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Tsavo East National Park Guide

Tsavo East National park

Tsavo East National Park – Kenya’s Untamed Wilderness

Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s largest and most iconic wildlife reserves, offers a raw and authentic safari experience. Spanning 13,700 square kilometers, this vast landscape is home to the famous red elephants of Tsavo, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and over 500 bird species.

As you embark on game drives across the park, you will discover endless savannahs, rugged rock formations, and winding rivers that sustain Kenya’s diverse wildlife. Furthermore, the Galana River, which cuts through the park, attracts herds of animals, while predators lurk nearby, creating thrilling safari moments.

Top Attractions in Tsavo East

  • Mudanda Rock – Towering rock formation where elephants and other wildlife gather at the waterhole below.
  • Aruba Dam – This is a hotspot for hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species.
  • Lugard Falls – A breathtaking series of rapids along the Galana River, perfect for photography.
  • Yatta Plateau – The world’s longest lava flow, stretching 300 kilometers.

Why Visit Tsavo East?

  • Spot the Big Five in their natural habitat.
  • Enjoy fewer crowds compared to other parks, ensuring a peaceful safari.
  • Experience stunning landscapes, from savannahs to volcanic formations.
  • Easily accessible from Mombasa, Nairobi, and Diani Beach.

Tsavo East National Park promises unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-visit for any safari enthusiast.

SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC)

SSI Professional Instructor Training

Teach Diving.
Change Lives.

Become an SSI Open Water Diving Instructor in Diani Beach, Kenya. Develop the knowledge, confidence and teaching skills to turn your passion for diving into a professional career.

  • 10-day Instructor Training Course
  • 2-day Instructor Evaluation
  • Digital and in-person learning
  • Professional career support
  • Dive Business Manager course included
View Course Dates
📆 10 Days Instructor training
✅ 2 Days Instructor Evaluation
🎂 18+ Minimum age
🤿 100 Dives Required experience
⚡ From $2,099 Training packages
Become an SSI instructor

Professional Training in Paradise

Turn your passion for scuba diving into a career at Ocean Tribe on Diani Beach, Kenya.

The program is led by award-winning SSI Instructor Trainer Mark Slingo and supported by Ocean Tribe’s team of Assistant Instructor Trainers. It follows the current SSI curriculum and prepares candidates for the separate SSI Instructor Evaluation.

You complete much of the academic theory through SSI Digital Learning before arriving in Kenya. This allows the live training to concentrate on instructor workshops, teaching presentations, professional conduct and practical in-water demonstration skills.

The Ocean Tribe Instructor Training Course incorporates the SSI Assistant Instructor course and the complete Instructor Training Course. It is followed by a two-day Instructor Evaluation conducted by an incoming SSI Instructor Certifier.

Outside your scheduled sessions, you can explore Diani’s reefs, build more diving experience and enjoy one of Africa’s most celebrated beach destinations.
SSI Instructor Training Course candidates at Ocean Tribe
SSI Instructor Training Course workshops and presentations
Train in Diani Beach, Kenya
Your next professional step

Become an SSI Professional

Discover where SSI professional training can take you and begin preparing for a career that can open doors around the world.

Your training pathway

What the Program Includes

A structured pathway from professional dive leader to confident SSI instructor candidate.

01

Digital Learning

Complete the required SSI Instructor Training Course theory before the live training sessions begin.

02

Instructor Workshops

Develop your teaching techniques through instructor-led classroom workshops and candidate presentations.

03

Confined-Water Skills

Complete the confined-water skills circuit and practise professional, demonstration-quality scuba skills.

04

Rescue Demonstration

Refine your rescue skills and learn to demonstrate rescue procedures clearly and confidently.

05

Teaching Presentations

Deliver classroom, confined-water and open-water teaching presentations with structured feedback.

06

Evaluation Preparation

Prepare for the separate two-day SSI Instructor Evaluation conducted by an SSI Instructor Certifier.

07

Assistant Instructor

The training pathway incorporates the SSI Assistant Instructor course as part of the complete program.

08

Pool Presentations

Practise teaching and evaluating Open Water Diver, Perfect Buoyancy, rescue and emergency skills.

