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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.
“Can we scuba dive in the rain?” It’s a surprisingly common question, and we hear it often The short answer is yes, absolutely. Rain doesn’t stop us from diving, and in many cases, it hardly makes a difference at all.
Let’s start with the obvious. When you go scuba diving, you’re getting wet anyway. Once you’re underwater, rain has no real effect on the dive itself. The ocean doesn’t feel the raindrops the same way the surface does, so the experience below remains the same—calm, weightless, and filled with marine life.
While heavy rain can affect surface visibility, underwater visibility mostly depends on ocean currents, tides, and recent weather patterns. In fact, some of our clearest dives in Diani Beach happen just after light rain. Unless the rain is accompanied by strong winds or rough seas, diving conditions stay perfectly safe and enjoyable.
Many assume rain means bad weather overall. But in tropical regions like Kenya, rain often comes in short bursts and clears quickly. It might be raining during your gear setup, but sunny by the time you enter the water. Our team monitors conditions daily and will always advise if a delay or change of plan is necessary.
Rainy days often mean fewer boats, quieter reefs, and cooler air temperatures—making it more comfortable in your wetsuit. You’ll have more space to explore and may even spot marine life behaving differently under a dimmer sky.
Yes! If you’re already certified or trying diving for the first time, don’t let a bit of rain stop you. Come prepared, trust your dive guides, and enjoy a different kind of beauty beneath the surface. After all, once you’re underwater, it doesn’t matter what’s falling from the sky.
The ocean is still buzzing, even when the crowds disappear. From April 22 to July 14, 2025, Ocean Tribe is offering unbeatable Dive and Stay packages for divers of all levels. With calm seas, warm water, and great visibility, this is the perfect time to experience Diani Beach without the high-season rush.
Ocean Tribe has teamed up with the stunning Leopard Beach Resort & Spa to bring you all-inclusive dive holidays at amazing prices. Choose from 2 to 5 days of diving, each paired with full half-board accommodation in a Superior Balcony Garden View Room.
For just $399 per person, enjoy 3 nights at Leopard Beach and 2 days of diving. Need more time underwater? Go all in with 5 days of diving and 6 nights at the resort for $899 per person. Each package includes double dives each morning, expert guides, and unforgettable marine life.
New to diving? Now’s the time to learn. Our Open Water Diver course comes with 4 dives and 4 nights’ half-board stay for just $730 per person. You’ll train with our professional SSI instructors in warm tropical waters and relax at one of Kenya’s top beachfront resorts in between sessions.
Ready to take your diving further? You’ve got two great options. Both include 10 dives and 7 nights half-board at Leopard Beach for only $1240 per person. One path takes you through Open Water, Deep, Nitrox, and Navigation courses. The other combines Open Water and Advanced Adventurer courses in one seamless training week. Either way, you’ll leave with multiple certifications and tons of confidence.
Challenge yourself and help others with our Rescue Diver Dive and Stay package. You’ll complete the full Diver Stress & Rescue and React Right courses while enjoying 5 nights’ half-board accommodation—all for just $899. This is the perfect next step in your dive education and opens doors to becoming a Divemaster.
If you’re already part of the Ocean Tribe family, things just got even better. Dive Club members can enjoy unlimited diving during this low season window, plus special accommodation rates direct from Leopard Beach Resort & Spa. Stay as long as you want. Dive as much as you like.
Not ready to travel just yet? No worries. Book any dive course online for any future date before May 31st, and we’ll give you 10% off. Just use the code LSDIVEC at checkout and lock in the savings.
Low season means quieter reefs, fewer divers and more personal attention from our team. It’s the ideal time to dive into something new or take your skills to the next level. Spots are limited, so book your Ocean Tribe Dive & Stay experience now!
Becoming a Divemaster is about more than ticking boxes in a training manual. It’s about stepping up to a leadership role in the dive industry. But what extra skills do you need as a Divemaster? At Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya, our Divemaster course goes beyond the minimum agency requirements. We prepare you with essential real-world skills that make you employable and confident in any dive centre worldwide.
