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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.
At Ocean Tribe, we understand that plans change. Whether it’s due to unexpected weather, illness, travel delays, or personal emergencies, our flexible cancellation and refund policy is designed to give you peace of mind while maintaining the high-quality service we’re known for.
Here’s how our cancellation and refund policy works, so you can book your diving experience in Diani with confidence.
If you need to cancel your dive trip, scuba course, or snorkelling excursion, please inform us as early as possible. Your eligibility for a refund depends on how far in advance you notify us:
We encourage early communication so we can try to accommodate changes where possible.
Once your dive course or experience has begun, our cancellation and refund policy no longer allows for refunds on unused course elements or missed dives.
However, if a medical emergency or personal situation prevents you from completing your course, we will do our best to help you reschedule remaining sessions. Please note that SSI digital materials and certification fees are non-refundable once they’ve been issued to your profile.
In rare cases, we may need to cancel your activity for reasons such as unsafe sea conditions, equipment problems, or staff availability. In these cases, you will be offered:
We always prioritise your safety and aim to notify you as early as possible.
Items purchased in-store can be returned within 7 days for a refund or exchange, provided they are unused, in their original packaging, and accompanied by a receipt.
Customised or clearance items are non-refundable, unless found to be faulty.
If you cannot dive due to a medical issue, we may offer a partial refund or the opportunity to reschedule, depending on how much of your course has been completed. A doctor’s note is required to support any medical-based cancellation.
To avoid unexpected costs, we strongly recommend having travel insurance that covers diving activities and cancellation scenarios.
Please contact us directly via:
Refunds will be issued through your original payment method and may take 5–10 business days depending on your provider.
For the full terms, visit our official Terms & Conditions page.
At Ocean Tribe, we’re here to help you make the most of your time in the water. If something changes, talk to us — we’ll always do our best to find a fair and friendly solution.
Before joining any dive trip or course, we strongly recommend that all guests carry comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for scuba diving activities, medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and equipment loss or delays.
Standard travel insurance policies often exclude diving beyond certain depths or participation in training programs. That’s why it’s essential to read the fine print and ensure your insurer explicitly covers recreational or professional diving.
At Ocean Tribe, we highly recommend Dive Assure and Divers Alert Network (DAN) for specialised dive insurance. DAN offers plans designed specifically for divers, covering everything from hyperbaric chamber treatment to evacuation, gear loss, and course cancellation.
Having the right insurance gives you peace of mind and ensures that if something unexpected happens, you’re protected — and can focus on enjoying the underwater world.
At Ocean Tribe, we’re passionate about the ocean in all its forms — and that means more than just scuba diving. That’s why we’re proud to introduce and recommend our trusted colleagues at Tribe Watersports, based just down the road at Galu Backpackers in Diani. Whether you’re looking to ride the wind, skim across the surface, or bounce through the waves, Tribe Watersports has you covered with a fantastic lineup of activities for every age and skill level.
Tribe Watersports offers a full suite of action-packed experiences that are ideal for individuals, groups, and families alike. Their professional team, quality equipment, and infectious energy make every session memorable — and safe.
Kiteboarding & Hydrofoil
Catch the coastal winds with kiteboarding lessons for beginners or join their membership club if you’re already riding. Want to take things to the next level? Their hydrofoil setups let you glide above the water for a futuristic thrill.
Wakeboarding & Wake Skate
If you’re into speed and splash, their wakeboarding and wake skate sessions are a guaranteed adrenaline hit. Whether you’re new to it or refining your tricks, their experienced instructors and top gear will have you up and riding in no time.
Waterskiing
From dual skis for beginners to mono skis for advanced riders, Tribe Watersports ensures skiers of all ages have the best equipment and guidance. Kids and adults are welcome, and their boat setups make switching between riders easy and efficient.
Tubing
Want a wild, laughter-filled ride? Hop on the tube and hold tight as you bounce across the surface behind a high-speed boat. It’s a favourite with families and thrill-seekers alike.
We’ve seen firsthand the professionalism, fun, and quality Tribe Watersports delivers. Their center at Galu Eco lodge Backpackers is relaxed yet well-organized — the perfect place to try something new or refine your watersports game. Plus, they’re as safety-conscious as they are fun-focused, making them a reliable partner for Ocean Tribe guests looking to expand their aquatic adventures.
Whether you’re spending a few days with us at Ocean Tribe or just looking to round out your time in Diani with a few extra splashes of excitement, make sure you visit tribe-watersports.com or give them a call at +254 7185 53344 to book your next adventure.
We’re delighted to work alongside Tribe Watersports — because when it comes to fun in the sun, we believe the more ways to enjoy the ocean, the better.
