and Scuba Diver courses there are swim and floating tests that you need to be able to accomplish in order to earn the dive certification. On the Open Water courses this is a 200m swim and a 10 minute tread or float.
Ocean Tribe’s Dive Instructor internship in Kenya is perfect for all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a Rescue Diver starting Pro Training, we have the right program for you.
Our internships cover a wide range of SSI courses, including:
Not only will you train as a dive professional, but you’ll also gain valuable work experience in some of Kenya’s best dive spots. Dive into the stunning waters of Diani Beach and other breathtaking locations.
With the React Right Instructor certification, you can teach first aid courses worldwide, opening up even more career opportunities.
This internship gives you everything you need to succeed. With expert training and hands-on experience, you’ll graduate as a highly qualified SSI dive professional, ready to work anywhere in the world!
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take- Wayne Gretzky
Depending on what your starting certification level is. The duration of the SSI Dive Instructor internship at Ocean Tribe can range. From 3 months for beginner levels to just 1 month for a more advanced diver.
Ocean Tribe’s Go Pro internships are designed for diving enthusiasts ready to turn their passion into a career. These programs cater to:
Our internships cover the full range of SSI courses, shaping interns into highly skilled, well-rounded dive professionals. Take your skills anywhere in the world and dive into a new career today!
many of our dreams first seem impossible, then they seem improbable and when we summon the will they soon become inevitable – Christopher Reeve
The SSI Dive Instructor internship includes all core SSI courses based on your starting level. These may include Open Water Diver, React Right First Aid & CPR, Diver Stress & Rescue, SSI Divemaster, the SSI Instructor Training Course, and Specialty Instructor Training
Earn specialties like Enriched Air, Deep Diving, Night & Limited Visibility, Navigation, Computer Diving, and Science of Diving. Want more? Add extras like Sidemount Diving or Wreck Diving.
Expect plenty of diving! Many interns leave with 100+ dives, gaining real-world experience in stunning Kenyan waters.
All participants must meet the SSI Diver Medical Questionnaire requirements. Some medical conditions or medications may prevent you from diving.
Before you make a booking. You should check the SSI Diver Medical: Participant Questionnaire to ensure you meet the health standards. This step helps guarantee a safe and enjoyable diving experience.
TOTAL COST – $6399 (this can be reduced to $4999 if you already have your scuba equipment)
TOTAL COST – $5999 ($4599 if you already have your scuba equipment)
Join Ocean Tribe’s SSI Divemaster Internship in Diani Beach, Kenya, and kickstart your career as a professional scuba diver. Our program is open to everyone—from complete beginners to certified Diver Stress & Rescue Divers ready to go pro. No matter your level, we’ll help you take the next big step.
You can begin your internship at any certification level, and we’ll guide you all the way to SSI Divemaster. If you’re starting from scratch, the full internship typically takes up to 3 months. Already an experienced diver? You can complete the course in as little as 4–6 weeks.
Train and dive in some of Kenya’s best dive locations. Base yourself at our beautiful Diani Beach dive center. You will be gaining real-world experience on vibrant coral reefs, protected marine parks, and warm tropical waters. With dive sites just 5 to 30 minutes away by boat, you’ll spend less time in transit and more time doing what matters most — diving.
Throughout the program: You will complete a full list of SSI core and specialty certifications, including:
Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Navigation, Deep Diving, Night & Limited Visibility, React Right First Aid & CPR, Diver Stress & Rescue, Computer Diving, Science of Diving, and the full Dive Guide / Divemaster program.
Along the way, you’ll progress through non-professional recognition levels, earning titles such as Specialty Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Master Diver, and eventually, Century Diver.
Plus, you can even add the SSI React Right Instructor course, allowing you to teach CPR and first aid globally—a great addition to your professional credentials.
This isn’t just a certification—it’s an immersive experience. You’ll assist with real courses, lead dive trips, and complete extra workshops that go beyond SSI’s minimum standards. We’ll train you in gear handling, customer service, and professional-level dive logistics—everything a top dive centre looks for when hiring staff. Check out extra skills you will gain as a Divemaster trained at Ocean Tribe.
Most interns finish their program with 100+ dives logged. You’ll get unlimited diving throughout your internship and a 1-year Ocean Tribe Dive Club membership, which includes ongoing dive discounts, gear benefits, and exclusive events.
As a dive professional, owning your own equipment is essential. It’s not just recommended—it’s expected. While rental gear is available, it comes at a charge of $700 for the duration of the internship, and is better suited as a backup.
We offer two discounted equipment packages to set you up properly:
Professional-grade performance and durability:
Reliable and affordable professional starter kit:
Essential personal items every Divemaster should own:
Our Go Pro internship is perfect for:
Your starting level determines the length.