Success in this role isn’t just about knowledge. It’s about attitude. The most accomplished Divemasters show initiative, attention to detail, and a constant desire to learn. Treat your Divemaster training like higher education. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out.
We teach you how to read tank labels, manufacturing dates, working pressure ratings, and service intervals. Knowing how to inspect a tank before filling or diving with it is essential for safety and professionalism.
You’ll get hands-on experience with the compressor system, learning to safely fill cylinders with air.
Ocean Tribe uses Geek Divers and Roverd to handle and manage bookings. You’ll learn how to take reservations, confirm bookings, and manage guest schedules efficiently.
We show you how to handle card payments, mobile money, and dive package invoicing. It’s important to be trusted at the front desk as well as underwater.
You’ll learn how to diagnose common regulator and tank valve problems like free flows and leaks. Simple fixes can save dives and impress guests with your quick thinking.
Broken or bitten-through mouthpieces are common. You’ll practice removing the old one, fitting a new one, and securing it with a cable tie—all within minutes.
Low-Pressure Inflators sometimes stick or leak. We’ll teach you how to disassemble, clean, and reassemble them so your guests never miss a dive due to gear failure.
Every Divemaster should know how to deliver emergency O₂. You’ll learn how to assemble the kit, operate the regulator, and administer oxygen correctly in case of incidents.
Whether it’s Suunto, Mares, Cressi, or Aqualung, every rental computer is slightly different. We’ll train you on how to explain modes, reset dives, and troubleshoot basic issues.
A missing or damaged O-ring can cancel a dive. You’ll learn to identify worn O-rings and replace them on both yoke and DIN systems without needing tools.
Ownership isn’t enough—you need to understand how to care for your equipment. We’ll show you how to rinse, inspect, store, and maintain your kit like a pro.
You’re responsible for the safety and function of rental gear. You’ll develop routines for post-dive cleaning, storage, and equipment rotation.
We train you to answer questions over the phone or face-to-face in a professional and approachable manner. Guests trust you—your clarity builds their confidence.
You’ll track how tides and wind affect local dive conditions and boat operations. You’ll also learn how to forecast whether a dive site will be safe and fun—or should be avoided.
If your dive centre sells masks, fins, and wetsuits, you’ll learn how to explain the features of each product and help guests choose wisely.
We’ll teach you how to structure a proper dive briefing—from entry to exit, max depth, air limits, buddy system, and marine life. You’ll also get coaching on delivery style and clarity.
Over-weighting guests can ruin dives. You’ll practice giving weight estimates based on body type, wetsuit thickness, and tank size, refining this vital skill over time.
Guests need to know how their BCD works, how to use their dive computer, and how to adjust their mask. You’ll become fluent in gear orientation.
You’ll learn to provide real-time updates on visibility, currents, thermoclines, and marine life sightings so guests can prepare accordingly.
We encourage you to stay up-to-date with dive magazines, blogs, gear updates, and conservation efforts. Being informed helps you engage better with both guests and staff.
When guests ask about diving in Maldives, Indonesia, or the Red Sea, it helps to have a knowledgeable answer. We encourage curiosity and research.
If someone wants to do deep dives or pursue underwater photography, your advice should reflect their goals. We train you to offer tailored recommendations.
Every dive shop has a voice, tone, and personality. We help you understand Ocean Tribe’s brand so you reflect our values in everything you say and do.
At Ocean Tribe, we don’t believe in doing the bare minimum. Our Divemaster course prepares you for real challenges, both underwater and above. Whether you want to work in Kenya, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, or beyond, these extra skills give you the edge.
Train as a Divemaster in Diani Beach, Kenya with Ocean Tribe. Email us at info@oceantribe.co or WhatsApp us to get started.
If you’re passionate about scuba diving and ready to turn that love into a career, a Divemaster Internship in Kenya is the perfect first step. At Ocean Tribe, based in the beautiful Diani Beach, you’ll find a comprehensive and hands-on internship program that stands out globally. This is your chance to gain professional-level training while living in one of the most stunning coastal regions on Earth.
