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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.
Lake Chala is a hidden gem on the Kenya-Tanzania border, a volcanic crater lake shrouded in mystery and natural beauty. Our team set out from Diani Beach, heading west for an expedition into this remote and breathtaking location.
The drive took us from the coastal plains, through the bustling roads of Mombasa, and onto Mombasa Road heading inland. Once we turned off onto the route leading to the lake, the landscape transformed. The road wound through conservancies and Tsavo National Park, offering us a stunning safari experience along the way. Elephants lumbered in the distance, giraffes moved gracefully between the trees, and herds of antelopes darted across the savannah. The journey itself was a reminder of the wild beauty that Kenya has to offer.
Arriving at Lake Chala, we were immediately captivated by the serene waters cradled within the steep crater walls. After setting up camp, we watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the lake with the mighty silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. The stillness of the evening, punctuated only by the sounds of nature, set the perfect tone for the adventure ahead.
The next morning, we geared up for four dives—two from the Kenyan shore and two from a boat on the Tanzanian side. But before we could even get in the water, we had to tackle the challenging descent, carrying our gear down the steep crater wall to the lake’s edge.
Diving in Lake Chala is unique. At an altitude of over 800 meters, it required careful dive planning to account for the reduced atmospheric pressure. Once underwater, the experience was both eerie and exhilarating. The initial visibility was poor, but as we descended past 20 meters and broke through the thermocline, the scene changed dramatically. The murky water gave way to an underwater world teeming with life. Schools of tilapia swam past, freshwater crabs scuttled along the rocks, and the lakebed was dotted with sunken fishing boats—silent reminders of the human connection to this place.
The volcanic crater walls were perhaps the most mesmerizing feature. They loomed around us, full of caverns and caves that hinted at the lake’s ancient past. Looking down into the depths, the bottom of the lake was nowhere in sight, adding to the mystery of this crater lake.
Lake Chala is a diver’s dream for those seeking adventure beyond the usual dive spots. The combination of altitude diving, challenging conditions, and a unique underwater landscape made this trip unforgettable. With the echoes of the wild from Tsavo behind us and the silent depths of the crater below, this expedition was a perfect blend of Africa’s land and water wonders.
Would we do it again? Absolutely. But next time, we might bring a few extra hands to help haul the gear down that crater wall!
You should be an Advanced / Deep Qualified diver at least to sign up for a Lake Chala trip. It is also good to be knowledgeable about altitude and computer diving. Chris might even teach an Altitude diving specialty course on the next expedition. Contact us for more information.
What Are Non-Agency Diving Courses?
Are you looking to expand your dive knowledge beyond the basics? A non-agency diving course might be exactly what you need. Unlike traditional courses from training agencies like PADI, SSI, or NAUI, these independent programs are designed to enhance your skills without being tied to a specific certification system.
Training agencies only teach the minimum requirements to become a certified dive professional. While this is enough to get started, it does not fully prepare you for real-world diving challenges. Non-agency courses fill this gap by focusing on risk management, human factors in diving, and advanced diving techniques.
By taking these courses, you can:
Want to see real examples of useful non-agency courses? Check out this great video from Divers Ready. It highlights some valuable training that can help both dive professionals and recreational divers.
Non-agency diving courses do not follow a strict agenda or push a specific certification. Instead, they focus on making diving safer, smarter, and more professional. Investing in continuing education will not only make you a better dive pro but also improve safety for everyone in the water.
The best dive professionals never stop learning. Are you ready to take your skills to the next level?
Learn to scuba dive! Scuba diving is an incredible way to explore the underwater world. Whether you dream of swimming alongside vibrant coral reefs or discovering sunken shipwrecks, learning to dive is an exciting journey. The process is straightforward, but following the right steps ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.
Before signing up for a course to learn to scuba dive, make sure you meet the basic requirements. Most diving certification agencies accept students as young as 10 years old, though some may have different minimum age limits. You also need to be in good health. Certain medical conditions, such as respiratory or heart issues, might require a doctor’s approval before you can dive. You can download the scuba diving medical to check it out here.
Being comfortable in the water is essential. While you don’t need to be an expert swimmer, you should be able to swim 200 meters (or 300 meters with fins) and tread water for 10 minutes. These basic swimming skills will help you feel more at ease underwater.
Several internationally recognized organizations offer certifications to learn to scuba dive. The most popular include SSI (Scuba Schools International), PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors), Scuba Diving International (SDI) and CMAS.