Beginners typically train over 2–3 months, while advanced divers can qualify as Divemasters in just 1 month.
Before starting, all interns must meet the SSI Diver Medical Questionnaire standards. Certain medical conditions or medications may affect your ability to dive. We recommend reviewing the form in advance to ensure you’re ready for safe training.
“If today was the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?”
– Steve Jobs
“All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.”
– Walt Disney
At Ocean Tribe, we live those words every day—and we want you to as well.
No. You can start the internship as a complete beginner. We’ll take you through Open Water, Rescue, and all specialty courses before you begin Divemaster-level training. If you’re already certified, you can skip the earlier steps and focus on professional development.
It depends on your starting level. If you’re beginning from scratch, expect around 2 to 3 months. If you already hold advanced certifications, the full internship can take as little as 4 to 6 weeks.
You’ll log over 100 dives during your internship. These include training dives, assisting instructors, fun dives, and workshops. You’ll gain the kind of real-world experience that makes you confident and job-ready.
Accommodation is not included in the base internship fee, but we’re happy to assist you with affordable housing options in Diani Beach. We work with trusted local partners to make sure you have a safe, comfortable place to stay near the dive centre.
Yes. As a dive professional, owning your own equipment is essential. We offer two discounted gear packages (Gold and Silver) designed specifically for pro-level use. You can also rent gear for the full internship for $700, but owning your gear is highly recommended for long-term success.
You’ll graduate with the SSI Divemaster certification, plus a full suite of other ratings. These include Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, React Right First Aid, multiple specialty courses, and recognition levels like Master Diver and Century Diver. You can also become a React Right Instructor if you choose to add that option.
The internship is intensive and hands-on, so we recommend focusing fully on training and diving. However, you’ll be assisting with real courses and guiding dives as part of your learning, giving you a true feel for working in the dive industry.
Most of your dives will be right off Diani Beach, but we also visit other top dive sites along the Kenyan coast, including Kisite Marine Park. All locations are accessible by boat, usually within 30 minutes or less.
We can’t guarantee employment, but many of our interns go on to work in the dive industry—some with Ocean Tribe, others around the world. Your SSI Divemaster certification is globally recognized, and we provide job-seeking guidance, references, and networking support.
The SSI Explorers Program offers kids an unforgettable journey into the underwater world. Designed for children as young as six years old, this program introduces them to exciting aquatic adventures in a safe and fun environment. Young explorers will discover the ocean, learn about marine life, and experience different ways to dive beneath the surface.
The SSI Explorers program gives kids the chance to try four exciting aquatic activities. Each one builds curiosity, confidence, and comfort in the water.
They begin with snorkeling, learning how to float and observe marine life from the surface. Then they experience scuba diving using real equipment in shallow water. They also try freediving, holding their breath while gliding underwater. Finally, they get to swim with a monofin like a mermaid, mastering graceful movement and balance.
The SSI Explorers Program isn’t just about underwater fun—it’s about learning, growing, and gaining valuable life skills. Through these experiences, children will:
✔ Develop confidence and independence
✔ Learn about marine conservation and protecting the ocean
✔ Improve water safety and swimming skills
✔ Build teamwork and responsibility
For kids who want to explore even further, SSI offers exciting specialty courses to enhance their underwater knowledge. They can choose from over 20 unique courses, including:
🌊 Marine Mammal Ecology – Learn about dolphins, whales, and other incredible ocean creatures.
📸 Underwater Photography – Capture amazing moments beneath the surface.
🐠 Shark Ecology – Discover the truth about sharks and their role in the marine ecosystem.
The SSI Explorers Program is a perfect introduction to the aquatic world for young adventurers who aren’t yet old enough for full scuba certification. It’s a fun, safe, and educational experience that fosters a lifelong love for the ocean.
The SSI Explorers Program includes a comprehensive training manual that makes learning both interactive and enjoyable. This colorful guide is packed with cartoon illustrations and real ocean images, making it easy for kids to understand and stay engaged. With exciting characters like:
🌊 Emma & Nico – Fun-loving explorers who guide kids through underwater adventures.
🦈 Spike the Shark – The ultimate equipment expert who teaches kids about dive gear.
🐢 Shelly the Sea Turtle – A passionate ocean conservation advocate who inspires kids to protect marine life.
The SSI Explorers Program is more than just an introduction to underwater adventure. It’s a way to teach kids about ocean conservation while they explore the aquatic world. This program starts by helping young divers become Blue Oceans Explorers, where they learn about the importance of protecting and preserving our oceans. Kids will discover why the ocean matters, the role of the world’s five oceans, and simple ways they can help protect marine life.
