Home Blog Page 23

Kisima Mungu Dive Site- Diani

KISIMA MUNGU DIVE SITE BRIEFING

Kisima Mungu dive site dive briefing located north of the Baobab Mango end of the Diani dive sites level with Nomads Beach Bar on land. Fringing reef dive site leading on to Milele dive site in the south and Jadini dive site in the north. Deep and shallow mooring buoys available. Normally a very good dive site for turtles. View Dive Site coordinates on MyDiveSSI

Overview

Kisima Mungu, which means “God’s Well” in Swahili, is a deep and dramatic dive site located offshore from southern Diani. The reef rises from the sandy bottom at around 28 metres to a top edge at 14 metres. Its steep walls, overhangs, and drop-offs create a striking underwater landscape. Because of its depth and occasional strong currents, Kisima Mungu is best suited for experienced divers.

Marine Life and Terrain

The vertical reef walls are covered in colourful sponges, sea fans, and whip corals. Large schools of fusiliers and snapperswirl in the blue, while trevally and barracuda hunt along the edge. If you look closely in the crevices, you may spot lobstersmoray eels, or leaf scorpionfish.

Pelagic sightings are possible here. Eagle raysgrey reef sharks, and even the occasional marlin have been reported by lucky divers. The dramatic backdrop and depth make Kisima Mungu a favourite for wide-angle underwater photography.

Conditions and Highlights

Currents can be moderate to strong, especially on the outer edge, which adds to the site’s fish life and pelagic potential. Visibility is often excellent, particularly during the dry season. For advanced divers seeking a more adventurous Diani dive, Kisima Mungu delivers both excitement and spectacular scenery.

  • For- Beginners
  • Maximum Depth- 25m
  • Type of Water- Salt (Ocean)
  • Mooring Buoy-  ✔
  • Drift Dive-   ✗✔
  • Time to Dive Site From Ocean Tribe- 10 minutes
  • Marine Life- Lobsters, Turtles, White Mouth Moray Eels,Cuttlefish, Whale Sharks, Nudibranch, Box fish, Octopus, Guitar ray, Blue spotted rays, mantis shrimp, sweet lips. Very occasionally white tip reef sharks.
Kisima Mungu Dive Site Diani

FOR LOGGING YOUR DIVES IN THE MYSSI APP– QR CODE FOR KISIMA MUNGU

Kisite Marine Park Scuba Diving Trip

Kisite marine park scuba diving trip

KISITE MARINE PARK SCUBA DIVING TRIP OVERVIEW

Kisite Dive Trip. A Diani diving holiday would not be complete without a day dive safari in nearby Kisite-Mpunguti National Marine Park. The park is a protected marine sanctuary. You will have excellent chances to spot more elusive marine life such as dolphins, which are regularly encountered on our trips. The day out is also an excellent trip for non-divers, offering a boat ride on a traditional dhow and great snorkelling opportunities.

We depart from Diani at around 7:30 am headed down to the port of Shimoni. Shimoni is infamous in history as the loading point for slaves bound for the markets of Zanzibar. From Shimoni we ride on a traditional African dhow around Wasini Island out to the marine park sanctuary of Kisite-Mpunguti.

After equipment assembly and a dive brief, it’s time for a dive. Dives typically last between 40-50 minutes with a PADI Divemaster+ as a guide. The boat is moored while divers are down, so snorkellers can also enjoy the Kisite Reef.

During the surface interval, you can chill in the sun, or have a snorkel and play before another dive brief and back into the water.

Once both dives have been completed we take a leisurely cruise around Wasini Island back to Shimoni for lunch before the transfer back to your hotel in Diani.

Commonly encountered bigger animals at Kisite include dolphins and green turtles, in addition to the common coral reef fish inhabiting the area.

NOTE- As Kisite Marine Park Trips are for divers and snorkellers to be able to go to the same places, the dive sites are shallower than those in Diani 

Diani Scuba Dive Trip

Diani Dive Trip

Diani Beach is home to some of Kenya’s top scuba diving spots. A fun dive trip here is something every ocean lover should experience. The waters are warm, clear, and full of life. You’ll dive among vibrant coral reefs and meet incredible marine creatures.