09

Open-Water Workshops

Deliver open-water presentations and learn how to control, organise and evaluate student training dives.

SSI Instructor Training Course prerequisites
Entry requirements

SSI ITC Prerequisites

Candidates must meet the professional certification, diving-experience and safety requirements before entering instructor training.

01

Professional Certification

Hold an SSI Divemaster certification, or:

  • Be an instructor member in good standing, renewed or eligible to renew, with another recognised recreational diver training organisation.
  • Hold a leadership-level certification in good standing, renewed or eligible to renew, with another recognised recreational diver training organisation.
02

Logged-Dive Experience

Have at least 100 logged dives with documented experience in night diving, deep diving and underwater navigation.

03

Minimum Age

Be at least 18 years old before beginning the program.

04

Enriched Air Nitrox

Hold an Enriched Air Nitrox diver certification.

05

CPR and First Aid

Hold CPR and First Aid provider certifications completed within the previous 24 months.

06

Medical Clearance

Provide medical clearance confirming fitness to dive, signed by a physician within the previous 12 months, with no subsequent changes to your medical condition.

07

Certification History

Have been a certified diver for at least six months.

08

Non-SSI Certifications

Provide documentation of any qualifying non-SSI certifications, including entry-level, advanced, rescue and leadership-level certifications where required.

The SSI Instructor Training Course is open to SSI Divemasters and candidates holding an accepted equivalent qualification from another recognised training organisation.
Arrive ready

Preparation Support

Ocean Tribe provides additional preparation and practice resources to help you begin the ITC feeling confident and properly prepared.

🎯

ITC Preparation Course

Focused preparation to help you refresh your knowledge, organise your training and begin instructor development feeling ready.

💻

Online ITC Resource Centre

Access Ocean Tribe’s online learning centre for additional videos, explanations, quizzes and professional dive theory.

♾️

Unlimited Practice Access

Unlimited tank refills and pool access give you extra opportunities to practise and polish your demonstration-quality skills.

Included resources

Training Materials Included

📱

SSI Digital Learning

SSI Instructor Training Course Digital Learning through the MySSI app.

📒

SSI Pro Wetnotes

SSI Recreational Scuba Pro Wetnotes for your professional training.

🤿

Professional Mask Strap

An SSI Professional Mask Strap for your personal diving equipment.

🗺️

Evaluation Slate

A Dive Briefing and Dive Guide Evaluation Slate.

The Ocean Tribe difference

More Included With Your ITC

Your training package provides practical support before, during and after the course.

Included in every ITC package

Become an instructor.
Build your business skills.

Dive Centre Operations & Management Professional

Every Ocean Tribe ITC package includes this Dive Business Manager course. Develop practical skills for the day-to-day running of a dive centre and prepare for more responsibility in your diving career.

  • Dive centre operations
  • Staff management
  • Marketing & sales
  • Finance
Explore the Included Course  ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Dive Centre Operations and Management Professional course by Dive Business Manager

Business skills to complement your instructor training.

☕

Daily Refreshments & Lunch

Free water, tea, coffee and lunch during each training day.

🛂

Kenya eVisa Assistance

Help with your Kenya eVisa application where required.

🌊

Dive Club Membership

One year of Ocean Tribe Dive Club membership, including free diving and other member benefits.

👥

Team-Teaching Module

Following a successful ITC and IE, teach alongside an experienced professional as you ease into your new role.

🚀

Career Development

Professional career guidance and assistance as you enter the industry.

💸

Equipment Discounts

Special discounts on in-store dive equipment, including eligible complete equipment packages.

👕

ITC Polo or T-Shirt

An Ocean Tribe ITC polo shirt or T-shirt is included.

🏷️

Mask Strap Cover

An Ocean Tribe branded mask strap cover.

❤

Medical Information

You must meet the diver medical questionnaire requirements. Some medical conditions or medications may prevent you from diving or require clearance from a physician.

Take the RSTC Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire to a doctor and submit the completed medical clearance to SSI. Instructor candidates must provide clearance signed within the previous 12 months, with no subsequent changes to their medical condition.