Ocean Tribe’s Divemaster Internship is designed to take you from any certification level all the way to becoming a qualified SSI Divemaster. Depending on your current level, the program includes the full range of required SSI certifications. These can include Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Navigation, Deep Diver, Night & Limited Visibility, React Right First Aid & CPR, Diver Stress & Rescue, Dive Guide, Science of Diving, and Computer Diving.
You’ll earn multiple SSI ratings on your journey—Specialty Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Master Diver, and finally, Divemaster. The package includes all your SSI training materials and certification fees. You’ll also enjoy unlimited diving throughout your stay, and best of all, you’ll receive a full set of brand-new scuba equipment to keep.
An internship in Kenya gives you more than just certifications—it gives you confidence. At Ocean Tribe, you’ll be part of the dive operation from day one. You’ll assist instructors, guide certified divers, manage dive logistics, and learn what it truly means to be a dive pro.
This immersive approach ensures you’re not just ticking boxes but building real competence. You’ll develop leadership, problem-solving, and teaching skills in a live dive center environment. By the time you finish, you’ll be fully prepared to step into a professional role anywhere in the world.
Ocean Tribe is a certified SSI Diamond Instructor Training Center and also proudly operates as an SSI Classified Diving Center, offering inclusive training for divers of all abilities. The team is highly experienced and passionate about training the next generation of professionals.
Ocean Tribe uses cutting-edge digital learning tools, modern equipment, and personalized mentorship to ensure each diver gets the best experience possible. Their reputation for producing confident, capable Divemasters and Instructors stretches far beyond Kenya.
Kenya is not just an amazing dive destination—it’s a complete adventure. Diani Beach offers warm, clear waters and access to stunning coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine parks like Kisite, Mombasa, and Watamu. Here, you’ll dive with whale sharks, dolphins, rays, turtles, and vibrant reef life.
When you’re not underwater, Kenya’s world-famous safari parks are right on your doorstep. You can watch elephants and lions in the morning and dive coral walls by afternoon. This unique mix of land and sea experiences makes Kenya the perfect place for a gap year, career break, or a bold new chapter.
Unlike many other programs that only offer gear rental or expect you to buy your own separately, Ocean Tribe includes a full set of personal dive equipment in the internship package. It’s brand new from top manufacturers, high-quality, and yours to keep.
This not only ensures you train on equipment you’re comfortable with, but it also sets you up to start working immediately as a dive professional. No stress, no extra costs—just your own gear and the confidence to use it well.
Ocean Tribe’s Divemaster Internship compares incredibly well to similar programs around the world. You get all the required certifications, hands-on experience, personal equipment, and unlimited diving in one of the most unique locations on Earth.
Add in the chance to join a vibrant, supportive community and the cultural richness of Kenya, and it’s easy to see why so many divers choose Ocean Tribe to go pro.
At the end of your Divemaster Internship, you’ll also have the opportunity to take things to the next level. Ocean Tribe offers the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) right on-site. You’ll already be familiar with the team, the location, and the training style—which makes this a natural next step.
The ITC builds on your existing knowledge and focuses on teaching techniques, classroom presentations, and in-water instructor-level skills. If your goal is to become a scuba instructor and work around the world, this upgrade is the perfect path forward—and Ocean Tribe is ready to support you every step of the way.
Whether you’re chasing a dream, building a career, or just looking for a life-changing adventure, the Divemaster Internship at Ocean Tribe is your launchpad. Train in paradise. Grow as a diver. And take the first big step toward becoming a leader in the diving world.
Scuba diving is more than just a recreational activity. For individuals with disabilities, it’s a gateway to freedom, confidence, and healing. Beneath the surface, mobility challenges fade. The water offers a sense of weightlessness that allows people to move in ways they may not experience on land. With the right training and support, scuba diving becomes a transformative experience. That’s why instructors play a vital role. And that’s where adaptive diving programs come in.