We offer return pickup for guests staying anywhere in Diani, making your dive day easy and stress-free. Once on board, you’ll enjoy light refreshments, followed by two guided dives led by a certified dive professional. Better yet, we keep our dive groups small—never more than four divers—so you get a more personal, relaxed, and safe experience from start to finish.

What You’ll See Underwater

Diving in Diani brings you face-to-face with green and hawksbill turtles. You’ll also spot clownfish, triggerfish, nudibranchs, surgeonfish, and moray eels. Keep your eyes peeled for stingrays, guitar rays, and the striking Moorish idols. Between October and March, lucky divers may encounter giant manta rays or even whale sharks.

Dive Options for Everyone

Certified divers can join our daily trips to the best local reefs and wrecks. Not certified yet? No problem. Try our “Try Scuba” program—it includes two ocean dives, no experience needed. Ready to go further? Start your scuba journey with the Open Water Diver Course, the world’s most popular certification.

Explore Diani’s Top Dive Sites

Diani’s reef systems are packed with life and perfect for underwater photography. Sites range in depth from 7 to 25 meters. You’ll find coral gardens, dramatic pinnacles, and sandy patches rich in macro life. Want to know more? Check out our full Diani dive site guide.

Advanced Diving Adventures

Experienced divers can explore the deep reef wall at Tiwi. The highlight? The MV Alpha Funguo shipwreck. This purpose-sunk wreck is now a thriving artificial reef. For thrill-seekers, we also offer the Advanced Wreck Diving course. Learn how to safely penetrate shipwrecks and dive beyond the basics.

Visit Kenya’s Top Marine Park

We also offer full-day adventures to Kisite Marine Park. While it’s a bit further offshore, the journey is absolutely worth it. You’ll sail on a traditional dhow, soak up the sun during surface intervals, and dive into some of the most vibrant coral reefs Kenya has to offer.

Something for Every Level

Each day, we choose our dive sites based on ocean conditions and your experience level. This way, you always get the best possible dive for the day. Whether you’re just starting out or already have hundreds of dives logged, we’ll match you with the perfect site to suit your skills and comfort.

In addition, most of our reefs lie just 30 minutes from shore. As a result, you’ll spend less time traveling and more time underwater, discovering the beauty of Diani’s vibrant marine life.

Book Your Diani Diving Experience Today

Ocean Tribe is ready to take you on your next underwater adventure. Join us for world-class diving, amazing marine encounters, and unforgettable moments beneath the waves. Let’s dive Diani—book now!

FAQS ABOUT DIANI DIVE TRIPS

What kind of dive trips does Ocean Tribe offer in Diani?

At Ocean Tribe, we run daily boat dive trips along Diani’s spectacular coral reefs. Most mornings include a double dive, while afternoon dives can also be arranged on request. Every trip is guided by professional dive staff, ensuring you enjoy a safe and unforgettable underwater experience. Whether you’re newly certified or a seasoned diver, there’s something for everyone.

Where do the dives take place?

Most of our diving takes place just minutes from shore. We explore top sites. These reefs lie within easy reach by boat and offer clear water, mild currents, and abundant marine life. Because the reefs are so close, you’ll spend less time traveling and more time diving.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Diani’s reefs are alive with colour and movement. You’ll often spot turtles, clownfish, angelfish, rays, and moray eels. On deeper dives, there’s a chance to encounter reef sharks or dolphins. Additionally, during the right season, lucky divers may even witness whale sharks or humpback whales passing through.

Do I need to be certified to join?

Yes, for most reef dives you need at least an Open Water certification. However, if you’re not certified yet, you can still join a Try Scuba Diving experience with an instructor on the coral reefs.

How deep are the dive sites?

Most sites range from 12 to 18 meters, perfect for Open Water and Advanced divers. We also offer deeper dives for certified Deep Specialty or Advanced divers.Our sites vary in depth. Most range from 12 to 18 meters, which suits both Open Water and Advanced divers. For those who hold Deep Diver or Advanced certifications, we also offer access to deeper reefs and shipwrecks where big fish often cruise by.