Plan your professional training

ITC Course Calendar 2026–2027

Ocean Tribe schedules instructor training throughout the year. Additional courses may also be arranged when demand allows.

CourseNov/Dec 2026March 2027May 2027July 2027September 2027October 2027*Nov/Dec 2027
Assistant Instructor28–14–84–815–194–819–2328–1
Instructor Training Course28–74–134–1315–244–1324–2928–7
Instructor Evaluation8–914–1514–1525–2614–1530–318–9
Specialty Instructor Training12–1318–1918–1929–3018–191–312–13
Assistant Instructor Trainer28–74–134–1315–244–1319–2928–7

ITC means Instructor Training Course. IE means Instructor Evaluation. October 2027 session details are subject to confirmation.

View Full Schedule
Choose your professional package

ITC Packages From $2,099

Choose from training-only packages or complete options that add the Divemaster Instructor Seminar, accommodation, essential dive equipment or elite professional equipment.

Available packages include the ITC, Instructor Evaluation, digital materials, instructor crew pack, the Dive Business Manager Dive Centre Operations & Management Professional course and Ocean Tribe professional-development extras. Visit the pricing page for the full twelve-package comparison and optional bolt-ons.

Packages start from $2,099

Compare ITC Packages
Your complete instructor guide

ITC Information Centre

Explore every stage of the instructor pathway, from prerequisites and preparation to equipment, course costs and the final evaluation.

What happens during the SSI Instructor Training Course Course experience

What Happens on the SSI ITC?

See what to expect from workshops, presentations and practical in-water training.

View the course experience →
SSI ITC schedule and course calendar Dates and schedule

ITC Schedule & Calendar

Check upcoming training dates and review the detailed daily schedule.

View the course calendar →
SSI ITC prerequisites Entry requirements

SSI ITC Prerequisites

Confirm the qualifications, experience and documents required before training.

Check the prerequisites →
Preparing for the SSI Instructor Training Course Preparation

How Should I Prepare?

Review the knowledge and practical skills that will help you succeed.

Prepare for your ITC →
Required scuba equipment for the SSI ITC Dive equipment

Required Scuba Equipment

Review the personal equipment and professional accessories needed for training.

View the equipment list →
SSI ITC required materials Training materials

Required ITC Materials

Learn which digital resources, professional materials and tools you will use.

View required materials →
SSI and PADI comparison Agency comparison

SSI vs PADI

Compare the organisations and consider which professional pathway suits you.

Compare SSI and PADI →
SSI Instructor Evaluation candidate Final assessment

Instructor Evaluation

Understand the evaluation format, expectations and final certification steps.

Explore the evaluation →
SSI Instructor Training Course prices Course fees

ITC Costs & Packages

Compare training, accommodation and equipment package options.

View ITC costs →
React Right CPR and First Aid Instructor training Additional qualification

React Right Instructor

Add the ability to teach CPR, first aid and emergency-response programs.

Explore React Right Instructor →
Scuba equipment packages for dive professionals Professional gear

Dive-Pro Equipment Packages

Explore dependable equipment packages created for new professionals.

View equipment packages →
Your questions answered

Instructor Training Course FAQs

Find answers about instructor training, entry requirements, package options and preparing for your SSI ITC in Kenya.

How long does the SSI Instructor Training Course take?

Ocean Tribe’s scheduled instructor training runs over 10 days, followed by a separate two-day SSI Instructor Evaluation. Complete your assigned digital learning before arrival so you can focus on workshops, teaching presentations and practical training during the course.

What qualifications do I need to join the ITC?

You must be at least 18 and hold SSI Divemaster certification or an accepted equivalent professional qualification. You also need Enriched Air Nitrox certification, CPR and First Aid certifications completed within the previous 24 months, and at least six months as a certified diver. You must also meet the logged-dive and medical-clearance requirements listed on this page.

How many logged dives do I need before the ITC?

Ocean Tribe requires at least 100 logged dives before starting the ITC, with documented experience in night diving, deep diving and underwater navigation.

Can I join with a Divemaster qualification from another agency?

Yes. Candidates with an accepted equivalent leadership-level qualification from another recognised recreational diver training organisation can join. Send Ocean Tribe your certification details so the team can check your eligibility and identify any preparation needed before the course.