Each agency follows similar training structures, so choose one that fits your learning style and location. A globally recognized certification allows you to dive anywhere in the world.
Here at Ocean Tribe we choose to primarily offer diving courses from SSI. This is due to SSI’s excellent training structure, training materials, and worldwide recognition for its certifications. We also offer courses from PADI if customers wish.
The Open Water Diver course is the first step in becoming a certified diver. This entry-level certification teaches you the fundamentals of scuba diving. The course consists of three main components:
Learn about dive theory, equipment, safety procedures, and how to handle underwater emergencies. Many agencies offer online learning options.
Practice essential skills in a swimming pool or a controlled environment. You’ll learn how to clear a mask, control buoyancy, and handle common underwater situations.
Complete at least four dives in an ocean, lake, or similar open-water environment. These dives allow you to apply what you’ve learned under real conditions.
Once you pass your final exam and open water dives, you’ll receive your Open Water Diver certification, allowing you to dive with a buddy up to 18 meters (60 feet) deep in conditions similar or better to those in which you were trained.
If you are not sure you want to commit to a full Open Water Diver course then you have the option of doing the Try Scuba Diving experience which can count towards the Open Water Diver course or the sub-course of Open Water, Scuba Diver. These programs take less time, cost less, and allow you to experience scuba.
Most dive schools provide rental gear during your training, but having your own equipment enhances comfort. At a minimum, consider purchasing a well-fitting mask, snorkel and fins
As you gain experience, you may want to invest in a wetsuit, buoyancy compensator (BC/BCD), regulator, and dive computer. Owning your diving gear ensures a better fit and familiarity, making your dives more enjoyable.
Getting certified is just the beginning. To improve your skills and confidence, dive regularly. Join local dive trips, explore different locations, and dive with experienced buddies. The more you dive, the more comfortable you’ll become in various underwater conditions.
If you want to expand your skills, consider advanced courses. The Advanced Open Water Diver certification allows you to dive deeper (up to 30 meters / 100 feet) and introduces you to specialty diving, such as night diving, underwater navigation, and wreck diving. As an alternative, if you wish to do the advanced training at Ocean Tribe, we offer an advanced open water alternative package which includes more ratings for the same price. This includes: The Deep Diving specialty, increasing your depth range to 40m. Navigation Diving specialty really improves your navigation. And Enriched Air Diving specialty teaches you to dive using enriched air to extend your allowable bottom time and increase safety margins.
For those who want to take it even further, the Rescue Diver and Divemaster courses help develop leadership skills and emergency response techniques.
Learning to scuba dive opens the door to amazing underwater adventures. By following these steps, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to explore the ocean safely. Whether you’re diving for fun, photography, or marine conservation, the underwater world is waiting for you!
Dive course online and pool training. Planning your dream dive holiday in Kenya? Want to save time on your trip and still become a certified diver? Good news—yes, you can start your scuba diving course at home and finish it with Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach! Thanks to the SSI digital learning system, getting certified has never been more flexible.
With Scuba Schools International (SSI), you can begin your Open Water Diver course online. After registering through this link and affiliating with Ocean Tribe, you’ll get access to your digital learning materials. You can read, watch videos, and complete quizzes from your phone or laptop—anytime, anywhere.
This means you can do all the theory before you even pack your bags. You’ll arrive in Kenya ready to dive into the action.
If you want to go a step further, you can complete your confined water sessions—the pool part of your course—at a dive centre near you. This is called a Referral.
An SSI instructor will guide you through the basic skills in a pool or similar environment. Once you complete this portion, your training will be logged and transferred digitally through SSI’s global system.
When you arrive in Diani, you’ll be ready to finish your open water dives in the Indian Ocean. Ocean Tribe will pick up right where your local instructor left off.
Once you’ve completed the online study and pool work, you only need to do your four open water dives to get certified. You’ll explore Diani’s reefs, spot turtles, and experience the thrill of diving in tropical waters.
This split-training method saves you time on holiday, keeps your course relaxed, and still gives you the full SSI certification. Plus, your dives in Kenya will be the highlight of your training.
The process is simple. Register with this SSI link, affiliate with Ocean Tribe, and begin your digital learning now. You can book your referral or full course with us anytime.