How long are the dive trips?

Morning dive trips typically last around 4 hours. This includes time for a safety briefing, boat travel, and a surface interval between dives. If you join a single afternoon dive, you’ll usually be back within 2 to 3 hours. In either case, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the experience.

What’s included in the dive trip?

We’ve got you covered. Each dive trip includes tanks, weights, a dive guide, and boat transport. Moreover, we provide fresh water and light snacks onboard. If you need gear, we offer high-quality rental equipment free of charge. We can also hire you dive computers and cameras at an extra charge.

What time do dive trips start?

Most morning trips begin at 8:30 AM, though we ask guests to arrive by 8:00 AM for equipment fitting and a dive briefing. This allows us to leave promptly and make the most of calm morning seas. Afternoon dives, on the other hand, typically depart around 2:00 PM, depending on the weather and guest interest.

Can I book a private charter?

Yes, absolutely! If you prefer a more personal experience, we offer private charters for individuals, couples, or groups. These trips are ideal for special occasions, underwater photography, or just enjoying the reef at your own pace with a private guide and boat.

How do I book a dive trip?

Booking is easy. You can reserve your dive trip online at oceantribe.co, message us on WhatsApp, or email info@oceantribe.co. If you’re already in Diani, feel free to visit our dive shop in person—we’re always happy to help you plan your perfect dive day.

Terms & Conditions

Dive booking terms and conditions

BOOKINGS ARE NOT CONFIRMED UNTIL THE ACTIVITY DEPOSIT/BALANCE HAS BEEN PAID. ALL BOOKING BALANCES MUST BE PAID BEFORE THE START OF DIVING ACTIVITIES

Refund Policy 

Ocean Tribe’s refund policy attempts to accommodate its guests’ needs as much as possible in accordance with the following Terms & Conditions guidelines:

A FULL REFUND* will be issued to the guest in the following circumstances:

• If cancellation by our guest takes place more than 7 days before the scheduled start of the dive trip or course.

A 50% REFUND* will be issued to the guest in the following circumstances:

• If cancellation by our guest takes place more than 1 day before the scheduled start of the dive trip or course.

NO REFUND* will be issued to the guest in the following circumstances:

• If cancellation by our guest takes place 24 hours or less from the scheduled start of the dive trip or course.

• In the event of a guest being absent at the scheduled start time of the diving trip/course.

Canceled dives on the boat will be fully charged (including Discover Scuba dives).

• Bad weather in the morning, unless it makes the trip unsafe, is not a reason to cancel the trip.

PEAK SEASON EXCEPTION – During Peak Season (from 1st July to 31st October and 14th December to 14th January), refunds can not be given for Kisite Marine Park bookings unless 7 days or more notice is given. Refunds made more than 180 days after the initial payment was made, will incur a 20% fee.

Refunds can only be made by the original payment method and to the account that the payment was initially made from.

Please note that the above terms & conditions are what you should expect as the worst-case scenario. Ocean Tribe will do everything possible to keep cancellation/amendment costs to a minimum. Each cancellation case will be individually evaluated by our European management team to determine if there were any conditions that will warrant additional refunds.

Please note, refunds can not be given for SSI materials purchased by us directly from SSI for courses. These can be used at any SSI Dive Centre world wide for up to 12 months from the date of the first login.

Cancellation by Ocean Tribe

In the case where cancellation has been made by Ocean Tribe due to weather conditions as explained below or for any other reason.

WEATHER CONDITIONS: If the weather on the day of your diving trip / open water dives of a course prevents us from having a safe and enjoyable experience you will be informed that the trip is canceled or of the need to change the diving trip to another location or day. In the event of light rain without strong winds or big waves, we will NOT cancel any dive trips, as it does not prevent us from having an enjoyable and safe experience. Quite often the weather will have changed by the time we reach the dive site or will be very different to where the day originated.
Dive schedule is subject to change without any prior notice in accordance with weather conditions for your safety. If Ocean Tribe knows in advance that the weather on the day you would like to go diving most likely will prevent us from going to the dive destination as scheduled, we will advise you as soon as we know and let you decide if you like to change the dive trip to another day or cancel the trip for a full refund. Ocean Tribe cannot be held responsible for adverse unforeseen weather conditions, involving rough seas and poor visibility. We recommend a travel & cancellation insurance policy that covers unforeseen circumstances. We will fully support you with any travel insurance claims.