How much do Ocean Tribe ITC packages cost?

ITC packages start from US$2,099. Options range from training-only packages to packages that add accommodation, the Divemaster Instructor Seminar or personal dive equipment. Check the ITC pricing page for the full package comparison and exact inclusions.

Is the Dive Business Manager course included in every ITC package?

Yes. Every Ocean Tribe ITC package includes the Dive Business Manager Dive Centre Operations & Management Professional course. It develops practical business knowledge in areas including dive centre operations, staff management, marketing, sales and finance.

What is the difference between the ITC and the Instructor Evaluation?

The ITC develops your teaching skills, professional knowledge and practical ability through training, workshops and presentations. The Instructor Evaluation is a separate two-day assessment conducted by an SSI Instructor Certifier after your instructor training.

Does the ITC include the Assistant Instructor course?

Yes. Ocean Tribe’s instructor training programme incorporates the SSI Assistant Instructor course and the complete Instructor Training Course, followed by the separate Instructor Evaluation.

How should I prepare before arriving in Kenya?

Complete your assigned SSI Digital Learning, review your dive theory and practise your diving skills. Check that your certification records, logged dives, First Aid and CPR certifications, and medical clearance meet the entry requirements. Ocean Tribe will guide you through the preparation needed for your course.

Where does the instructor training take place?

Training takes place with Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya. The programme is led by SSI Instructor Trainer Mark Slingo and supported by Ocean Tribe’s team of Assistant Instructor Trainers.

Ready to start teaching?

Become an SSI Instructor in Kenya

Train with an experienced professional team, prepare thoroughly for your Instructor Evaluation and begin the next chapter of your diving career.

10 Reasons to Scuba Dive Kenya

Kenya’s scuba diving is one of its best kept secrets. Over the years we have been mystified why more divers don’t come from around the world to experience the wonders of Kenya’s coral reefs and other dive sites. So we have put together 10 reasons to scuba dive Kenya to assist divers in making their decision to travel to Kenya to dive and also to alert some of you Kenyan’s out there, the wonders that are right here on your doorstep.

 

[two_third]1. Coral reefs in pristine condition

In comparison to some of the more famous diving locations around the world and the well publicised problems of reef damage from over fishing, boat anchors, and bleaching, Kenya’s reefs are remarkably untouched. From the fringing reefs of the South Coast to the islands around Lamu, Kenya has a fantastic array of coral reefs supporting thousands of species of reef fish.[/two_third] [one_third][/one_third]

[two_third]2. Wide range of scuba diving sites suitable for all levels of diver

While Kenya has many fabulous coral reef dive sites, it is not limited to these alone. Both the North and South Coasts offer purpose-sunk shipwrecks for divers to explore with the MV Fungao off Diani, the MV Dania off Bamburi and MV Fish Eagle off Kilifi. There are also the Vuma caverns near Kilifi with a wide array of rock formations in addition to the coral reef there. There is shore diving at several locations in Kenya and opportunities to dive in the mangroves to explore the life there. At all locations in Kenya there are dive sites suitable for all levels of diver from beginner Try Scuba Divers, right up to advanced levels of deep diver.[/two_third] [one_third]scuba dive kenya[/one_third]

[two_third]3. Range of Marine Life

The coral reefs and waters of Kenya make a home to a wide range of marine life ranging from the giants of the ocean right down to a great range of macro creatures. It is possible to encounter sharks, turtles, rays, whales, dolphins and more in the waters around Kenya. Lovers of smaller critters will delight in the reef life with nudibranchs, frogfish, blennies, lionfish and more to see and of course most of the cast of the Disney animation Finding Nemo.  [/two_third] [one_third]Open Water & Advanced Open Water Package[/one_third]

[two_third]4. Chance to encounter giants

At certain times of the year in Kenyan waters it is possible to dive with the giants of the ocean, manta rays and the biggest fish in the ocean whale sharks. The ‘Papa Shillingi’ can be seen from November through to March making it a thrilling experience for both divers and snorkelers as these 6m long fish glide past them.[/two_third] [one_third]whale shark
[/one_third]