Whether you want to finish everything in Kenya or start early at home, we’ll make your dive journey smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
Becoming a rescue diver is a crucial step in any diver’s journey. It’s required for those aiming to become a Master Diver or move into professional diving as a Divemaster. But even if you have no plans to go pro, rescue diver training is essential. It equips you with the skills to handle diver stress, prevent problems, and respond effectively in emergencies.
Many divers believe they don’t need a rescue diver certification because they only dive with professionals. That’s a mistake! Once you’re Open Water certified, you can dive anywhere in the world with just a buddy. If an emergency happens, you are their first line of rescue.
Every diver should aim to become a rescue diver. Here’s why:
As a rescue diver, you’re trained to assist in dive emergencies. you gain the skills needed to assist in dive emergencies. Training includes performing in-water rescues, calling for help, providing surface support, assisting in getting an injured diver out of the water, and delivering emergency oxygen. It also prepares you to act as a spotter in missing diver searches.
Diver rescues involve teamwork, and proper training ensures that you can contribute effectively. Being rescue-ready makes you an invaluable part of any dive team. rescues involve teamwork. With the right training, you’ll be rescue-ready and an invaluable part of any dive team.
Good divers constantly assess their own condition during a dive. During a dive, some questions for example you should ask yourself:
Rescue Diver training takes this awareness one step further. You’ll learn to monitor other divers, recognize signs of stress, and spot potential problems before they become emergencies.
For example here are some case studies: If a diver requests 8kg of weight while wearing only a skin suit, that’s a red flag. They may be inexperienced, have poor buoyancy control, or have simply forgotten their previous weighting needs (a great reason we should always writie that information in our dive logs). A quick buoyancy check before the dive can prevent future problems.
Or imagine you jump in and encounter a strong current. Should you adjust the dive plan? Fight the current? Call off the dive for safety? Rescue Diver training helps you make smart, safety-first decisions.
The best rescue is the one you never have to perform—because you prevented the problem in the first place.
Rescue diver training is a game-changer. Even if you have completed the Advanced Open Water course or other specialties, this course will challenge you in new ways. It introduces techniques for managing real-life rescue scenarios, assisting distressed divers, and responding effectively in emergencies.
This knowledge builds confidence. Fear often comes from uncertainty, but training eliminates that uncertainty. When you know how to handle a crisis, you feel more in control. That confidence not only makes you a better diver but also ensures the safety of those diving with you.
Take the Next Step: Become a Rescue Diver in Diani, Kenya!
Are you ready to level up your dive skills? Ocean Tribe offers the React Right + Diver Stress & Rescue course package in Diani, Kenya. If you already have a valid First Aid & CPR certification, you can take just the Diver Stress & Rescue course.
Duration: 3–4 days
Location: Diani Beach, Kenya
Includes: Theory, pool training, and real-life rescue scenarios in open water
Act now—become a Rescue Diver and a better diver today!
Diani, Kenya, is a great destination for scuba divers. Located along the country’s southern coast, this tropical paradise boasts warm waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Diani offers an unforgettable underwater experience. So, what marine life can you expect to see beneath the waves?
One of the highlights of diving in Diani is encountering sea turtles. Green turtles and hawksbill turtles are commonly spotted gliding gracefully through the water. These gentle creatures often rest on coral formations or swim alongside divers, making for an incredible sight.
Diani’s coral reefs are home to countless species of reef fish. Expect to see schools of parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and clownfish darting between coral formations. The dazzling colors and playful movements of these fish make every dive a visual delight.
If you love searching for hidden marine life, keep an eye out for octopuses, moray eels, and cuttlefish. These intelligent creatures often hide in rocky crevices or blend perfectly with their surroundings, making them fun to spot. You might also see blue-spotted stingrays resting on sandy patches of the seabed. Another rare creature but regular sighting on Diani reefs is the guitar ray.
Between October and March, lucky divers may spot reef manta rays (possibly oceanic manta rays) and whale sharks. Manta rays, with their massive wingspans, glide effortlessly through the water, while whale sharks—the largest fish in the ocean—cruise along, filtering plankton. Seeing these gentle giants up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Diani’s coral reefs are teeming with life. Hard and soft corals provide shelter for countless marine species, creating a breathtaking underwater landscape. The coral formations come in various shapes, from delicate branching corals to massive brain corals, each home to different marine creatures.