In the underwater world, gravity loses its grip. This is a game-changer for people with physical disabilities. Water supports the body, making it easier to move. For many, this sensation is liberating. It offers relief from pain, pressure, and limitations. Movement becomes fluid, smooth, and unrestricted. Suddenly, a person who uses a wheelchair on land can glide effortlessly through coral reefs. The mental boost that comes from this is powerful. This builds confidence. It fosters independence. Diving opens doors to new passions.
Diving is not just physical; it’s deeply emotional. The underwater environment is peaceful. It’s quiet. It encourages focus and presence. For individuals with PTSD, anxiety, or sensory disorders, this can be profoundly therapeutic. The calming effect of water combined with slow, deep breathing promotes relaxation. Divers learn to tune into their bodies, regulate their breathing, and reduce stress. Every dive becomes a form of meditation.
Learning to dive creates connections. Certified divers join a global community. This social aspect is crucial. Many people with disabilities face isolation. Diving changes that. It brings people together. Training, travel, and shared experiences forge bonds. Instructors who are trained in working with adaptive divers help foster inclusion. They don’t just teach skills; they empower students and build bridges.
Adaptive diving programs offer certifications tailored to the unique needs of divers with disabilities. These certifications ensure that individuals can safely and confidently explore the underwater world.
Scuba Schools International (SSI) offers a Classified Diving program with three levels of certification based on the support required:
The first level of certification is Level 1: Dive with a certified Classified Dive Buddy. This is followed by Level 2: Dive with two certified Classified Dive Buddies. Finally there isLevel 3: Dive with two certified Classified Dive Buddies and one Classified Dive Professional.
This tiered approach allows divers to progress at their own pace, ensuring safety and comfort at each stage.
Diveheart provides an Adaptive Diver certification for individuals who may not be able to complete the full Open Water course. This certification allows divers to explore underwater environments with the assistance of an adaptive team, including an Adaptive Scuba Instructor and a certified dive buddy. The certification may include specific conditions or limitations to ensure safety, such as diving only during daylight hours to a maximum depth of 40 feet.
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) offers the Adaptive Support Diver specialty course. This course is designed to teach divers how to assist buddies with physical or mental challenges. While PADI does not do a certification for the diver with disabilities themselves, this course is crucial in creating an inclusive diving environment by training companions to provide appropriate support.
There are a number of other training agencies specifically geared towards adaptive diving and there are training agencies with specific programs such as RAID’s RAIDability and TDI/SDI’s Scubility Programs.
Traditional scuba training doesn’t always address the unique needs of divers with disabilities. Adaptive diving programs equip instructors with the skills to adapt training methods, modify equipment, and provide effective support. Instructors become better educators, more compassionate leaders, and advocates for accessibility.
This training isn’t just about diving—it’s about making a difference. Instructors who embrace adaptive diving programs help open the underwater world to everyone. They create safe, inclusive environments. They ensure that no one is left behind simply because of a physical or cognitive challenge. That commitment changes lives.
Scuba diving has the power to heal, inspire, and transform. For people with disabilities, it offers a new sense of freedom. For instructors, it offers a chance to lead with purpose. Adaptive diving programs are more than certifications. They are commitments to inclusion. They are steps toward a world where everyone can experience the magic beneath the waves. And that’s a journey worth taking.
Before you jump into the water, ask to see your scuba instructor’s qualification card. It’s a simple step, but it can save you from a lot of trouble. Scuba diving is fun when done right—and it all starts with learning from a qualified instructor.
Not every diver can teach. Only instructors certified by a recognized training agency can teach and certify students. Even then, they must be qualified for the specific course they’re offering. For example, someone might be a certified SSI Open Water Instructor but not allowed to teach Deep Diving or the Instructor Training Course So, it’s not just about being an instructor—it’s about being qualified for your course. You should always ask to see your scuba instructor’s qualification card and check that it is actually for the program you are doing.
That’s not all. Instructors and Divemasters must renew their status every year with their training organization. Why? Because standards change. Safety protocols improve.If someone hasn’t renewed, they must not teach or assist in any way. Even worse, they have no insurance coverage. That’s a big deal, especially if something goes wrong.