[two_third]5. Dive site location

One of the big problems with diving for some participants is the amount of time it can take out of a holiday or short break. Often in many parts of the world it can take several hours to reach a dive site by boat. Multiple dives coupled with surface intervals can mean that a dive trip takes up the whole day. Not so in Kenya where most of the dive sites sit 15 minutes or less from the dive boat launch sites. With the exception of specialist dive trips you can do a morning 2 tank dive day and be back in time for lunch at your beach resort followed by an afternoon of relaxation and other activities.[/two_third] [one_third]scuba dive kenya[/one_third]

[two_third]6. Safari opportunities on land

No visit to Kenya would be complete without seeing some its world famous wildlife on a Kenyan safari. Encounter the big five, see the amazing Kenyan national parks and treasures such as the great Rift Valley, the peak of Mt Kenya, the forests of the Aberdares and there is too much already to write about. Where else in the world could you conceivably encounter a whale shark in the morning and  lion and an elephant in the wild in the afternoon? An experience not to be missed. [/two_third] [one_third]African Safari and Scuba Diving Package wildlife[/one_third]

[two_third]7. Underwater Photography Opportunities

With visibility regularly being over 20m in Kenyan waters and the wide array of marine life, both giant and macro and different diving locations, this can be a great location for underwater photographers. You will have many opportunities to capture great shots.[/two_third] [one_third]cavern diver kenya[/one_third]

[two_third]8. Muck diving

For divers who like to explore and really find macro marine life, there are also plenty of opportunities to muck dive in Kenya. Nearby to the main coral reefs, these sites offer real chances to find more small critters including many species of nudibranch and more. [/two_third] [one_third]kenya dive staff- stecy diving[/one_third]

[two_third]9. Protected marine parks

Kenya has in general a successful wildlife management policy and this extends to its waters. There are a number of marine parks in Kenya which play haven for marine life with fisherman unable to access them. Even in the areas outside of the marine parks, the coral is in good condition and the waters are not drastically overfished.[/two_third] [one_third]scuba dive kenya[/one_third]

[two_third]10. Swahili sightseeing

After diving it can be a wonderful experience to take in the Swahili culture of the Kenyan coast. With a history dating back hundreds of years, there are many things to see and do on the Kenya coast. Take in the architecture of the Omani occupation in Lamu and Mombasa old town. Visit a Swahili market to barter for and purchase trinkets and souvenirs. Take part in other watersports such as the incredibly popular kite boarding. Visit snake parks and other wildlife attractions. There really is something for everyone.[/two_third] [one_third][/one_third]

Master Diver Package (7 Specialty Courses)

Master Diver Package

MASTER DIVER PACKAGE INCLUDES

The SSI Master Diver rating is awarded to divers who have taken big steps to gaining experience through dive courses and logging dives. As such here at Ocean Tribe we have put together a package to enable you to gain enough of the required certifications. Added to this specialty courses that increase your dive skills. All at a massive discount as opposed to buying the courses separately.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO EARN THE FULL MD RATING

  • Complete Diver Stress & Rescue
  • Complete 4 other specialty diver courses
  • Log 50 Dives (Contact us about long term dive packages)

Advanced Specialty Diver Package (4 Specialty Courses)

Advanced Open Water Diver package
SSI Advanced Specialty Diver Package

Four specialties. One focused package.

Complete Deep Diving, Navigation, Perfect Buoyancy and Enriched Air Nitrox in four days in Diani Beach.

4 specialties 4 days Deep to 40m Cylinders & weights included
Complete package $545
☀
Duration 4 days
★
You earn 4 specialties
↘
Deep specialty Up to 40 metres
ID
Prerequisite Open Water Diver
Stronger skills. Greater confidence.

Build the skills that make you a better diver.

The Advanced Specialty Diver Package is designed for certified Open Water Divers who want to go beyond the basics. Over four focused days you complete four full SSI specialty courses, each one building on the others.

Training includes academic sessions, confined and open-water skill development, the required dives, cylinders and weights, digital learning and certification processing.

Four SSI specialty certifications put you on a clear path towards SSI Advanced Specialty Diver recognition.