Payment and Booking Conditions 

50% Deposit or Full payment is required in advance to secure the booking. Bookings can not be held, guaranteed or confirmed until payment has been received. Course materials can not be provided until we have received payment and registration details for each student. If a deposit is paid, the remaining balance must be paid in full 48 hours before the trip/course by credit card or MPESA or paid when picked up for the trip/course by card or cash. All prices are advertised in US$. All prices include fees and taxes. Invoices are sent for online payment using our online booking system.

Health and No Fly Time 

All divers must be in good health to dive. Students and Introduction Divers are required to complete a brief medical questionnaire. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the questions on the first page, you will need to visit a doctor and obtain medical approval before registering for the course.
You need to allow at least 18 hours to pass before flying after diving! So if flying the following day, make sure you contact us first.

Waiver of Liability 

All divers must read, fill out, and sign a copy of the Ocean Tribe Liability Release and Assumption of Risk agreement before diving services can be provided. Please review prior to booking. Additional waivers and medical questionnaires may be required for those divers undergoing training, depending on the course requirements imposed by SSI.

Sea Sickness 

It can happen to anyone on any tour. Please make sure you are prepared before your tour – it is too late once you are on the boat. As we are not a pharmacy we cannot sell medication. You can purchase anti-motion sickness tablets etc at Goodlife Pharmacy at Centre Point (9 am-5 pm most days of the week…check with them for complete opening times) and Care and Cure pharmacy in Baharini Plaza. Ocean Tribe does not supply seasickness tablets. We cannot give refunds for seasickness.

Divers Certification and Equipment 

Only certified divers may participate in scuba diving activities unless they are enrolled in a scuba training program or Introduction Dive and under the direct supervision of their certified Instructor or a Divemaster. All scuba divers must accept complete responsibility for themselves, their actions, and their equipment. If a diver is unable to provide proof of certification, we reserve the right to not allow them to dive. Divers may elect to use their personal gear or to use the equipment we provide. Regardless, divers must inspect their gear prior to each and every dive, and they must be responsible for the proper functioning of that gear. All divers should understand the fact that every piece of equipment is capable of failure, and they must be prepared to respond accordingly.

Dive Course Performance Requirements

Performance requirements for dive courses must be met for certification including the dive performance requirements and academic performance requirements. Payment for the course does not constitute a guarantee of certification. Certification is issued after all requirements are met. If extra dive days over the included course days are required in order to meet performance requirements then you might be subject to extra charges.

Liability 

The laws of Kenya apply in relation to these Terms and Conditions and our business.
It is a fundamental condition of this contract between you, and/or your client and us, that to the extent permitted by law, we (including our directors, employees, agents, and independent contractors) are discharged and indemnified by you /or your client (including by your /or your clients executor(s), administrator(s) and dependent(s)) from any liability for any loss, damage, death or injury whatsoever arising out of, or incidental to, this diving trip and other services provided by us, whether or not such damage or personal injury is caused or contributed to by us.
You/or your client acknowledge and agree that: They will be participating in activities, that are undertaken for the purposes of recreation and involve a significant degree of physical exertion and/or physical risk; They are aware of the risks of injury associated with your participation in this diving trip and agree to voluntarily assume such risk; and The use of any equipment hired or loaned by us is entirely at their own risk. Notwithstanding the above, we reserve the right to rely upon any limitation of liability and/or defense available under any applicable law(s) and/or international convention(s) for any claim made by you or your client against us.

Lost or damaged gear 

In case of lost or damaged gear through incorrect, irresponsible, or inappropriate use by our customers, we will charge at cost price for damaged/ lost items. Please note you are responsible for your personal belongings, Ocean Tribe is not liable for any loss, damage, or theft.