You’ve discovered Kenya’s underwater wonders with us. You’ve dived the coral gardens of Kinondo, seen the turtles at Galu, and the Alpha Funguo wreck of Diani. Now, it’s time to take your adventure global.
We’re proud to launch Tribe Safaris — Ocean Tribe’s official dive travel program.
This is your chance to explore the world’s best dive sites, guided by the people you already know and trust.
Tribe Safaris is more than a holiday. It’s a way to keep the Ocean Tribe spirit alive, even when we’re half a world away. Each trip is a curated dive adventure to destinations like the Maldives, Red Sea, Indonesia, and beyond. Led by Ocean Tribe staff and joined by fellow divers from our club and community all around the world.
It’s travel with a built-in dive family.
In places like the US, UK, and Australia, dive centers have long offered group dive trips to exotic locations. But very few resort-based dive centers like ours offer the same — and we think that’s a missed opportunity.
Our Tribe has always asked us: “Where do we go next?”
Now we have an answer. Come with us!
We’ll organize the logistics. You just pack your fins, grab your passport, and join the adventure.
Whether you’re an Advanced diver, newly certified, or somewhere in between — Tribe Safaris will always include destinations and itineraries that cater to a variety of experience levels.
Every Tribe Safaris package will include:
International flights aren’t included — giving you the freedom to find your best deals or extend your journey before or after.
We’ll launch each trip on the Ocean Tribe website and our WeTravel, where you can easily view itineraries and book online.
We’re finalising our first Tribe Safaris departures now, with potential trips to the Philippines, Egypt’s Red Sea, the Maldives, and more being planned.
Trip sizes will be small, personal, and community-led — so spots will be limited.
Have a destination you would like us to organise a trip to? Contact us and we can get planning.
This isn’t just a trip. It’s a continuation of the friendships and experiences you’ve already built with Ocean Tribe. It’s a way to keep diving, learning, laughing, and growing, with the people who made you feel at home in the water.
Sign up for our Tribe Safaris mailing list, follow us on Instagram, and keep an eye on your inbox for launch updates and early-bird spots.
The ocean is calling.
— The Ocean Tribe Team
As divers, we know just how breathtaking the underwater world can be. But with every dive, we’re also witnessing the impact of pollution, overfishing, and climate change. That’s why initiatives like the SSI Blue Oceans program are more important than ever. And the best part? You can get involved right now – for free.
SSI’s Blue Oceans program is a global environmental initiative designed to educate divers and ocean lovers about the threats our seas face – and how we can help. It’s more than just a course; it’s a movement.
The SSI Blue Oceans specialty is completely free, offering simple but powerful information on how everyday actions – from choosing reef-safe sunscreen to saying no to single-use plastics – can make a massive difference. It’s available through your MySSI account, and it’s open to everyone, diver or not.
By taking the course, you’ll learn:
It’s a short course, but the impact can be lifelong.
The ocean provides more than 50% of the oxygen we breathe. It regulates our climate and supports an incredible diversity of life. But this fragile ecosystem is under pressure like never before.
As divers, we have a unique relationship with the sea. We see the plastic on the reefs, the ghost nets drifting in the currents, and the bleaching corals. This proximity gives us both the responsibility and the opportunity to do something about it.
By raising awareness, making sustainable choices, and participating in hands-on action, we help protect the very thing that gives us joy, purpose, and livelihood.
At Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya, we’re proud to walk the talk. On the first Saturday of every month, we run free beach and underwater cleanups as part of our commitment to ocean conservation.
These cleanups are open to everyone – no experience necessary for the beach effort. You’ll join a community of divers, locals, tourists, and ocean lovers coming together to remove harmful waste from our coastline and reefs.
Certified divers can even join our underwater cleanup dives – at no charge. We provide mesh bags and support, and we often work with our local partners to document and responsibly dispose of the debris we collect.
It’s a rewarding way to give back, meet like-minded people, and spend a meaningful day at the beach.
The SSI Blue Oceans program is a call to action – and a reminder that even small changes matter. At Ocean Tribe, we believe that every diver is a guardian of the sea, and we’re committed to doing our part, one cleanup and one course at a time.
Join us. Dive in. And help protect what you love.
SSI’s Diver Stress & Rescue course teaches vital skills: spotting stress early, preventing minor issues from becoming emergencies, and executing safe rescues—both in the confined environment of the pool and in open ocean scenarios.