Luckily, it’s easier than ever to check if an instructor is current. Most training agencies now issue digital pro cards but the app allows you to see their status. The PADI app lets you check a PADI Pro’s status by entering their pro number in the “Pro Check” feature. The MySSI app displays an SSI Pro’s status directly in the Pro section, which all SSI professionals are required to use. They can access it by tapping the “Pro” button located just below the instructor details on the home page.
There’s also a clear difference between a Divemaster and an Instructor. A Divemaster can guide certified divers and assist an instructor, but they can’t teach or certify students. Unfortunately, some people blur that line or mislead students. That’s where problems start.
Recently, we’ve met customers who thought they were certified. They showed up with cards supposedly issued by a local dive center. But when we checked, things didn’t add up. It turned out their “instructor” was actually an unrenewed Divemaster. In some cases, someone else who didn’t even teach the course signed off the certification. That’s not just dishonest—it’s dangerous.
Your certification should mean something.You should earn it through proper training with a qualified, active instructor. If your instructor hasn’t renewed or isn’t certified to teach the course, your certification might not be valid. Dive shops and resorts can refuse to recognize it. That means you may have to retake the whole course—from the beginning.
So what should you do? Just ask. Ask to see the instructor’s qualification card. If it’s digital, look for their renewal status. Check that they’re active and qualified to teach the specific course. If they hesitate or make excuses, walk away.
Your safety, your time, and your money all matter. Make sure your certification is real. Make sure your instructor is legit. It only takes a minute to check, but it makes all the difference once you’re underwater.
The Best Holiday Activity in Diani? When you think of Diani Beach, you picture white sands, palm trees, and turquoise waters. But what makes this slice of Kenyan coastline truly unforgettable isn’t just the view from the beach—it’s what lies beneath the surface. Scuba diving in Diani is the ultimate way to take your holiday to the next level.
The ocean in Diani holds secrets most visitors never see. Just a short boat ride from shore, a vibrant underwater world is waiting for you. Picture this: a sea turtle drifting past you, a school of colourful reef fish dancing through coral, and a curious octopus peeking out from its rocky home.
From shallow coral gardens to deep reef walls and even a shipwreck or two, Diani offers incredible dive sites that suit all levels. Each dive feels like discovering a new planet. Every time you go down, there’s something different to see. And with the Indian Ocean’s incredible biodiversity, you’ll never run out of things to explore.
You don’t need experience to dive in Diani. Never dived before? Try a Try Scuba experience. Want to take it further? Get certified with an Open Water Diver course. Already certified? Join guided dives and explore Kenya’s best sites with a local pro.
Scuba diving as a holiday activity in Diani is also perfect for families, couples, solo travellers, and even older adventurers. It’s low-impact, it’s safe, and it creates shared memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re ticking off your bucket list or just looking to do something different on holiday, scuba diving gives you exactly that.
Diani can get lively, especially in peak season. But diving gives you a whole new kind of peace. The moment you drop below the surface, everything changes. The noise fades away. The water cradles you. You’re weightless, floating, completely present in the moment.
It’s not just a sport—it’s a form of meditation. A way to reset. A chance to reconnect with nature and yourself. No beach bar can offer that kind of calm.
Some holiday activities fade from memory. Scuba diving isn’t one of them. It sticks with you. You’ll remember the feel of the warm ocean, the thrill of spotting a moray eel, and the excitement of breathing underwater for the first time.
These are the moments that make a holiday unforgettable. These are the stories you’ll tell again and again. And when you look back on your trip to Diani, it’ll be the diving that stands out the most.
At Ocean Tribe, we’re more than a dive centre—we’re a community. We know the reefs like the back of our hands and love sharing them with divers from around the world. We offer training through SSI, fun dives for certified divers, and expert guidance every step of the way.
All trips include transport from your hotel in Diani, a professional dive guide, refreshments on board, and small groups to ensure personalised experiences.