A note regarding ocean conditions & marine life encounters 

Our trips & courses are based on interactions with wildlife in the ocean, as such no guarantees can be made that specified interactions will occur on any given day, nor what ocean or weather conditions will be like.

Image Use/Privacy 

The passenger acknowledges and gives consent for Ocean Tribe Ltd by itself or through an agent to take photographs, audio or video recordings, or other forms of recordings that capture the passenger’s image, likeness, voice, performance, or all of these (“Images”) during the course of this activity/tour. The passenger acknowledges and gives consent for Ocean Tribe Ltd to receive and use Images of the passenger from others.

Ocean Tribe Ltd may use Images for marketing and promoting its services. How the Images will be used for marketing purposes include but is not limited to, incorporating the Images in print, broadcast, internet media, direct marketing channels, downloadable content and applications, and all other media, platforms, or technology now known or to be developed for distribution around the world. The Images may be altered, modified, changed, combined, or incorporated into other works. The images may be published internationally within printed brochures or websites and hosted in data centers outside of Kenya. The passenger has a right to request access to the passenger’s Images and to correction of those Images to ensure they are complete and not misleading. However, the passenger acknowledges that if the Images have been incorporated into marketing materials, it may not be reasonably practicable for Ocean Tribe Ltd to make any changes to the Images. The passenger authorizes Ocean Tribe Ltd to refuse the request for correction in such circumstances.

Spoken Languages 

English is the language spoken on board our trips. We have staff that can communicate in various languages, please contact us if you have specific requirements. We in no way guarantee any spoken language other than English, unless an otherwise pre-arranged agreement has been made with us.

Age Restrictions 

Day Trips: Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian. A 16 or 17-year-old may travel if we have prior written parental consent and must have the relevant liability forms signed by a parent or Guardian.
Open Water Courses: The minimum age is 10 to participate in an Open Water Course. Any person under the age of 18 must have the relevant liability forms signed by a parent or Guardian.
Introductory diving: The minimum age is 10 to participate in introductory diving. Any person under the age of 18 must have the relevant liability forms signed by a parent or Guardian.

Conduct 

During the time on board our vessel, customers will be close proximity to other guests and our crew. Should any customer conduct themselves in an abusive, inappropriate, or threatening manner or in any other way so as to make themselves objectionable to fellow guests or our crew, we reserve the right to have them leave the vessel at the earliest opportunity. The Master of the Vessel has the absolute discretion to make any decisions in this regard and the decision of the Master of the Vessel will be final. We will not give any refund of tour costs if a customer is unable to complete the tour because they have been removed at the Master’s decision.

Around the dive center should any customer conduct themselves in an abusive, inappropriate, or threatening manner or in any other way to make themselves objectionable to fellow guests or our staff, we reserve the right to have them leave the dive center and all PADI course and trip fees are non-refundable.

Thanks for taking the time to read and understand our terms & conditions.

Can I get a PADI Certification If I Choose?

PADI scuba diving

Can I get a PADI certification rather than an SSI one. Yes of course this is possible. All WRSTC scuba training agencies have to meet certain requirements for their certifications to be valid worldwide. Both PADI and SSI certifications are valid all over the world and you can actually bounce back and forth between certifications. If for some reason you wanted to take a course in a location that only offered one training agency then you could start from the equivalent diver certification level. Here at Ocean Tribe we respect diver preference

CAN I GET PADI CERTIFIED AT OCEAN TRIBE?

The straight answer to this is yes and no. We have PADI Instructors at Ocean Tribe who can teach all PADI courses from beginner to Divemaster levels. However we no longer offer PADI Instructor courses as we are not permitted by PADI to do so, since we elected to use SSI as our primary training agency. But any PADI course including specialties up to Divemaster level we can do.

WHAT WILL BE THE DIFFERENCE IF I CHOOSE TO GET A PADI CERTIFICATION?