At Ocean Tribe, located on the sun‑drenched shores of Diani Beach, we believe diving is more than exploration—it’s about caring for your buddy and your community underwater. By completing three pool sessions and three open‑water dives (max depth 18 m), you’ll graduate with confidence and real‑world competence
Every diver arrives at the water’s edge eager for adventure, but beneath the waves, unexpected challenges can arise. SSI’s Diver Stress & Rescue specialty equips you with the awareness, tools, and composure to handle stress — both in yourself and others — ensuring every dive remains safe and rewarding.
Course theory begins in the classroom and pool, where you learn to:
After theory, pool sessions train your rescue skills in a controlled environment. Then, in at least three open-water dives (to a max of 18 m / 60 ft), you’ll practice:
No need to wait — once you’ve earned your Open Water Diver cert (or equivalent), and hold valid CPR, first aid, and oxygen-provider training (which you learn in the SSI React Right), you can begin Stress & Rescue. Some dive centers even allow simultaneous enrollment in both courses .
React Right provides full emergency response training: CPR, first aid, AED, and oxygen administration — all essential complements to Stress & Rescue . Here’s how they fit together:
React Right builds your foundation in medical response. Stress & Rescue trains you to apply those skills in real dive emergencies. Together they ensure you can prevent, stabilize, and assist injured or panicked divers — with confidence and skill.
Here at Ocean Tribe we package both into a 3–4 day Rescue Diver package, saving time and preparing you comprehensively .
Completing Stress & Rescue (with React Right) not only sharpens your safety skills but also unlocks new credentials:
| Element | What You Learn | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Stress & Rescue | Rescue skills, self-awareness, underwater scenarios | Essential for diver safety and confidence |
| React Right | CPR, first aid, AED, oxygen use | Prepares you for medical emergencies |
| Combined Package | Streamlined learning and official recognition | Saves time and creates a stronger skillset |
| Career Pathways | Specialty, leadership, instructor progression | Sets you up for advanced dive roles |
Take the next step in your diving evolution. Whether your goal is personal confidence or career development, combining these two powerful specialties ensures you’re equipped to lead, assist, and dive with peace of mind.
Let me know if you want this tailored for a specific audiences like Diani divers or formatted for your landing page!
Logging your dives might seem like a simple afterthought—just ticking a few boxes and moving on. But any experienced diver will tell you: a good dive log is more than just a diary. It’s your underwater résumé, your learning journal, and in many cases, your ticket to more advanced training and professional-level diving.
At Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, we teach all our divers—beginners and professionals alike—that dive logging isn’t just a habit. It’s a core part of your scuba journey. So let’s break down how to log your dives properly and why it really matters.
A dive log is a record of your underwater experiences. Whether you use a digital logbook like the MySSI app, or a traditional paper logbook, each entry documents where you dived, how deep you went, how long you stayed, and what conditions you experienced.
But a great dive log also includes notes about marine life, dive skills practiced, any challenges faced, and personal reflections. Over time, this builds a detailed picture of your progress and preferences.
At minimum, your dive log should include:
Using the MySSI app, you can also add dive site maps, photos, and digital signatures—all stored safely in the cloud and synced to your profile.
Your dive log shows how far you’ve come. From your first pool session to your 100th reef dive, it’s a powerful reminder of your growth and achievements.
Higher-level SSI and PADI courses require proof of dive experience. Want to do your SSI Divemaster or Instructor Training Course with Ocean Tribe? You’ll need at least 40 logged dives for Divemaster and 100 for Instructor to begin. And many specialty courses (like Deep Diving or Wreck) also have prerequisites.
Some dive centers won’t take you on advanced or technical dives without evidence of relevant experience. A well-maintained logbook helps show you’re capable of handling depth, currents, or specialty environments.
Your log helps you remember what you saw, what gear settings worked, and what conditions were like. If you’re planning to return, it’s your personal reference guide.
Your log can help you fine-tune your equipment setup—recording weights, wetsuit thickness, BCD type, and more. This saves time on future dives and avoids frustration.
Logging is a professional habit. If you’re aiming to become a dive leader, your logbook becomes your teaching history. It helps you reflect, learn, and support your students with credibility and confidence.
At Ocean Tribe, we love the MySSI digital logbook—it’s free, user-friendly, and syncs seamlessly with your certifications and digital training. You can add photos, signatures, and even GPS locations.
That said, some divers still enjoy the feel of a traditional logbook. There’s something satisfying about flipping through a weathered book filled with stamps, notes, and signatures from around the world.
Many of our pros use both: digital for SSI syncing, and paper as a personal memento.
Not everyone wants to be tied to an agency platform, especially if you’re diving with multiple certifications, different computers, or want more customization. Here are a few of our top non-agency affiliated dive log apps:
An excellent tool for Apple users, MacDive syncs directly with most dive computers and offers highly detailed dive tracking. It supports GPS tagging, equipment management, and syncing between desktop and mobile. Great for divers who want a professional-looking, comprehensive log.