After building a strong foundation in ocean conservation, young adventurers will dive into their first hands-on experience with the Snorkel Explorer rating. They will learn how to use snorkel equipment and safely explore a confined water environment, preparing them for more advanced underwater activities.
Once kids complete the Blue Oceans and Snorkel Explorer experiences, they can choose their next aquatic adventure:
🐠 Scuba Explorer – Experience the thrill of breathing underwater while learning the basics of scuba diving in a safe, controlled setting.
🧜 Mermaid Explorer – Swim gracefully with a monofin like a real mermaid while developing swimming skills and confidence.
🌊 Freediving Explorer – Master breath-holding techniques and explore the depths in a relaxed and fun environment.
The excitement doesn’t end with just one adventure! SSI Explorers can continue their underwater journey by earning up to 22 Specialty Explorer ratings. Each specialty adds new skills, knowledge, and confidence, making every dive even more thrilling.
Young explorers can choose from a wide variety of specialties to match their interests and challenges. Here are just a few of the exciting Specialty Explorer ratings available:
🦈 Shark Ecology Explorer – Learn about different shark species and their vital role in the ocean ecosystem.
🤿 Rescue Explorer – Develop essential rescue skills and learn how to assist fellow divers in the water.
📸 Underwater Model Explorer – Master the art of posing and photography techniques in an aquatic environment.
🔍 Search and Recovery Explorer – Practice searching for and retrieving lost objects underwater.
Each specialty is designed to keep young divers engaged, motivated, and eager to explore even more!
Every SSI Explorer specialty comes with an official Explorers Recognition Card. Kids can collect, share, and proudly show off their accomplishments to friends and family. These cards serve as a fun reminder of their underwater skills and inspire them to keep learning and growing in the world of diving.
Are you ready to extend your bottom time and reduce fatigue during your dives? The SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Course is the key to unlocking these benefits. Diving with enriched air (also known as nitrox) allows you to spend more time underwater by reducing nitrogen absorption in your body, making it a popular choice for divers seeking safer and more efficient dives.
Enriched air diving has become a game-changer for recreational and professional divers alike. Here’s why:
Whether you’re a frequent diver or planning multiple dives on your next trip, learning to use nitrox can significantly enhance your diving experience.
The SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Diving Course can be done over 1 day. This incorporates a classroom session with an SSI Instructor. You will also complete digital learning in your own time in the MySSI app.
The SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Diving course is open to anyone from age 10 who has: Completed the Open Water Diver course or an equivalent rating from another organisation.
The Enriched Air Nitrox Diving Course is offered daily at Ocean Tribe. Live availability can be found via contacting us via WhatsApp / Phone or by checking the online booking calendar to book online.
All dive course participants must meet medical questionnaire requirements to be able to dive on the course. Some conditions or medications may prevent you from diving. You should visit the Can I Dive page to see if you meet the requirements before booking.
This course combines digital learning with practical training to teach you everything you need to know about enriched air diving. Topics include:
This course teaches you how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures containing up to 40% oxygen. Diving with enriched air can increase your no-decompression limits, enhance safety, and reduce surface intervals compared to diving with regular air.
SSI offers two levels for the Enriched Air Nitrox certification:
Level 1 (EAN32): Qualifies you to use Nitrox blends up to 32% oxygen. This level is suitable for most recreational diving scenarios.
Level 2 (EAN40): Extends your qualification to use Nitrox blends up to 40% oxygen, providing greater flexibility for dive planning and longer bottom times.
Divers aged 10 and above who are certified as Open Water Divers or are currently enrolled in an Open Water Diver course can enroll in the Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty Course.
No, the course focuses on theoretical knowledge and practical skills such as analyzing Nitrox mixtures and dive planning. However, optional dives using Nitrox can be arranged to apply your knowledge practically.
Book a private boat charter in Diani to explore the surrounding area up to Tiwi or Chale Island and Msambweni. Enjoy your trip at your pace.
You can charter one of our dive boats for private diving and go out on your own schedule without having to worry about other divers.
A custom private charter can begin at whatever time you choose and can include either:
Having a flexible schedule for your dive group allows us to plan the sites at your own pace, repeating & getting a variety of dive sites of your preferred choice.
Should any guests in the group not already be certified divers, an additional charge will apply for any instructor-led activities (such as SSI Try Scuba Diving, SSI Open Water Diver Course, or SSI Advanced Adventurer Course)
We offer our family-style brand of personal service starting with transportation to and from a hotel or beach villa. We can bring everything you might need from fresh towels and sunscreen to music and a BBQ. Because when you book your charter you have the entire boat to yourselves which offers the flexibility and relaxation you need on your dream holiday.