If you choose to get the PADI certification rather than the equivalent SSI course. The only difference will be in the price and the training materials used. Our instructors still stick rigorously to the training standards of the diver training organisation they are teaching for. There is no compromise. You will get the top training, materials and attention, no matter which you choose. Our pricing does tend to favour SSI as the training materials are on the whole cheaper than their PADI counterparts. Ironically we tend to prefer them for ease of use but this is taking nothing away from the PADI materials either.

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A PADI COURSE AT OCEAN TRIBE?

Contact us via email or WhatsApp and we can arrange the materials and diver training booking.

WHAT ARE THE PRICE DIFFERENCES FOR A PADI COURSE VS SSI COURSE?

Ocean Tribe Pricing for the core diver courses is shown below. Prices include ALL materials and fees.

COURSEPADI PRICESSI PRICE
Scuba Diver$420$380
Open Water Diver$595$499
Advanced Open Water$490$460
Rescue Diver$499$460
Divemaster$1349$999
Instructor$3780$1999

Click here for our full SSI pricelist

Click here for the full PADI pricelist

Why Choose SSI?

Why Choose SSI as Your Diver Training Agency?

Why choose SSI? Choosing the right dive training agency is key to your success as a diver. SSI (Scuba Schools International) stands out for its flexible, high-quality, and globally recognized training programs. Whether you’re a beginner or an aspiring dive professional, SSI offers a structured yet adaptable approach that ensures confidence, safety, and skill development in real-world diving conditions.

Flexible Learning, Anytime, Anywhere

SSI provides free digital learning materials, allowing you to study at your own pace before hands-on training. The MySSI app gives you access to e-learning, dive logs, and certifications, making it easy to track your progress. Unlike rigid programs, SSI adapts to your schedule and learning style, ensuring you get the most out of your training.

Globally Recognized & Trusted

With over 3,500 training centers in 150+ countries, SSI is one of the most widely recognized dive agencies worldwide. Your SSI certification is accepted globally, allowing you to dive anywhere with confidence. Whether you dream of exploring coral reefs, shipwrecks, or deep-sea caves, SSI opens the door to limitless underwater adventures.

Skill-Based Training for Real Diving Experiences

SSI focuses on mastering skills rather than logging course hours. You won’t just learn theory—you’ll develop real diving skills in controlled environments before progressing to open water. This hands-on approach builds confidence and ensures you’re truly ready for any diving conditions.

Top-Quality Instructors & Personalized Attention

All SSI instructors are highly trained professionals dedicated to your success. Small class sizes provide personalized coaching, giving you more practice time and one-on-one guidance. This ensures you become a safe, skilled, and confident diver.

Diverse Specialties & Professional Growth

With over 30 specialty courses, SSI allows you to expand your skills and pursue your passion. Train in deep diving, wreck diving, night diving, or marine ecology. If you want to go pro, SSI offers clear pathways to become a Dive Guide, Divemaster, or Instructor.

Start Your SSI Journey Today!

Join SSI and train with a globally trusted diving agency that puts your safety, skills, and success first. Whether you’re diving for fun or aiming for a career, SSI gives you the best foundation for underwater adventures. Get started today and explore the ocean with confidence!

Mark- Instructor Trainer

SSI Instructor Trainer Mark Slingo

MEET INSTRUCTOR TRAINER MARK SLINGO

From watching James Bond movies and the classic Flipper episodes as a kid, Mark was obsessed with the underwater world.

Originally from Great Britain after years of snorkeling and free diving on holiday, he finally earned his Open Water Diver scuba certification on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, traveling around the world on his GAP year.

Mark continued to dive on holidays and after completing a bachelor’s degree at Newcastle University, Mark traveled to Thailand to become a Divemaster.

Enjoying himself so much working on dive boats, he elected to stay and become a diving instructor. Just a few weeks after Mark became an instructor, tragedy struck.

WORKING IN DIVING- PADI & SSI

A fall from the third floor left Mark paralyzed from the waist down. He was hospitalized for four months in the spinal unit in the UK. But he considers that the thought of being able to scuba dive kept him going.

And true enough just three weeks following Mark’s discharge from the spinal unit, he was invited back to teach in his former job in Thailand by his mentors top PADI Course Directors, the late Stephen Blumenthal and Russell Martin, and tech diving legend, the late Stephen Burton.