Popular for its built-in photo and video color correction, Dive+ also includes a simple yet functional dive log. It syncs with some computers and integrates weather, depth profiles, and dive buddy tagging. It’s a great option if you like logging and sharing dive content at the same time.
One of the most customizable logbooks on Android, Divemate supports Bluetooth transfers from a wide range of dive computers, offline dive site maps, and cloud backups. It’s highly flexible and loved by tech divers for its precision.
These apps give you freedom, features, and longevity across different dive systems—and can often be exported as backup to agency platforms when needed.
At the end of each dive day, take 5–10 minutes to log your dives while the memory is fresh. Ask your buddy or instructor to sign off. Add comments about marine life, equipment, and how you felt.
The best dive professionals build this habit early—and stick with it throughout their careers.
Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for your pro-level courses, Ocean Tribe is here to help you gain real dive experience and log it the right way. From shallow reef explorations to deep dives and rescue scenarios, we’ll help you fill your logbook with unforgettable memories—and useful data.
The “Zero to Hero” dive career pathway. If you’ve ever finished a dive and thought, “I wish this was my job,” you’re not alone. Many divers dream of turning their passion into a profession—but don’t know how to start, how long it takes, or where to train. The good news? With the right dive center and structured pathway, you can go from beginner to instructor in less than a year.
At Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya, we offer a fully integrated Zero to Hero program designed to take you from your very first breath underwater all the way to becoming a certified scuba instructor—with real-world experience along the way.
Here’s how the journey unfolds.
Your diving journey begins with the SSI Open Water Diver course—your passport to the underwater world. This entry-level certification lets you dive to 18 meters and lays the foundation for your dive skills, safety awareness, and confidence in the water.
At Ocean Tribe, we run this course in small groups, with personalized coaching and stunning dive sites just minutes away. You can complete your Open Water course in as little as 3 days.
Next, you move into more advanced training with the Advanced Adventurer and Diver Stress & Rescue courses. These will challenge your skills and give you experience with deep dives, underwater navigation, and managing dive emergencies.
While you’re training, you’ll also build up your logged dives—an essential part of progressing from recreational diver to professional.
Once you have 50 logged dives and complete the prerequisites, you’ll begin the SSI Divemaster course. This is your first professional-level certification and teaches you how to lead dives, assist instructors, and manage dive operations.
At Ocean Tribe, our Divemaster internships are hands-on and immersive. You’ll work with real students and develop the confidence to operate like a pro in a live dive center environment.
While a fast-track zero to hero path is ideal for many, the best dive professionals often take time to gain additional experience. Spending more time in the water, diving in a range of conditions, and interacting with different students and divers helps you become a more confident, adaptable, and well-rounded instructor. Whether you’re guiding a beginner on their first dive or managing a complex training course, that extra depth of experience makes all the difference.
Taking the time to build that foundation doesn’t mean delaying your dream—it means strengthening it.
The final step in your zero to hero journey is the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC). Over the course of 10–12 days, you’ll learn how to teach dive courses, evaluate student divers, conduct confined and open water training, and pass the official Instructor Evaluation.
You’ll be trained by Ocean Tribe’s own Instructor Trainer, Mark Slingo, who brings years of global experience and a deep commitment to developing future pros.
We don’t just train instructors—we launch careers. When you enroll in Ocean Tribe’s Zero to Hero program, you’ll get:
You’ll also be based in Diani Beach, Kenya, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, warm tropical water, and a close-knit dive community.
This is more than a course—it’s a life change. You’ll travel, teach, explore, and earn your living doing what you love. Our zero to hero diving program is designed to help you build a sustainable career in the dive industry from day one.
Whether you’re completely new to diving or already partway through, we’ll help you reach instructor level fast—and prepare you for a life of adventure.
If you’re training to become a dive pro, you’ve likely asked yourself: What kind of dive instructor jobs are actually out there? The good news is that the scuba world is full of exciting possibilities. Your dive instructor certification isn’t just a license to teach—it’s a passport to a lifestyle that’s as adventurous and diverse as the ocean itself.
At Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya, we’ve trained instructors who’ve gone on to work all over the world. From guiding reef dives in the Maldives to teaching wreck courses in Malta, the opportunities are as varied as they are inspiring. Let’s take a look at some of the top dive instructor jobs you can aim for.
This is the most common and accessible role for newly certified professionals. Resort-based dive centers hire instructors to teach beginner courses, run try dives, and lead fun dives for guests. It’s a fantastic way to build teaching hours, meet people from all walks of life, and dive daily in paradise.