There’s no better way to truly experience the Indian Ocean than by diving in. It’s exciting, peaceful, and eye-opening all at once. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a brand-new skill, scuba diving checks every box.
So skip the ordinary. Dive into something extraordinary. Book your scuba diving experience as a holiday activity in Diani today—and get ready to see the holiday of a lifetime from a whole new perspective.
Haven’t been diving in a while? Planning a trip to Diani and thinking about jumping back in the water? You might be wondering—do I need a scuba refresher?
At Ocean Tribe, we get this question all the time. And here’s the simple truth: if you haven’t dived in a while, a refresher might be the best decision you make before hitting the Indian Ocean.
If it’s been six months or more since your last dive, a refresher is a smart move. If it’s been a year or longer, it’s essential. Diving is a skill. The longer you’re out of the water, the more likely you are to forget key techniques, safety procedures, and gear setup.
And let’s be honest—Diani’s reefs are way too beautiful to waste time fumbling with your BC/BCD or struggling to descend.
At Ocean Tribe, safety is our top priority. A refresher session gives you the time and space to rebuild your confidence, review critical dive theory, and practice the skills you may have forgotten—like mask clearing, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures.
When you’re confident in your abilities, you’re safer, more relaxed, and ready to enjoy your dive to the fullest.
Nothing kills the vibe of a dive trip faster than anxiety or gear confusion. A quick refresher before your first ocean dive in Diani helps you shake off the rust in a stress-free environment. Our experienced instructors will guide you through everything you need—at your own pace.
We run refresher sessions right here at our base in Diani, in the pool. Within a couple of hours, you’ll be back in the groove and ready for the deeper stuff.
Most dive shops in Kenya—and globally—will require a refresher if you haven’t dived recently. It’s not just about ticking boxes. It’s about keeping you, your dive buddy, and the rest of the group safe.
At Ocean Tribe, we’ll always ask when your last dive was. If it’s been a while, we’ll recommend a refresher. Trust us—it’s quick, easy, and makes your first dive in Diani so much better.
A scuba refresher with Ocean Tribe isn’t a full course. It’s a focused, hands-on session that brings you back up to speed quickly. You’ll go over dive theory, check your equipment, and practice the skills that matter most—all with a professional instructor by your side.
The refresher can either be the full in-depth Scuba Skills Update which also includes some elearning and recertification or a quick refresher in the pool with an SSI professional
By the end, you’ll feel sharp, confident, and ready to explore Diani’s coral reefs, drop-offs, and marine life.
If you’re asking yourself whether you need a refresher, the answer is probably yes. And that’s okay. It’s smart. It means you care about diving well—and diving safe.
So, before you head out to explore the vibrant reefs of Diani Beach, take a moment to refresh your skills. Your confidence will skyrocket. Your dives will be smoother. And your experience with Ocean Tribe will be unforgettable.
Book your scuba refresher with Ocean Tribe today. Dive confident. Dive better.
Diving opens the door to a whole new world. But understanding that world brings the experience to life even more. That’s why Ocean Tribe offers a range of SSI Ecology Specialty courses. These flexible, digital programs help you learn more about marine life, ecosystems, and ocean conservation—all while diving in the warm, clear waters of Diani Beach, Kenya.
SSI Ecology courses are short, interactive theory modules that focus on marine science and wildlife. You don’t need to be an advanced diver. In fact, anyone can take them—even snorkelers or non-divers. Each course includes high-quality online learning materials, videos, quizzes, and a certificate once you finish.
You can complete them at your own pace and easily add them to any dive trip, fun dive, or scuba course at Ocean Tribe. They’re a great way to add meaning to your dives, build your knowledge, and earn credit toward your Specialty Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
Ocean Tribe offers a full range of SSI Ecology Specialty Courses that give divers and ocean lovers the chance to deepen their knowledge and connection to the underwater world. These courses are flexible, theory-based, and available to all—whether you’re diving, snorkelling, or just curious about marine life. Here’s what you can study with us:
Nudibranch Ecology – Discover the colourful world of nudibranchs and other sea slugs. Learn about their defences, feeding, and dazzling variety.