Delighted that he could still teach as a normal dive instructor, and wanting to pass on that gift to other divers, Mark specialized in working with divers with disabilities.

At the same time he worked as part of a busy dive center team, earning higher instructor certifications until in March 2008 he attained the highest PADI Instructor rating possible for anyone. PADI Course Director. He is at the time of writing the first and only wheelchair user to ever attain this rating.

After becoming a PADI Course Director Mark worked in Egypt, and Phuket & Bangkok, Thailand before settling in Kenya teaching diving courses. The culmination of Mark’s experience and hard work was rewarded when Mark finally opened his own dive centre Ocean Tribe in 2015.

He strives to maintain the highest possible standards of diving instruction and dive trips at Ocean Tribe and introduce people to the wonders of Kenya’s superb diving.

Following Ocean Tribe’s cross to SSI. Mark now works as an SSI Instructor Trainer (also the first wheelchair user to hold this rating). He fully endorses the SSI system of diver training and can’t wait to work with you on your instructor training journey.

MARK IN DISABLED DIVING

In addition to his work for Ocean Tribe, Mark is the former Director of Training and Marketing for Disabled Divers International, one the world’s leading disabled diver training organisation. He travels around the world teaching Divemasters and Instructors to work with disabled divers and instructor trainers how to teach the instructor courses for pros who wish to work with handicapped people. He also works closely with SSI on the Classified Diver Program which does the same as DDI but within the main training organisation.

Mark was directly involved with the launch of the PADI Adaptive Diver Specialty Instructor program in Asia-Pacific, Africa and the USA in 2018.

Scuba Diving is not a wheelchair sport. If you are a diver you are a diver. You may need some assistance in logistics but if you are in the water you are a diver!

In 2017 Mark received the prestigious Platinum Pro 5000 award. This is an award that only a select few of the most elite and prominent divers (including Jacques Cousteau) in the WORLD have been privileged enough to attain.

Mark is a superb choice to come to to complete your dive professional training or simply do a dive course with. He loves just going for a dive too so often you will find he’s the one fighting to the front of the queue to lead divers.

“Wreck diving is a particular love of mine, but any time I’m in the water diving for myself with a cool buddy is the best experience ever!”

MARK AWAY FROM DIVING

Mark is a massive sports fan following England rugby and cricket teams and his beloved Ipswich Town Football Club. As well this. Mark is a fanatical traveler and photographer when he gets the chance.

He also fancies himself as a bit of a chef and Ocean Tribe BBQs might give you this experience. Kenya gives him more than his fair share of opportunities to pursue all his interests without even having to leave the country, which is another reason (aside from the great diving) why he chose to be here.

SSI SPECIALTY INSTRUCTOR TRAINER

  • Advanced Wreck
  • Boat Diving
  • Computer Diving
  • Coral Identification
  • Deep Diving
  • Dive Guide
  • Diver Stress & Rescue
  • Enriched Air Nitrox
  • Equipment Techniques
  • Fish Identification
  • Full Face Mask Diver
  • Independent Diving
  • Marine Ecology
  • Marine Invertebrate Ecology
  • Marine Mammal Ecology
  • Manta & Ray Ecology
  • Navigation Diving
  • Night and Limited Visibility Diving
  • Perfect Buoyancy
  • React Right
  • Recreational Sidemount Diving
  • Science of Diving
  • Scooter/DPV Diving
  • Search and Recovery Diving
  • Sea Turtle Ecology
  • Shark Ecology
  • Waves, Tides, and Currents
  • Wreck Diving

PADI SPECIALTY INSTRUCTOR TRAINER

  • Adaptive Techniques
  • Deep Diver
  • Digital Underwater Photography Diver
  • DPV Diver
  • Enriched Air Nitrox
  • Emergency Oxygen Provider
  • Fish ID Diver
  • Full Face Mask Diver
  • Multilevel Diver
  • Night Diver
  • Peak Performance Buoyancy
  • Project AWARE
  • Search & Recovery Diver
  • Self-Reliant Diver
  • Sidemount Diver
  • Underwater Navigator Diver
  • Wreck Diver
  • Dive Against Debris Diver
  • AWARE Coral Reef Conservation
  • AWARE Shark Conservation Diver