The recognition requires four specialty diver certifications and 24 logged dives, so every dive you log along the way counts.

SSI Specialty Certification Deep Diving
SSI Specialty Certification Navigation
SSI Specialty Certification Perfect Buoyancy
SSI Specialty Certification Enriched Air Nitrox
The complete package

Four specialties that work brilliantly together

Depth, navigation, buoyancy and gas planning are core skills for divers who want to explore more challenging sites safely and confidently.

Divers completing SSI Deep Diving training 01

SSI Deep Diving

Develop the planning, awareness and skills needed to dive safely beyond 30 metres.

  • Plan dives to a maximum of 40 metres
  • Understand gas consumption at depth
  • Recognise and manage nitrogen narcosis
  • Use appropriate deep-diving procedures
Maximum 40mFull certification
Divers completing SSI Navigation training 02

SSI Navigation

Become more self-reliant underwater by learning to plan, follow and complete navigation patterns.

  • Use an underwater compass accurately
  • Navigate using natural references
  • Estimate distance underwater
  • Improve awareness of your dive site
Compass skillsFull certification
Divers practising SSI Perfect Buoyancy skills 03

SSI Perfect Buoyancy

Refine your trim and buoyancy control to dive more efficiently and relaxed.

  • Improve your buoyancy and trim
  • Use your air more efficiently
  • Protect the reef with better control
  • Dive with greater comfort and confidence
Trim and controlFull certification
SSI Enriched Air Nitrox diving course 04

SSI Enriched Air Nitrox

Learn to safely plan and conduct dives using enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen.

  • Understand the benefits and limits of Nitrox
  • Analyse and verify your breathing gas
  • Manage oxygen exposure and maximum depth
  • Set and use your dive computer correctly
Up to 40% oxygenFull certification
What’s included

Training, dives and certification in one price

Everything you need to complete all four specialties is part of the package.

▤
Academic sessions Build the knowledge behind each of the four specialties.
≈
Skill development Practise your skills in confined and open water.
⚓
Required dives The training dives needed to complete each specialty.
✓
Cylinders and weights Included throughout your training.
□
Digital learning Study your SSI materials before and during the course.
ID
Certification processing Your four SSI specialty certifications are processed for you.
What you leave with

More than a collection of cards

4 certifications Deep Diving, Navigation, Perfect Buoyancy and Enriched Air Nitrox.
40m qualification Dive to a maximum of 40 metres within your training and certification limits.
Nitrox qualified Plan and conduct dives using enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen.
Recognition path Four specialties count towards SSI Advanced Specialty Diver recognition.
Before you begin

Package requirements

ID

Certification

Hold an SSI Open Water Diver certification or an equivalent qualification from another recognised agency.

15+

Minimum age

You must be at least 15 years old to complete this package and qualify for the full Deep Diving certification.

♥

Medical fitness

Complete the required diver medical questionnaire. Medical clearance may be required depending on your answers.

Good to know

Advanced Specialty Diver FAQs

Who is this package for?
Certified Open Water Divers who want stronger skills, greater confidence and a clear path towards SSI recognition. Ocean Tribe confirms prerequisites with you before you arrive.
Which specialties are included?
Four SSI specialties: Deep Diving, Navigation, Perfect Buoyancy and Enriched Air Nitrox.
What is SSI Advanced Specialty Diver recognition?
It is a recognition rather than a diver rating. You earn it by completing four SSI specialty diver certifications and logging 24 dives. This package gives you four specialties, and your logged dives count towards the 24.
How long does the package take?
The package runs over four days. Ocean Tribe confirms your course schedule before you arrive.
What is included?
Academic sessions, confined and open-water skill development, the required dives, cylinders and weights, digital learning and certification processing.
Do I need my own equipment?
Cylinders and weights are included. Contact Ocean Tribe before your course to confirm what other equipment you need and whether you should bring your own dive computer.
How much does it cost?
The package price is $545 per person, with a $100 deposit to secure your booking.
Will I be qualified to dive to 40 metres?
Completing the Deep Diving specialty qualifies eligible divers to plan recreational dives to a maximum of 40 metres. You must always stay within your experience, local conditions and certification limits.
Go further in four days

Four specialties. Four days. One focused package.