(Price per boat for Diani Dive Sites)
$800
Surcharges
Chale Island– $100 (Includes Beach BBQ)
Msambweni- $60
Kisite National Marine Park- $100 + $25/ Person Marine Park Fees
PSSI Try Scuba Diving Experience with Instructor $100/person
Extra tank making it a three dive day- $30/tank
(Price per boat for Diani/ Tiwi Area)
2 Hours $400
4 Hours $600
Surcharges
Chale Island- $100 (Includes Beach BBQ)
Msambweni- $60
Kisite National Marine Park- $100 + $25/ Person Marine Park Fees
Scuba Tanks for Certified Divers $30/tank
Dive Guide if Diving Requested $80
SSI Try Scuba Diving Experience with Instructor $100/person
Our whale shark safari in Diani offer you the chance to get in the water with the largest fish in the Ocean, the Whale Shark. Whale shark season in Diani generally runs from October through to March with the peak stage being January and February. However, that is not to say that there are no chances of seeing them at other times of the year.
Whale Shark safaris in Diani are run during January, February, and March. The tours typically consist of meeting up at the dive base at Baobab Beach Resort & Spa or Alliance Safari Beach Hotel. The boat tours will then go up and down the Diani coast searching for whale sharks. When they locate whale sharks, the boat captains will then take you to hopefully snorkel close to these magnificent creatures.
If you can swim then the answer to this question is yes. Of course, you can swim with the whale sharks on the whale shark safaris in Diani.
The chance to be in the water with the world’s biggest fish can be both exhilarating and serene all in one feeling. You will feel tiny compared to these giants who can grow up to several metres in length. Size isn’t something to worry about.
Whale sharks are curious around people but this has absolutely nothing to do with lunch. Their diet typically consists of plankton, copepods, krill, and fish eggs.
When it is time to jump into the water, an Ocean Tribe Divemaster will be in the water with you as your guide, ensuring you swim a safe distance with the fish. You’ll be dropped in the water close to the whale shark, and your guide will tell you when to put your head in the water and start swimming. Check out the marvel of the large white spots on the whale sharks’ backs and the distinctive ridges which one might even mistake for stripes. Be awed by the Papa Shillingi.
Obviously, on the whale shark safaris in Diani, we are out to find the main event. The world’s largest fish, is the whale shark. However other common sightings seen by our guests include the local dolphins, turtles, other common coral reef life as well as big game fish.
While we have experienced and knowledgeable crews and tour leaders on our whale shark safaris in Diani with solid success rates in tracking the local sharks, whale shark sightings can never be guaranteed 100%. After all, these are wild-elusive animals who are not running to a theme park schedule or your particular timings.
That being said, when we do find whale sharks on marine safaris, there are often likely to be many other species of marine life in the same area. This can include dolphins, porpoises, turtles, seabirds, larger big game fish, and more.
On board, we will provide fruit and snacks during the adventure and another water bottle-filling facility.
The duration of a whale shark safari in Diani depends entirely on the regularity of sightings, environmental conditions, and the Captain and crew. Trips typically have been lasting 2-3 hours but can be shorter than that if you get lucky quickly.
Ocean Tribe dolphin-watching safaris in Diani give everyone the opportunity to see dolphins, up-close and personal in their natural environment.
This is a completely different opportunity to those who have seen them in dolphinariums and theme parks such as SeaWorld. These are tiny swimming pools where the dolphins are expected to perform circus tricks in exchange for small fish scraps.
The ocean where the dolphins are supposed to be and our dolphin-watching safaris in Diani take you to dolphin hotspots. There we hope to be able to see dolphin pods on the surface and if conditions allow, and depending on swimming abilities, to get in the water with these awesome mammals.
In the open ocean, it is not unusual for a dolphin to swim up to 65km each day. They are also highly social animals with extremely advanced fishing techniques.
The dolphin-watching safaris in Diani will take you up and down the Diani coastline trying to locate dolphin pods to give you a sighting of them. The boat ride in itself on our comfortable dolphin safari catamarans is a thrill as we go out over the outer reef of Diani and begin the cruise.
Wild dolphins are sociable speedy ocean creatures. The experience you will get on your dolphin-watching safari in Diani really depends on them, and of course the weather and environmental conditions.
Dolphins do tend to be visible in the same locations for much of the year, however, our tours are only run during certain months to give you optimal viewing conditions and avoid choppy seas, wind, and rain. We rely on our skippers to decide whether a dolphin-watching tour goes ahead and the departure times and trip durations.
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
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