For those looking for something extra, Diani has a wreck dive site. The MV Alpha Funguo wreck has become an artificial reef, attracting large schools of fish, moray eels, and even the occasional shark. Exploring these wrecks adds another layer of adventure to your dive experience.
You can encounter several species of dolphin all year round. Diani’s marine life changes throughout the year. Between July and October, humpback whales migrate along the coast, making for incredible surface sightings. The changing seasons also bring different fish species, ensuring that every dive is unique.
Scuba diving in Diani, Kenya, is an unforgettable adventure. From sea turtles and colorful reef fish to sharks and manta rays, the underwater world here is full of surprises. Whether you’re diving for the first time or a seasoned pro, the marine biodiversity in Diani will leave you in awe. So, gear up and dive in—you never know what incredible creatures you might encounter! Contact us at Ocean Tribe to arrange your Diani dive trip or scuba diving course.
Book online for your scuba diving adventure in Diani! We now offer a $10 discount on all scuba diving courses, dive trips, and snorkeling activities when booked online. This discount applies in comparison to our in-shop, WhatsApp, or email prices.
Why Book Online?
We want to make your booking process as simple and convenient as possible. By reserving your dive directly through our website, you save both time and money. No need to visit the shop in advance—just book online and arrive ready for your adventure!
Still Have Questions?
We’re always here to help! Use our WhatsApp live chat to ask any questions before booking. If you’re struggling to find the right booking link, just let us know—we’ll send it straight to you.
Get Prepared in Advance
Booking online also helps us prepare for you more efficiently. You can submit your wetsuit and equipment sizes, complete your administration paperwork, and even get started on your digital learning for dive courses before you arrive.
How to Claim Your $10 Discount
• Visit our website online booking
• Choose your preferred scuba diving or snorkeling activity
• Book online and enjoy instant savings
Take advantage of this exclusive online discount today and get ready for an unforgettable scuba diving experience in Diani!
Backpacking and scuba diving might seem like an unlikely combination, but for adventurous travellers, it’s the perfect way to explore both land and sea. If you’re backpacking in Kenya and plan to dive in places like Diani, Watamu, or Mombasa, carrying the right scuba gear can make all the difference.
Since space and weight are limited, you’ll need to be strategic about what to pack. Here’s a guide to the essential scuba gear to bring when backpacking.
A well-fitting mask is one of the most important pieces of dive gear, and rental masks don’t always offer a great fit. Bringing your own ensures comfort and a leak-free seal. A snorkel is also useful for exploring shallow reefs or saving air while waiting at the surface.
A dive computer is a must-have, especially if you’re planning multiple dives over several days. It tracks your depth, bottom time, and decompression limits. Many dive shops in Kenya rent out dive computers, but having your own means you’re familiar with its settings and don’t have to rely on availability.
While most dive shops provide well-maintained regulators, some backpacking divers prefer to carry their own for hygiene and familiarity. If you have limited space, you can rent one at your dive destination.
Kenya’s coastal waters stay warm year-round, typically between 24°C and 29°C (75°F–84°F), but a wetsuit is still useful. A 3mm shorty is great for warm-water diving, while a full wetsuit provides extra protection against stings, coral scrapes, and cooler thermoclines.
If you have space, bring compact travel fins. Open-heel fins with booties are great for shore dives, while full-foot fins are lighter and take up less space. If your bag is full, most dive centers provide fins as part of their rental gear.
Protecting your skin from the sun is essential, but regular sunscreen contains chemicals harmful to coral reefs. Choose a reef-safe sunscreen to help preserve Kenya’s beautiful marine ecosystems.
A mesh bag is great for carrying your gear to and from the dive boat, while a dry bag keeps your valuables (phone, money, and clothes) safe from water splashes.
Kenya’s dive sites are filled with marine life, including turtles, dolphins, and colorful coral reefs. If you love underwater photography, consider bringing a compact action camera like a GoPro.
A small repair kit with spare O-rings, fin straps, and zip ties can be a lifesaver if something breaks before a dive.
Always carry your certification card (physical or digital) to prove your dive level. A logbook (or dive app) is useful for recording your dives and tracking progress.
•BCD – Too bulky for backpacking; rental options are available at most dive shops.
•Weights & Tank – These are always provided by the dive shop.
•Thick Wetsuits (5mm–7mm) – Kenya’s waters are warm enough for a thinner suit.
•Pack light and prioritize multi-use gear.
•Use a waterproof travel backpack to keep your gear safe.