Build the depth, navigation, buoyancy and Nitrox skills that open the door to more challenging and rewarding underwater adventures.

$545

Open Water & Advanced Open Water Package

Certified scuba diver
Beginner to advanced diver package

Start here. Go deeper.

Earn your SSI Open Water Diver and SSI Advanced Open Water Diver certifications in one ideal start to your scuba journey.

2 certifications 10 dives Up to 30m No experience needed
Complete package $750
★
You earn 2 certifications
⚓
Training 10 dives
↘
Depth limit Up to 30 metres
☀
Experience None needed
The ideal start

Two certifications. One brilliant start.

The Open Water and Advanced package gives you two diver courses and 10 dives, including a free fun dive. You log your first dives, earn your first certifications and discover the possibilities offered by specialty courses.

It starts with the entry-level SSI Open Water Diver course, one of the most popular scuba courses in the world. More people become divers this way than any other.

If you complete the deep dive on your SSI Advanced Open Water Diver course, your depth limit increases from 18 metres to 30 metres.

Once certified, you can dive with a buddy anywhere in the world, with a great base of skills and experience to build on.

SSI Open Water Diver certification card
SSI Advanced Open Water Diver certification card
The complete package

Two courses that take you from beginner to advanced

Learn the fundamentals, then step up to deeper dives and the activities that interest you most.

Beginner divers completing SSI Open Water Diver training in Diani 01

SSI Open Water Diver

Your first scuba certification, and a licence to dive with a buddy anywhere in the world.

  • Knowledge development
  • Confined water training in a swimming pool
  • Open water dives on sheltered Diani dive sites
  • Dive with a buddy to a depth of 18 metres
  • Receive your first scuba certification card
Entry level Maximum 18m Full certification
Divers completing SSI Advanced Open Water Diver training 02

SSI Advanced Open Water Diver

Take part in the dives that interest you and increase your depth range as a diver.

  • Knowledge development
  • 5 introductory dives from specialties of your choice
  • Wrecks, coral reefs and search-pattern practice sites
  • Dive with a buddy to a depth of 30 metres
  • Receive your first advanced certification card
5 specialty dives Up to 30m Full certification
What’s included

Training, equipment and certification in one price

From the dive base in Diani you have a large range of dive sites to learn on, from sheltered beginner sites to wrecks and coral reefs.

▤
Knowledge development Build your understanding of diving for both courses.
≈
Pool training Learn and practise your Open Water skills in confined water.
⚓
Open water dives Apply your skills on supervised dives at sheltered sites.
★
Five specialty dives Try specialty dives of your choice, as permitted by local conditions.
↘
The deep dive Take your depth limit from 18 metres to 30 metres.
☺
Free fun dive Enjoy an extra dive on us, bringing your total to 10 dives.
✓
Full equipment rental Equipment rental is included for both courses.
ID
Certification fees Your SSI Open Water and Advanced Open Water certifications are included.
▣
Logged dives Finish with 10 dives in your logbook and two certifications.
How it works

From beginner to advanced diver

Your training follows three simple stages, so you build skills and confidence before you go deeper.

1

Become an Open Water Diver

Complete knowledge development, pool training and your open water dives to earn your first certification.

2

Choose your specialties

Pick five introductory specialty dives that interest you, as permitted by local diving conditions.

3

Go deeper

Complete the deep dive to increase your depth limit to 30 metres and earn your Advanced Open Water Diver certification.

Why package?

Two certifications, one smooth journey

Two courses Go from complete beginner to Advanced Open Water Diver in one package.
10 dives Log your first dives and build real experience in the ocean.
Go deeper Increase your depth limit from 18 metres to 30 metres.
Discover specialties Find out which areas of diving interest you most for future courses.
Before you begin

Package requirements

0

No experience

This package is designed for complete beginners. You do not need to have dived before.

♥

Medical fitness

Complete the required diver medical questionnaire. Medical clearance may be required depending on your answers.

≈

Water confidence

You should be comfortable in the water. Contact Ocean Tribe if you have any questions about minimum age or swimming ability.