Popular locations: Thailand, Indonesia, the Caribbean, Egypt, and—of course—Kenya.
Fancy waking up at sea every day? Liveaboard dive instructor jobs take you to remote reefs and deep blue drop-offs that day boats can’t reach. You’ll guide certified divers on multiple dives a day, deliver briefings, and maybe even teach advanced courses between meals on deck.
Expect long hours—but unforgettable marine life.
Want to combine teaching with ocean protection? Many NGOs and eco-focused dive centers hire instructors to train volunteers in diving while involving them in reef monitoring, coral restoration, or species surveys.
This is a powerful way to use your skills for good, and it looks great on your professional diving resume.
These positions often offer more stability and room for growth. Career-focused dive schools like Ocean Tribe run full-time programs that include professional development, internships, and instructor training courses. Working at a dive school gives you the chance to mentor future pros and advance your own qualifications.
Some instructors carve out a niche by offering bespoke private instruction for high-end clients. Think superyachts, celebrities, and exclusive island resorts. These roles demand top-level professionalism and flexibility—but can be highly lucrative and open doors to elite travel.
After your base-level instructor certification, you can add SSI or PADI specialties to your portfolio—think Nitrox, Deep, Wreck, or Photography. Instructors with multiple specialties are more in demand and often earn more.
At Ocean Tribe, we encourage all of our candidates to gain specialty instructor ratings during their SSI Instructor Training Course.
Whether you dream of guiding reef dives in turquoise waters or leading professional-level courses around the world, dive instructor jobs are as limitless as the ocean. With the right training, real-world experience, and a little ambition, you can turn scuba diving into your full-time career—and make every day underwater count.
At Ocean Tribe, we don’t just train instructors. We create opportunities. Ready to start your journey? Get in touch today and take the plunge.
Planning a trip to Kenya? Whether you’re coming for a beach holiday, safari, scuba diving adventure, or business, you’ll likely need a visa. This guide explains how to apply for a visa for Kenya quickly, safely, and without stress.
Kenya has moved its entire visa application process online. You must apply through the official government platform: eCitizen.
It’s easy to use and accessible worldwide. First, create an account. Then, select the visa category that fits your visit—usually, a Tourist Visa, Business Visa, or Transit Visa.
Once you’ve filled out the form and uploaded the required documents (including your passport and a passport-sized photo), you pay the visa fee using a debit or credit card. That’s it! Processing usually takes between 2 to 3 working days.
You might come across third-party websites or agents offering to help with your Kenyan visa. Avoid them.
Here’s why:
Always apply directly through the eCitizen portal. It’s the only secure and legitimate way.
Before starting your application, make sure you have:
After submission, you’ll receive email updates. Once approved, download and print your visa confirmation. You’ll need to show this when checking in for your flight and again at Kenyan immigration on arrival.
Apply at least a week before you travel. While visas are usually processed quickly, it’s better to avoid last-minute stress. Also, double-check that your passport won’t expire soon—Kenya requires it to be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
How to apply for a visa for Kenya is simple if you follow the official steps. Stick to the eCitizen portal, avoid third-party agents, and prepare your documents in advance. Soon, you’ll be ready to explore the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and coastline that make Kenya such a unique destination.
Big congratulations are in order as Ocean Tribe wraps up another successful SSI Instructor Training Course and Instructor Evaluation!
Our very own Jacinta, along with Kassim, Salim, and Sam, recently completed their journey through the SSI Instructor Training Course under the expert guidance of Instructor Trainer Mark. The course pushed each of them to develop their teaching abilities, refine their dive skills, and grow as professional leaders in the scuba industry.
To cap it off, the group took part in the SSI Instructor Evaluation by visiting Instructor Certifier Corrina. Who flew in from South Africa to conduct the assessment. Her insight and experience brought great energy to the evaluation process—and the whole team did us proud.
A very special shout-out goes to Jacinta. When she first joined Ocean Tribe just a few years ago, Jacinta didn’t know how to swim. However, through relentless determination, unwavering passion, and consistent hard work, she not only learned to swim but steadily climbed the entire diving ladder. Starting as a beginner, she progressed to Divemaster and now proudly stands as an SSI Instructor. Her journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with the right mindset, support, and perseverance.
The newly trained instructors will now enjoy a well-earned celebration and short break. Before taking on their next challenge: the SSI Specialty Instructor Seminars.
Well done to the whole team. We can’t wait to see where your dive careers go from here!
Inspired to become an SSI Instructor yourself?
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
I will be back soon