Marine Ecology – Understand how marine ecosystems function and how species interact to keep the ocean balanced.
Fish Identification – Learn how to identify fish families and observe their patterns, shapes, and behaviours on your dives.
Coral Identification – Get to know hard and soft coral species, their structure, and their essential role in reef building.
Shark Ecology – Discover the truth about sharks, their importance to marine ecosystems, and why they need our protection.
Sea Turtle Ecology – Dive into the lives of sea turtles, from nesting to migration, and explore their global conservation challenges.
Marine Mammal Ecology – Learn about whales, dolphins, seals, and other marine mammals—their biology, behaviours, and survival strategies.
Manta and Ray Ecology – Explore the graceful world of mantas and rays, their evolution, feeding habits, and key habitats.
Marine Invertebrate Ecology – Study the spineless wonders of the sea like octopus, starfish, crabs, and sea urchins.
Learning the science behind the beauty changes how you see the reef. Suddenly, you’re not just swimming past coral—you’re spotting staghorn, brain coral, and soft fans. That turtle grazing in the seagrass? You’ll know its species, age group, and behaviour. The shark cruising in the blue? You’ll know it’s vital to reef health, not a threat to your safety.
Each ecology course makes your dives more meaningful. They also make you a better, more responsible diver.
You can start any SSI Ecology course online before you even arrive in Diani. Just register using this link and affiliate with Ocean Tribe. Once you arrive, you can review your progress with a pro, ask questions, and apply what you’ve learned during your dives.
Whether you’re a new diver or working toward professional training, these courses add depth, purpose, and fun to your journey.
Diani Beach isn’t just famous for its white sands and palm trees. Beneath the turquoise water, sea turtles cruise gracefully over coral reefs. Divers and snorkelers love spotting them. And with good reason—these ancient creatures bring a sense of wonder to every underwater adventure.
Two species of sea turtle appear regularly along the Diani coastline. Green turtles are the most common. You’ll often find them grazing peacefully on sea grass beds or resting on coral ledges. Their smooth, round shells and gentle faces make them easy to recognise.
Hawksbill turtles also show up, though less often. They prefer the reef edges and feed mostly on sponges. Their sharp, beak-like mouths and patterned shells give them a striking look. If you spot one, consider yourself lucky!
You can dive with sea turtles in Diani all year round. Most local dive sites host them regularly. Popular spots like Galu, Kisima Mungu, Mwanamochi, and the outer reef slopes offer the best chances. Morning dives are often ideal, as turtles tend to be more active early in the day.
If you prefer to snorkel, you might still get lucky. Shallow reefs near the shore sometimes hide young green turtles close to the sea grass beds. Just remember to stay calm, move slowly, and never chase them.
Sea turtles face serious threats worldwide, including pollution, plastic, and illegal fishing. But in Diani, several local organisations work hard to protect them. Groups like the Olive Ridley Project, Diani Turtle Watch and local beach monitors record nesting activity and rescue stranded turtles. Ocean Tribe supports these efforts through eco-awareness, education, and responsible diving.
By diving respectfully, avoiding plastic, and spreading the word, you help protect these incredible creatures. Every sighting becomes part of something bigger—saving a species that’s been swimming Earth’s oceans for over 100 million years.
Spotting a sea turtle in Diani is more than just a fun moment. It’s a glimpse into the wild, peaceful rhythm of the ocean. Whether you’re a beginner diver or a seasoned explorer, swimming alongside a turtle is something you’ll never forget. So grab your mask, dive in, and discover the magic waiting just offshore.
Want to go deeper into the world of turtles? Ocean Tribe offers the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology course, which you can add to any dive trip or training course. It’s a short, engaging program that teaches you about turtle species, life cycles, behaviours, and the threats they face. You’ll also learn how divers can support global turtle conservation efforts. It’s completely theory-based and perfect for anyone curious about marine life. Even snorkelers and non-divers can join in. Plus, you’ll earn an SSI certification that counts toward your Specialty Diver or Advanced certifications.
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
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