Good to know

Open Water & Advanced FAQs

Do I need any diving experience?
No. The package starts with the entry-level SSI Open Water Diver course, so it is designed for complete beginners.
How many dives are included?
You complete 10 dives in total: your Open Water Diver training dives, five introductory dives on the Advanced Open Water Diver course, and a free fun dive.
Is equipment rental included?
Yes. Equipment rental and your certification fees are included in the package price.
How much does the package cost?
The package price is $750 per person. It includes both courses, equipment rental, certification fees and a free fun dive, for 10 dives in total.
How deep will I be able to dive?
Open Water Divers dive with a buddy to a maximum of 18 metres. If you complete the deep dive on the Advanced Open Water Diver course, your depth limit increases to 30 metres.
Can I choose my specialty dives?
Yes. You choose five introductory dives from the specialty dives on offer, as permitted by local diving conditions.
Where will I learn?
You learn at our dive base in Diani, Kenya. Beginners start on sheltered dive sites, then progress to a wider range of sites including wrecks and coral reefs.
How are the courses structured?
The Open Water Diver course has three parts: knowledge development, confined water training in a swimming pool, and open water dives. The Advanced Open Water Diver course has two: knowledge development and open water dives.
Start your scuba journey

Two certifications. Ten dives. One great start.

Get the ideal start to your scuba certification journey and discover the possibilities offered by specialty courses.

$750

New Special Dive and Stay Offers in Diani

beach girl

Special dive and stay offers now available from Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach at our base. Guests can stay in the luxury Swahili Beach Resort, one of Kenya’s top hotels. Discounted packages for accommodation and diving are available. Take advantage of these special dive and stay offers and book today! Contact Us for more information.

Ocean Tribe Bikini and Rashguard Range Now Available

Ocean tribe bikinis

Bikinis and Rash Guards Now Available from Ocean Tribe. Ocean Tribe are delighted to announce that our very own range of swimwear and dive wear is now available from our shop in Swahili Beach Resort, Diani Beach, here on the website or from Choc & Nilla Fashions in Nairobi.

The rash guards are the ideal accessory for any diver or water sports enthusiasts while the bikinis and monokinis embrace the Kenyan spirit both in the national flag design and the Kanga patterns. All items are available in a wide range of sizes. Contact us for more info or visit us at the dive store.

 

Successful August SSI Dive Instructor Course in Kenya

dive instructor course in kenya

Ocean Tribe would like to congratulate the successful candidates from the August 2017 SSI Dive Instructor Course in Kenya. Well done to Nicolas Yun from France, Kim Bassen from Kenya, and Lekha Mohan from India on successful completion of the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) and Instructor Evaluation (IE) held in Diani Beach, Kenya in August 2017.

 

Nicolas, Kim and Lekha are now qualified SSI Open Water Instructors with the additional ratings of Perfect Buoyancy Instructor, Enriched Air Nitrox Instructor, Diver Stress and Rescue Instructor, Scuba Rangers Instructor and Dive Guide Instructor included. They will also be taking SSI Instructor Training Seminars at Ocean Tribe to gain further teaching credentials to maximise their employability and we are delighted to say all are doing the Disabled Divers International (DDI) Instructor Training course to be able to offer diving to people with disabilities.

 

The SSI Instructor Training course in Kenya was run by SSI Instructor Trainer and Ocean Tribe Owner Mark Slingo. The course was divided into the SSI Assistant Instructor Course and the SSI Open Water Instructor course over the course of 10 days. Mark remarked on the transformation of the candidates over the course of the dive instructor course in Kenya and how delighted he was when they successfully completed the IE with the SSI Instructor Certifiers.

 

The Instructor Evaluation was conducted over two days by SSI Instructor Certifiers Bryan Coetzee and Tinus Oppermann. Thank you guys for coming all the way from South Africa to conduct the evaluation and hope you enjoyed the Kenyan diving and lifestyle after the IE. We look forward to welcoming you to Kenya again soon.

 

The next SSI dive Instructor Training course to be held at Ocean Tribe will be 23 November with the IE to be held on 5-7 December. If you have any enquiries about joining the course then please contact us on info@oceantribe.co. Well done to the new instructors and we look forward to diving with you soon.

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