•Research dive shops in advance to check rental options.
•Respect marine life and follow eco-friendly diving practices.
With the right gear, you’ll be ready to explore Kenya’s stunning underwater world while keeping your backpack light. Safe travels and happy diving!
Join us at Ocean Tribe for unforgettable diving adventures along Kenya’s spectacular coastline! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, we’ve got everything you need for an amazing underwater experience. Contact us today!
Your dive computer screen provides critical information that keeps you safe underwater. But what do all those numbers and symbols mean? Watch this fantastic video from Divers Ready to decode your dive computer screen and understand how it affects your dive.
Want to gain confidence in using your dive computer? The SSI Computer Diving Course at Ocean Tribe teaches you how to interpret and maximize your computer’s features. Choose a dry course or add dives for hands-on experience. You’ll dive deep into decompression theory and learn how to safely plan and execute your dives using digital tools. Plus, you’ll discover different features and find the perfect model for your diving style.
If you’re ready to upgrade, explore our range of Shearwater computers at Ocean Tribe. We proudly offer Shearwater because they are, in our opinion, the best diving computers on the market. Whether you’re a beginner or a technical diver, there’s a Shearwater model designed for you.
Take your diving to the next level—train smarter, dive safer, and invest in the right gear today!
Scuba diving is more than just a sport. For professionals, it’s a career, a passion, and a way of life. Owning your own dive equipment isn’t just about convenience—it’s essential for safety, comfort, and professional success. Here’s why every scuba diving professional should own their own equipment.
Your safety depends on your equipment. Rental gear is used by many divers and may not always be in perfect condition. By owning your own set, you ensure that everything is properly maintained and functioning correctly. You know when it was last serviced and can trust it in any situation.
Ill-fitting gear can make diving uncomfortable and even dangerous. Rental equipment comes in standard sizes, but as a professional, you need a perfect fit. Your own mask, fins, wetsuit, and BCD will give you better mobility, comfort, and control underwater.
Using familiar equipment improves your diving efficiency. You know how your regulator breathes, how your BCD inflates, and how your fins move in the water. This allows you to focus on your students, dive buddies, or underwater tasks rather than adjusting to new gear every time.
Owning your own gear shows professionalism. Students and clients will have more confidence in you when they see you using high-quality, well-maintained equipment. It also demonstrates your commitment to the industry and your expertise.
While buying your own dive gear requires an upfront investment, it saves money in the long run. Renting gear frequently adds up, and rental equipment often lacks the features and comfort you need. Owning your own set eliminates ongoing rental fees and ensures you always have the best tools for the job.
Rental equipment is shared among many divers, which can lead to hygiene concerns. Owning your own regulator and wetsuit means you don’t have to worry about germs or improper cleaning. Plus, you can customize your gear to suit your preferences, from mouthpieces to dive computers.
When you own your own dive gear, you’re always ready for the next dive. No more wasting time checking rental stock, adjusting unfamiliar gear, or settling for whatever is available. Your equipment is always prepped and ready to go.
Familiarity with your equipment boosts confidence. You’ll dive more comfortably, react better in emergencies, and provide a better experience for your students or dive buddies. Confidence in your gear translates to confidence in your skills.
As a Divemaster or Diving Instructor, you are a professional in the scuba industry. Selling diving equipment is part of your role, and your dive students and customers rely on you as the expert. They trust your knowledge and frequently ask for equipment recommendations. To guide them effectively, you should wear top-quality gear and understand different types of equipment. By using your own dive gear, you build credibility and provide informed opinions. If you don’t own your equipment, your divers have little incentive to follow your advice. Lead by example and showcase the best scuba gear available.
For any scuba diving professional, owning your own equipment is a game-changer. It enhances safety, comfort, efficiency, and credibility while saving money in the long run. Whether you’re an instructor, divemaster, or guide, investing in high-quality gear is one of the best decisions you can make for your diving career.
On all Ocean Tribe dive professional programs including the Divemaster Course, Instructor Training course, Specialty Instructor training courses, and Assistant Instructor Trainer. Participants are invited to enjoy our special dive pro equipment purchase discounts. These include brand-new diving equipment packages from top manufacturers including Cressi, X-Deep, Scubapro, and Shearwater. These packages are also available to participants on the dive career internships at Ocean Tribe.
Start building your perfect dive kit today and take your professional diving experience to the next level!
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
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