Independent Diving Course

Independent diving

SSI INDEPENDENT DIVING COURSE OVERVIEW

The SSI Independent Diving Course helps experienced divers build the skills and confidence to dive safely without relying on a buddy Whether you enjoy solo diving, underwater photography, or simply want to be a more self-sufficient diver, this course teaches essential techniques for planning and executing independent dives.

WHY TAKE THE SSI INDEPENDENT DIVING COURSE?

Diving without a buddy requires advanced skills, proper equipment, and the ability to handle potential challenges on your own. This course helps you build self-reliance by focusing on safety, redundancy, and emergency preparedness, allowing you to explore the underwater world with greater freedom and confidence.


DURATION

The SSI Independent Diving Course can be done over 2 day. This incorporates 3 open-water dives below 18m and up to 40m deep. You will also complete digital learning in your own time in the MySSI app.

WHO IS IT FOR?

This course is ideal for:

  • Experienced divers seeking more freedom and self-reliance underwater
  • Underwater photographers and videographers who often dive alone to capture the perfect shot
  • Technical divers and deep divers who want to enhance their independent diving skills
  • Any diver looking to improve their self-rescue and emergency management abilities

INCLUDED

  • SSI Independent Diving Digital Learning
  • All dive and snorkel equipment. This is including air fills and weights
  • Fruit, water and snacks on the boat
  • 1 pool session with an SSI Instructor
  • 2 ocean dives with an SSI Instructor
  • Transfers within Diani

AVAILABILITY

We offer the Independent Diver Course 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.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

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.


BOOK YOUR DIVE COURSE NOW

Independent Diving Course

DEEP DIVING COURSE

SSI Master Diver Package

MASTER DIVER PACKAGE

ITINERARY

DIGITAL LEARNING

Before diving into the water, you’ll first start with SSI Digital Training, which offers a thorough knowledge briefing and introduces essential scuba diving and safety concepts. This digital training lays the groundwork for your learning experience, and your SSI Instructor will expand on these topics during your SSI Deep Diving Specialty Course dives.

To ensure you’re fully prepared, you’ll need to complete the knowledge development section before the course begins. This important step helps you build a strong foundation for a safe and enjoyable boat diving adventure. This includes most of the Digital Learning for the SSI Deep Diving Specialty Course, ensuring you’re fully prepared.

SSI’s cutting-edge digital learning platform is a leader in diver education. It allows you to complete the theory portion conveniently from home. Plus, you can take notes directly in the app to discuss any concepts you’re unsure about with your SSI Instructor.

As you progress through the digital training, quick reviews at the end of each section help reinforce your understanding. These must be completed correctly to advance, ensuring you’re ready for the hands-on diving experience. Start your SSI Boat Diving Specialty Course today and dive confidently!

POOL

  • Dive Planning & Risk Management – Master dive planning strategies, gas management, and risk assessment for solo diving.
  • Emergency Preparedness – Learn how to handle out-of-air situations, equipment malfunctions, and other potential issues independently.
  • Self-Rescue Techniques – Develop the skills to manage emergencies without assistance, including deploying redundant air sources.
  • Equipment Configuration – Optimize your gear setup for independent diving, including redundant air systems and specialized safety equipment.
  • Buoyancy & Trim Control – Improve your buoyancy skills to enhance efficiency and reduce air consumption during solo dives.

OCEAN DIVES

We will go by boat out to a local reef / wreck which is suitable for conducting the training.

You will have 2 dives in total after which you are a fully certified SSI Independent Diver, assuming that you have met all of the other course performance requirements. You will also get a free fun dive to apply what you have learned.

WHERE WILL I DIVE?

Your SSI Independent Diving Specialty course will take place on the main coral reefs of Diani on the selected dive sites of the day.

Learn to Dive Platinum Package

COURSE PACKAGES